If your computer won’t type, check connections, turn off Sticky or Filter Keys, test another keyboard, and try safe mode to isolate faults.
When a computer won’t type, the issue usually comes from hardware, input settings, or software. The steps below start with fast wins, then move to deeper fixes for Windows and macOS. Follow them in order and retest after each change. Keep a spare wired keyboard nearby so you can always sign in and finish setup screens. A cheap USB board is the best bypass when Bluetooth pairing stalls or drivers crash. It saves time during checks. Keep notes handy.
Why Your Computer Won’t Type: Likely Causes
Loose cables, low batteries, or a bad Bluetooth link stop keys from reaching the system. Wrong layouts swap letters. Accessibility toggles change how modifiers behave. Drivers can crash. Apps can steal focus. Spills and worn switches cause dead zones.
Quick Symptoms To Fixes Map
Match your symptom to the most likely cause and a fast action.
| Symptom | Likely Cause | Fast Action |
|---|---|---|
| No keys work | Power, cable, pairing, driver | Replug or recharge; re-pair; reboot; try another port |
| Some keys dead | Debris, layout, stuck modifier | Clean; set layout; turn off Sticky, Filter, Toggle Keys |
| Gibberish text | Layout mismatch, wireless noise | Pick correct layout; move dongle; replace batteries |
| Works before login only | Driver or startup conflict | Safe mode; remove hotkey tools; reinstall driver |
| External works; built-in fails | Laptop ribbon or firmware | Power cycle; firmware reset; service if repeat |
| Bluetooth drops | Interference, pairing fault | Forget and pair again; avoid USB 3 noise; update OS |
Fix A Computer That Won’t Type: Step-By-Step
1) Rule Out Simple Hardware
Wired board: seat the connector, then try a different USB port. Use a rear port on a desktop. Skip hubs during tests. Wireless board: replace or recharge batteries. Toggle the keyboard off and on. With a dongle, move it away from USB 3 drives. For Bluetooth, remove the device, then pair again. If a spare keyboard types fine, the original is at fault.
2) Confirm Layout, Language, And Input Method
Open input settings and select the layout you expect, such as US or UK. Remove extra layouts you never use. If you use IMEs, switch to a plain layout while testing.
3) Turn Off Sticky, Filter, And Toggle Keys
These features are handy for accessibility but they can mimic faults when enabled by accident. In Windows, go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and switch off Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys. You can also press Shift five times to toggle Sticky Keys. On a Mac, go to System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn off Sticky Keys and Slow Keys.
For official reference steps, Microsoft’s guide on mouse and keyboard problems in Windows and Apple’s page on Mac not responding to key presses cover the same fixes.
4) Power Cycle The Computer And Keyboard
Shut down fully. Unplug power on a desktop for ten seconds. For laptops, hold the power button until off, wait, then start. Reseat dongles and cables before the next boot.
5) Try Safe Mode Or A Clean Boot
Safe mode loads a minimal set of drivers. If typing returns there, a startup item or a third-party driver is the blocker. On Windows, use Shift + Restart to reach Startup Settings, then pick Safe Mode. On a Mac, start with the right key for your model to enter safe mode. Re-enable items one by one until the fault returns, then remove the match.
6) Update Or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers (Windows)
Open Device Manager and expand Keyboards. Right-click your device and select Update driver. If that fails, choose Uninstall device and reboot; Windows will reload a fresh driver. Check Windows Update for firmware or optional driver packages.
7) Reset Input States On macOS
On Intel Macs, a power and SMC reset can clear odd input states. You can also reset NVRAM. On Apple silicon, a full shutdown and startup covers similar resets. Test in the login screen and in a plain text editor after each step.
8) Inspect And Clean
Turn the keyboard upside down and tap gently to dislodge crumbs. Use short bursts of compressed air across rows. Lift keycaps only if your model supports it. For spills, unplug at once, tilt to drain, and let it dry for at least a day.
9) Test Outside Your Profile
Create a new user account and try typing there. If it works, your main profile holds the conflict. Remove startup items and macro tools in batches until typing stays normal.
10) Know When To Seek Service
If a built-in laptop keyboard fails while an external works, the internal ribbon or controller may be damaged. Replacing that part is a shop task.
Fix “Computer Won’t Type” On Windows: Targeted Steps
Fast Windows Checks
- Try a different USB port and skip hubs.
- Turn off Sticky, Filter, and Toggle Keys.
- Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Keyboard.
- Toggle Bluetooth and re-pair the device.
Windows Deep Fixes
- Device Manager > Keyboards > Uninstall device; reboot to reload the driver.
- Update Human Interface Devices entries tied to keyboards.
- Boot safe mode; if typing works, remove recent drivers or hotkey tools.
Fix A Computer That Won’t Type On A Mac
Fast Mac Checks
- Toggle Bluetooth off and on, then pair again.
- System Settings > Keyboard: set the expected layout and input source.
- System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard: turn off Sticky Keys and Slow Keys.
Mac Deep Fixes
- Shut down fully, then start fresh.
- Enter safe mode and test typing there.
- Reset NVRAM on Intel models; use a full power cycle on Apple silicon.
When The App Blocks Your Typing
If keys fail only in one program, that app may intercept shortcuts or input methods. Look for focus issues, custom hotkeys, or overlays. Disable game launchers, recorders, or macro tools and test again. Update the app and try a plain text editor to compare.
Table Of Handy Paths And Toggles
These paths land on settings that fix many no-typing cases.
| Task | Windows | macOS |
|---|---|---|
| Turn off Sticky Keys | Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard | System Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard |
| Run keyboard troubleshooter | Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters | — |
| Reset Bluetooth pairing | Settings > Bluetooth & devices | System Settings > Bluetooth |
| Reinstall keyboard driver | Device Manager > Keyboards | — |
| Enter safe mode | Shift + Restart > Startup Settings | Safe mode key for your model |
| Switch layout | Settings > Time & language > Language & region | System Settings > Keyboard > Input Sources |
Prevent No-Typing Problems
Good Habits
- Keep a spare wired keyboard for emergencies and logins.
- Don’t place 2.4 GHz dongles next to USB 3 drives.
- Clean key switches on a schedule.
- Give cables slack where they enter the case.
- Update OS and drivers during a calm window, then reboot.
Smart Settings
- Disable the Sticky Keys shortcut if you trigger it by mistake.
- Keep only one input language active on devices that never switch.
- Turn off macro tools during games that block synthetic input.
Still Can’t Type?
You’ve worked through ports, batteries, layouts, accessibility toggles, safe mode, drivers, resets, cleaning, and a clean profile. If typing still fails, swap the keyboard if it’s external. For laptops, price a repair and weigh it against the value of the device. Keep backups current before service.
Recap: Get Back To Typing
Plug in, pair, and power cycle. Set the correct layout. Turn off Sticky, Filter, and Slow Keys. Try safe mode and a clean profile. Reinstall drivers or reset firmware. Clean the hardware. If the board still won’t type, replace or repair it.