HP Notebook PCs - Keyboard troubleshooting (Windows)

Use HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to complete a functional test of the keyboard and identify any problems with the hardware.

1. Download the latest version of HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.

2. In Windows, search for and right-click HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows, and then select Run as administrator.

   

3. Click Component Tests > Input Devices > Keyboard Test.

   

4. Click Run once to begin the test.

   The test ends when you complete the tasks or 3 minutes elapse.

If your keyboard is not working, try these steps.

1. Shut down the computer.

2. Press the power button, and then immediately press the esc key repeatedly to open the Startup Menu.

   Note:

   If the Startup Menu screen does not open, the integrated keyboard hardware is not working. The integrated keyboard needs to be serviced or replaced. To continue using the notebook, connect a USB wired keyboard to a USB port, and then restart the computer.

3. Press f10 to open the BIOS settings.

4. Press f5 to load the default settings, and then press f10 to accept the changes.

5. Restart the computer.

6. In Windows, search for and open Device Manager.

7. Click View, and then select Show hidden devices.

   

8. Click the arrow next to Keyboards, right-click the keyboard name, and then click Uninstall to remove the device from Windows.

9. Remove all devices in the Keyboards category, and then restart the computer.

After pressing a key, there is a short delay before the character is displayed on the screen. This might be caused by the Filter Keys function. Disable Filter Keys to return to the default keyboard behavior.

1. In Windows 11, search for Accessibility, and then select Keyboard.

   In Windows 10, search for keyboard, and then select either Ease of Access keyboard settings or Change how your keyboard works.

2. Disable the Use Filter Keys option.

3. Clear the check box for Allow the shortcut key to start Filter Keys.

   

If pressing a key once types two or more characters, adjust the key repeat delay.

1. In Windows, search for and open keyboard to open Keyboard Properties.

2. Drag the Repeat delay slider to Long, click Apply, and then click OK.

   

If pressing any of the function keys does nothing while the rest of the keys are working, you need to replace the function key driver.

1. Go to HP Customer Support - Software and Driver Downloads, identify your computer, and then look for the keyboard drivers.

2. Click Driver-Keyboard, Mouse and Input Devices, and then select the HP Wireless Button Driver or HP Hotkey Support driver, depending on your operating system and notebook model.

   

3. Download and install the driver.

On notebooks with a backlit keyboard, use the backlight key to turn the backlight function on and off.

Note:

Not all HP notebooks have a backlit keyboard. To confirm whether your notebook has a backlit keyboard, go to HP Customer Support. Search for your notebook model, and then click Specifications.

For more information, go to HP Consumer Notebook PCs - Using the backlit keyboard.

If the computer sometimes beeps while you are typing, Toggle Keys or Sticky Keys is active.

1. In Windows 11, search for Accessibility and select Keyboard.

   In Windows 10, search for keyboard, and then select either Ease of Access keyboard settings or Change how your keyboard works.

2. Disable both Use Sticky Keys and Use Toggle Keys.

   

If a key sticks in the down position, removing and cleaning the key might solve the issue.

CAUTION:

Do not perform this step if the computer is under warranty. Contact HP to have the computer serviced before removing a key. If you damage the keyboard, the warranty might not cover the repairs.

How to Fix Stuck Keys on HP Notebooks

This video shows you how to fix stuck keys on your HP Notebook. If you find that a key is stuck and you are unable to type in the desired manner, contact HP if your device is under warranty or if you are unable to remove the keys. Otherwise, follow the steps in this video to clean the keyboard and resolve the problem.

If the computer is no longer covered by the warranty, try removing and cleaning the key.

1. Turn off the notebook, and then disconnect the AC adapter.

2. If your notebook has a removable battery, remove the battery.

3. Insert a flat plastic pry tool under the top or bottom edge of the key, and then gently pry up on the edge of the key.

   CAUTION:

   To avoid damaging the pad under the key, insert the flat plastic pry tool only 1/8 inch under the edge of the key.

4. Use a cotton swab to clean the key and its slot in the keyboard. Use compressed air to remove dirt or other debris.

   

5. Replace the key by snapping it back into place.

   Note:

   Longer keys, such as space and enter, probably include a small metal rod for support. Make sure that you insert this rod into the key before replacing the key.