MSI Laptop Keyboard Not Working (8 Easy Fixes)

Is your MSI laptop keyboard not working? Don’t worry.

The quickest fix is to restart your MSI laptop. Many keyboard issues are caused by temporary software glitches and a simple restart resolves them instantly.

If a restart did not fix it, this guide covers all the proven methods to get your MSI laptop keyboard working again.

Why is My MSI Laptop Keyboard Not Working?

Before jumping into the fixes, it helps to understand the common causes of this issue.

Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers
Filter Keys or other accessibility settings accidentally turned on
A recent Windows update causing driver conflicts
Physical damage or debris under the keys
A loose or disconnected internal keyboard cable
BIOS settings causing keyboard conflicts

Method 1) Restart Your MSI Laptop

The first and simplest fix is a full restart of your MSI laptop.

Many keyboard problems are caused by temporary software glitches. A restart clears these and refreshes all system drivers.

Click the Start menu and select Restart
Wait for the laptop to fully restart
Test your keyboard once Windows has loaded

Method 2) Disable Filter Keys

Filter Keys is a Windows accessibility feature that slows down keyboard response. If it was turned on accidentally, it can make the keyboard appear broken.

Open Settings and go to Ease of Access
Click on Keyboard
Make sure Filter Keys is turned Off
Test your keyboard

Note: You can also hold down the right Shift key for 8 seconds to toggle Filter Keys off.

Method 3) Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers are one of the most common causes of keyboard issues on MSI laptops.

Right click the Start button and open Device Manager
Expand the Keyboards section
Right click your keyboard device and select Update driver
Choose Search automatically for drivers and let Windows find the latest version
Restart your laptop after the update completes

If updating did not work, try uninstalling the driver instead. Right click the keyboard in Device Manager and select Uninstall device. Restart your laptop and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver fresh.

Method 4) Run the Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows has a built in troubleshooter that can detect and fix keyboard problems automatically.

Open Settings and go to System
Click on Troubleshoot then Other troubleshooters
Find Keyboard and click Run
Follow the on screen steps and apply any recommended fixes

Method 5) Check for Windows Updates

A pending Windows update can sometimes cause keyboard driver conflicts. Installing the latest updates can resolve these issues.

Open Settings and go to Windows Update
Click Check for updates
Install any available updates and restart your laptop

Method 6) Perform a Hard Reset

A hard reset drains any residual power and can fix hardware related keyboard issues on MSI laptops.

Shut down your MSI laptop completely
Remove the power cable and if possible remove the battery
Press and hold the power button for 15 to 20 seconds
Reconnect the power cable and battery
Turn on your laptop and test the keyboard

Method 7) Check for Physical Damage or Debris

If only certain keys are not working, physical debris or damage may be the cause.

Use a can of compressed air to blow dust and debris from under the keys. Check for any visibly damaged or stuck keys.

If the keyboard ribbon cable has come loose inside the laptop, this will require opening the back panel to reseat it. If your MSI laptop is still under warranty, contact MSI support before attempting this.

Method 8) Use an External USB Keyboard

To determine if the issue is software or hardware related, plug in an external USB keyboard.

If the external keyboard works fine, the problem is with the built in keyboard hardware. If the external keyboard also has issues, the problem is likely software or driver related.

FAQ (MSI Laptop Keyboard Not Working)

Why is my MSI keyboard not typing?

The most common causes are outdated drivers, Filter Keys being turned on, or a temporary software glitch. Start with a restart and then update your keyboard drivers in Device Manager.

How do I reset my MSI laptop keyboard?

Open Device Manager, expand Keyboards, right click your keyboard device, and select Uninstall device. Restart your laptop and Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard driver fresh.

Why are some keys not working on my MSI laptop?

If only certain keys are not working, it is likely caused by physical debris stuck under the keys, a damaged keycap, or a partially disconnected keyboard ribbon cable inside the laptop.

Can I fix my MSI laptop keyboard myself?

Yes, most keyboard issues can be fixed using the software methods above without opening the laptop. If the problem is hardware related and the laptop is under warranty, contact MSI support for a repair or replacement.

Conclusion

Most MSI laptop keyboard problems can be fixed with a simple restart, driver update, or disabling Filter Keys.

Work through the methods above one by one and your keyboard should be working again. If none of the software fixes work, the problem is likely hardware related and you should contact MSI support.