It can be very frustrating when your MSI laptop keyboard suddenly stops responding. Whether it’s a few keys or the entire keyboard, this common issue can interrupt your work or gaming sessions.
This problem can affect any MSI laptop model running Windows 10 or Windows 11, and it often has a surprisingly simple solution. You don’t need to be a tech expert to resolve it.
Fortunately, there are several straightforward methods you can try at home to get your MSI laptop keyboard working correctly again. This guide will walk you through easy, practical steps.
By following these fixes, you can diagnose the issue and likely resolve your MSI laptop keyboard problems, helping you get back to full productivity.
1) Check for Simple Physical Problems
Start by ruling out any basic physical obstructions or disconnections. Sometimes, the simplest explanations are the correct ones before looking into complex software fixes.
First, carefully inspect your keyboard for any visible debris. Crumbs, dust, or small objects can sometimes get stuck under keys, stopping them from registering presses.
Turn off your MSI laptop and gently turn it upside down to dislodge loose particles. You can also use a can of compressed air to clean around and under the keys, holding the can upright.
If you are using an external keyboard, make sure it’s properly connected. For wired keyboards, check the USB port. For wireless ones, confirm the dongle is inserted or Bluetooth is paired, and the battery is charged.
Also, verify if the keyboard is accidentally locked. Some MSI laptops have a function key (Fn) combination that can disable or enable the keyboard. Look for a keyboard icon with a line through it on one of the F-keys, and try pressing Fn + that F-key.
2) Restart Your MSI Laptop
A simple restart can resolve many temporary glitches and software conflicts. This process clears your system’s memory and can reset any processes affecting your keyboard.
Save any open work first, as a restart will close all applications. If your keyboard is completely unresponsive, you may need to use your mouse to navigate.
Click the Start button in the bottom-left corner of your screen. Then select the Power icon.
From the options that appear, choose “Restart.” Allow your laptop to shut down completely and then power back on.
Once your MSI laptop has fully restarted, try using your keyboard to see if the issue is resolved. This step often fixes minor software hiccups.
3) Test with an External Keyboard
Connecting an external keyboard helps determine if the problem is with your MSI laptop’s built-in keyboard or with the operating system itself. This is a key diagnostic step.
If you have a spare USB keyboard, plug it into an available USB port on your MSI laptop. Windows should automatically detect and install the necessary drivers.
Once connected, try typing with the external keyboard. If it works, the issue is almost certainly with your MSI laptop’s internal keyboard hardware or its specific drivers.
However, if the external keyboard also fails to work, it suggests a broader system-level problem. This could be a software glitch, driver corruption, or even a USB port issue, meaning you should continue with software troubleshooting steps.
4) Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
Windows includes built-in troubleshooters designed to automatically find and fix common problems, including those with your keyboard. This can often resolve issues without manual intervention.
On Windows 10, open the Start menu and go to Settings. Click on “Update & Security,” then select “Troubleshoot” from the left-hand menu.
Under “Find and fix other problems,” click on “Keyboard” and then select “Run the troubleshooter.”
On Windows 11, open the Start menu and go to Settings. Select “System” from the left-hand menu, then click on “Troubleshoot” on the right.
Choose “Other troubleshooters.” Scroll down to “Keyboard” and click the “Run” button next to it. Follow any on-screen instructions the troubleshooter provides.
5) Check for Filter Keys or Sticky Keys
Accidentally turning on accessibility features like Filter Keys or Sticky Keys can make your keyboard behave unusually or seem unresponsive. These features are designed to assist users but can be confusing if enabled by mistake.
On Windows 10, go to Settings, then click on “Ease of Access.” Select “Keyboard” from the left-hand menu.
Look for “Use Sticky Keys” and “Use Filter Keys.” Ensure both options are toggled Off if you do not intend to use them.
On Windows 11, open Settings, select “Accessibility,” then click on “Keyboard.”
Again, find “Sticky keys” and “Filter keys.” Make sure the toggles next to these options are set to “Off.”
6) Update Keyboard Drivers
Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers are a common reason for keyboard malfunction. Updating them can often resolve responsiveness issues and restore full functionality.
Right-click on the Start button or press Windows Key + X to open the Quick Link menu. Select “Device Manager” from the list.
In Device Manager, expand the “Keyboards” section. You should see “Standard PS/2 Keyboard” or similar entries.
Right-click on your keyboard device and select “Update driver.” Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.”
Windows will search your computer and online for the latest drivers. If a new driver is found, it will install it. Restart your laptop after updating the driver, even if not prompted.
7) Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
If updating drivers doesn’t work, completely reinstalling them can often fix more deeply rooted driver problems. This gives your keyboard a fresh start with its software components.
Open Device Manager again by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Device Manager.”
Expand “Keyboards” and right-click on your keyboard device. This time, select “Uninstall device.”
A confirmation window might appear. Click “Uninstall” to proceed. Do NOT check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” unless specifically instructed by MSI support.
Once the device is uninstalled, restart your MSI laptop. Windows will automatically detect the keyboard upon startup and reinstall the generic drivers.
Test your keyboard after the restart. If the issue continues, you might need to visit the official MSI support website, search for your specific laptop model, and manually download the latest keyboard drivers from their downloads section. Then, install them manually.
8) Check for Recent Windows Updates or Roll Back Updates
A recent Windows update can sometimes introduce bugs or incompatibilities that affect hardware like your keyboard. On the other hand, a missing update might also be the cause of the problem.
First, check for pending updates. Go to Settings, then “Update & Security” (Windows 10) or “Windows Update” (Windows 11). Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.
If the problem started immediately after a recent update, you might need to roll back the update. In Windows Update settings, look for “View update history” or “Update history.”
Find the “Uninstall updates” option. Select the most recent quality or feature update that occurred before your keyboard stopped working and try uninstalling it. Keep in mind that this might remove recent security patches.
9) Run System File Checker (SFC)
Corrupted system files can lead to various issues, including hardware malfunctions. The System File Checker (SFC) is a Windows utility that scans for and restores damaged Windows system files.
Open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by typing “cmd” into the Start menu search bar, then right-clicking “Command Prompt” and selecting “Run as administrator.”
In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” (without quotes) and press Enter.
The scan will take some time to complete. Do not close the window until the verification is 100% finished.
If SFC finds and repairs corrupted files, restart your MSI laptop and check if your keyboard is working again.
10) Perform a System Restore
If the keyboard issue is recent and you’ve tried all other software fixes without success, performing a system restore can revert your system to a previous state when the keyboard was working correctly. This process does not affect your personal files.
Type “create a restore point” into the Start menu search bar and select the corresponding option.
In the System Properties window, click on the “System Restore…” button.
Follow the on-screen prompts. Choose a restore point from a date when your MSI laptop keyboard was functioning properly.
Confirm your choice and let the system restore process complete. Your laptop will restart. After the restore, check if the keyboard issue is resolved.
11) Update BIOS/UEFI Firmware (Advanced)
Updating your laptop’s BIOS or UEFI firmware can sometimes resolve hardware compatibility issues. This is a more advanced step and carries some risk, so only proceed if you are comfortable and have followed all other steps.
Incorrectly updating BIOS can permanently damage your laptop. Only download BIOS updates directly from the official MSI support website for your specific model.
Visit the MSI support website, find your laptop model, and navigate to the “Drivers & Downloads” section. Look for the latest BIOS/Firmware update.
Carefully read the installation instructions provided by MSI. Ensure your laptop is plugged into a reliable power source and the battery is fully charged before starting the update process. Do not interrupt the process.
12) Contact MSI Support or a Repair Shop
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps above and your MSI laptop keyboard still isn’t working, it is highly likely that there is a hardware failure with the keyboard itself.
At this point, it’s best to reach out to MSI customer support. Provide them with your laptop’s model number, a detailed description of the problem, and the steps you’ve already taken.
If your laptop is still under warranty, they may be able to repair or replace the keyboard without charge. If not, they can advise you on authorized service centers or repair options.
A professional technician can diagnose hardware issues more accurately and safely replace the keyboard if necessary. Replacing an internal laptop keyboard often requires disassembling part of the laptop.
FAQ
What causes an MSI laptop keyboard to stop working suddenly?
Common causes include temporary software glitches, outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers, accidental activation of accessibility features like Filter Keys, or minor hardware issues such as loose connections or debris under the keys.
How can I test if my MSI laptop keyboard is physically broken?
The best way to test for a physical break is to connect an external USB keyboard. If the external keyboard works, it suggests that your MSI laptop’s internal keyboard likely has a hardware problem. If the external keyboard also fails, the issue is more systemic.
Can a virus cause my MSI keyboard to stop working?
While less common, malware or viruses can sometimes interfere with system processes and drivers, potentially affecting keyboard functionality. Running a full system scan with reputable antivirus software is a good idea if you suspect a virus.
My backlight works but keys don’t, what does that mean?
If your keyboard backlight is working but the keys are unresponsive, it suggests that the power supply to the keyboard is fine. However, there’s a specific issue with the key matrix or the connection that registers key presses. This often points towards a driver problem or a physical defect with the keyboard’s internal circuitry.
How do I type if my keyboard isn’t working?
You can use the On-Screen Keyboard provided by Windows. To access it, click the Start button, go to Settings, then “Ease of Access” (Windows 10) or “Accessibility” (Windows 11), and select “Keyboard.” Turn on the “On-Screen Keyboard” toggle. You can then use your mouse to click on the virtual keys.
Dealing with a non-responsive keyboard on your MSI laptop can be a real headache. But as you’ve seen, there are many practical steps you can take to troubleshoot the problem.
From simple restarts and physical checks to updating drivers and running system diagnostics, most issues can be resolved without needing professional help.
We hope these detailed instructions have guided you to a working solution for your MSI laptop keyboard. Take your time, follow each step carefully, and you’ll likely get your typing experience back to normal.
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.