It can be incredibly frustrating when your Asus laptop keyboard suddenly stops working. You might be in the middle of an important task or simply browsing, and the keys just won’t respond. This common problem affects many laptop users, whether you have Windows 10 or Windows 11.
The good news is that most Asus keyboard issues aren’t due to a major hardware failure. Often, there are several straightforward steps you can take to diagnose and fix the problem at home. This article will walk you through practical solutions to get your Asus laptop keyboard working again.
When Your Asus Keyboard Stops Responding: Initial Checks
Start with these simple checks when your Asus keyboard stops responding. They can often fix temporary glitches or help you pinpoint the nature of the problem.
1) Restart Your Asus Laptop
A simple restart often resolves temporary glitches that make your Asus keyboard unresponsive. Your operating system or a running application might have a bug affecting keyboard input.
Save any open work first. Then, click the Start button, select Power, and choose Restart. Allow your Asus laptop to completely shut down and boot back up. After it restarts, test your keyboard.
2) Test with an External USB Keyboard
Testing with an external USB keyboard helps pinpoint if your built-in Asus keyboard or the operating system is the cause of the problem. If your internal keyboard isn’t working, an external one also provides a helpful temporary workaround.
Plug a standard USB keyboard into one of your Asus laptop’s USB ports. If the external keyboard works, the issue is likely with your internal Asus keyboard hardware or its specific drivers. If the external keyboard also fails, the problem might be with the operating system or a deeper system-level issue.
Software and Driver Solutions for Asus Keyboard Issues
Most Asus keyboard problems are software-related, often stemming from driver issues or incorrect settings. Addressing these is frequently the fastest way to resolve an unresponsive keyboard.
1) Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible keyboard drivers are a common cause of an unresponsive keyboard on an Asus laptop. Drivers allow your operating system to communicate with your hardware.
First, open Device Manager. Right-click the Start button (usually in the bottom-left corner of your screen) and select “Device Manager” from the list.
In Device Manager, find and expand the “Keyboards” section. You’ll likely see entries like “HID Keyboard Device” or “Standard PS/2 Keyboard.”
Right-click on your keyboard device. If you see multiple entries, perform these steps for each one. Select “Uninstall device” from the context menu and confirm. Do not check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device.”
Once uninstalled, close Device Manager and restart your Asus laptop. Windows will typically detect the missing keyboard driver during startup and automatically reinstall it. Test your keyboard after the reboot.
If reinstalling doesn’t resolve the issue, go back into Device Manager. Right-click your keyboard device and this time select “Update driver.” Then, choose “Search automatically for drivers.” Windows will try to find and install the latest compatible driver online.
2) Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently releases Windows updates that include bug fixes, security patches, and updated drivers for various hardware components, including keyboards. A pending update might resolve a known issue affecting your Asus keyboard.
Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update. Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates. Your system might require a restart after installation. Allow it to complete and then test your keyboard.
3) Disable Filter Keys
If accidentally enabled, the Filter Keys accessibility feature can make your Asus keyboard seem unresponsive or laggy. It’s designed to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes.
On Windows 10 or 11, navigate to Start > Settings > Accessibility. From the left-hand menu, select “Keyboard.” Find the “Filter Keys” toggle switch and ensure it is set to “Off.” If it was on, turn it off and test your Asus keyboard.
4) Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common problems affecting your Asus keyboard. It can often identify and resolve minor issues without manual intervention.
Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot. Click “Other troubleshooters” to see a full list. Find “Keyboard” in the list and click the “Run” button next to it. Follow the on-screen instructions as the troubleshooter attempts to diagnose and fix any detected problems.
5) Check for Software Conflicts
New software, utilities, gaming programs, or even certain antivirus applications can sometimes interfere with your Asus keyboard’s functionality. If your keyboard stopped working after installing new software, it might be the cause.
Recall any software you installed recently, just before the keyboard issue began. You can try temporarily disabling your antivirus software (if applicable) and testing the keyboard. If it works, you may need to adjust your antivirus settings or find an alternative.
To check for software conflicts more thoroughly, boot your Asus laptop into Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, Windows loads with only essential drivers and services, which minimizes potential software interference. If your keyboard works in Safe Mode, it strongly indicates a software conflict outside of the core Windows system.
To enter Safe Mode on Windows 10 or 11, go to Start > Settings > System > Recovery. Under “Recovery options,” find “Advanced startup” and click “Restart now.” After your laptop restarts, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings, then click “Restart.” When the system restarts again, press 4 or F4 on your keyboard for “Enable Safe Mode.” Test your keyboard there.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps for Asus Keyboard Failure
If the more common software and driver-related fixes haven’t resolved your Asus keyboard issue, it’s time to consider some more in-depth solutions. These steps can address deeper system problems or potential hardware issues.
1) Perform a System Restore
A System Restore can revert your Asus laptop to an earlier state where the keyboard was working. This is helpful if the problem started after a specific change, such as a driver update, software installation, or system modification.
Search for “Create a restore point” in the Windows search bar and open the System Properties window. Click “System Restore,” then “Next.” Choose a restore point from a date before your keyboard started having problems. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the restore. This process will not affect your personal files, but it will undo system changes and installed programs since the chosen restore point.
2) Update Asus BIOS/UEFI Firmware
An outdated BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface) can sometimes cause hardware communication problems, including issues with your Asus keyboard. This firmware manages your laptop’s hardware at a very low level.
Updating the BIOS is an advanced procedure that requires caution. You must download the correct BIOS version specifically for your Asus laptop model from the official Asus support website. Carefully follow Asus’s instructions for the update process. Incorrectly updating the BIOS can potentially damage your laptop, so proceed only if you are confident and have followed all instructions precisely. This step should be a last resort for software-based troubleshooting.
3) Check for Physical Damage or Debris
Dust, food crumbs, pet hair, or even a tiny amount of liquid are common physical causes for an unresponsive or sticky Asus keyboard. These can interfere with the contacts under the keys.
First, completely turn off your Asus laptop and disconnect it from all power sources. Gently turn the laptop upside down and tap it lightly to dislodge any loose debris trapped underneath the keys. You can also use a can of compressed air to blow out dust and particles from between the keys. Hold the can upright and use short bursts. Avoid strong vacuum cleaners, as they can generate static electricity and potentially damage internal components.
If your laptop has experienced a liquid spill, even a minor one, the damage to the keyboard’s internal circuitry could be significant. In such cases, the keyboard might need to be replaced, which is a job for a professional technician.
When All Else Fails: Hardware & Professional Help
If you have systematically worked through all software fixes and basic physical checks without success, your Asus laptop keyboard likely has a more serious hardware fault.
1) Consider a Hardware Fault
An internal hardware fault, such as a loose ribbon cable or electronic failure, can prevent your Asus laptop keyboard from working. Laptop keyboards connect to the motherboard via a delicate ribbon cable, which can become loose or damaged over time, especially if the laptop has been opened or subjected to impacts.
Replacing a laptop keyboard is typically a complex task. It often involves opening the laptop casing, disconnecting intricate cables, and sometimes even removing the top shell of the laptop. While guides exist, it’s generally not recommended for users without experience in laptop disassembly, as it risks causing further damage.
2) Contact Asus Support
If your Asus keyboard issue persists, contact Asus support for warranty service or professional repair options. If your Asus laptop is still under warranty, reaching out to customer support is your best course of action. They can provide specific troubleshooting advice tailored to your model or arrange for a repair or replacement. Be prepared to provide your laptop’s serial number, usually found on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop.
Even if your laptop is out of warranty, Asus support or a certified repair center can offer diagnostic services and provide a quote for professional repair or keyboard replacement. While this may incur a cost, it ensures the repair is done correctly.
FAQ
Why did my Asus keyboard suddenly stop working?
Common reasons include outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers, a recent Windows update causing a conflict, a software application interfering with input, or a physical issue like debris under the keys or a loose internal connection.
Can I use an external keyboard if my Asus laptop keyboard isn’t working?
Yes, absolutely. Connecting a standard USB external keyboard is a quick and effective workaround. If the external keyboard works, it confirms the issue is specifically with your internal Asus keyboard and not a broader system problem.
How do I know if the problem is software or hardware?
If your keyboard works in Windows Safe Mode, after a driver reinstall, or if an external keyboard also fails, it points towards a software or operating system issue. If all software fixes fail and an external keyboard works perfectly, the problem is most likely a hardware fault with the internal Asus keyboard.
Having your Asus laptop keyboard stop working can certainly be disruptive, but as you’ve seen, there are many potential solutions to explore. From simple restarts and driver updates to checking for physical obstructions and advanced system troubleshooting, most issues can be resolved with a systematic approach.
Remember to work through the solutions step-by-step, starting with the easiest fixes. Often, a solution will be found without needing to try complex technical procedures. If all else fails, a professional repair or contacting Asus support will help get your laptop back to full functionality.
Hi, I’m Michael Davis, the owner and writer of GadgetsFeed.com. This website is where I share my knowledge and passion for tech, laptops, and computers. I’m a software engineer by profession, and I enjoy testing and reviewing various gadgets and technologies. I started GadgetsFeed.com to help others find easy solutions for their laptop, computer, and tech problems.