When only some keys stop working, the cause is almost never the whole keyboard — it is usually a software setting, a stuck modifier key, or debris under the keycap. Start with software before assuming hardware damage.
Check Modifier Keys and Lock Keys
Press Num Lock once. If your number keys were producing arrow-key behaviour, this fixes it. Press Fn + F-lock (or the dedicated F-lock key if present) — some laptops require this combination before the top row registers as standard F1–F12 keys. Also check that Caps Lock is not stuck on.
Disable Filter Keys and Sticky Keys
Windows accessibility features can make keys feel broken. Go to Settings > Accessibility (or Ease of Access) > Keyboard and confirm that Filter Keys and Sticky Keys are both turned off. Filter Keys causes the keyboard to ignore brief or repeated keypresses, which can make it seem like keys are not responding.
Test in a Different App and a Different User Account
Open Notepad and try the problem keys there. If they work in Notepad but not in a specific app, that app has its own keyboard shortcuts overriding the key. If the keys also fail in a second user account, the problem is system-wide or hardware.
Update or Reinstall the Keyboard Driver
Open Device Manager, expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard device, and choose Update driver. For a USB keyboard, try unplugging it and plugging it into a different port.
Clean Around the Keys
For external keyboards, turn it upside down and gently tap the back to dislodge crumbs. A can of compressed air aimed between the keys removes most debris. For laptops, be gentler — compressed air at an angle works well and avoids lifting keycaps.
Test With an On-Screen Keyboard
Press Win + Ctrl + O to open the On-Screen Keyboard. If all keys work there, the physical keyboard has a hardware problem. If the same keys fail on the on-screen version too, the issue is software or driver-related.
If you have identified a hardware fault on a laptop keyboard, ask us — replacement keyboards are often available and affordable.