How to disable the keyboard on a laptop

The keyboard is one of the most important elements of any computer, because it is with its help that the device is controlled. ABOUTA distinctive feature of a laptop is that the screen and keyboard are connected to each other, so replacing it or performing other manipulations can be much more difficult than with a regular computer. Is it possible to disable the keyboard on a laptop? Does this procedure differ depending on the version of the operating system (Windows) installed on your device? You will learn about all this in this article.

Is it possible to disable the keyboard on a laptop?

The first step is to find out more about why such a procedure may be needed. Some users want to disable the keyboard if it malfunctions or is damaged in some way - for example, it is extremely common for some kind of liquid to be spilled on the control panel. It can be just water or juice, but the keyboard and the device itself should be turned off immediately in order to then take the necessary steps to restore correct operation. Disabling the keyboard is possible and quite easy to do. You just need to carefully study the instructions provided and make sure from your own experience that this is not such a difficult task that even a beginner who does not have deep knowledge in the field of technology can cope with.

IMPORTANT! Please note that depending on which version of Windows is installed on your laptop, the algorithm may differ significantly. So be sure to find out what operating system you are using.

Possible options

You need to understand that there is no built-in and direct way to disable the keyboard on a laptop. Apparently, the developers decided that the owner of the mini-computer would not need this, because this is the main control panel. Of course, you can also connect a third-party accessory, but it will not be so convenient unless the computer is located at some elevation or at a fairly large distance.

Let's look at the main ways to disable the keys, which may be needed for a variety of purposes. In addition, shutdown methods are also divided into those that will lead to a temporary cessation of work and a permanent one. This should also be taken into account when choosing, because someone needs to turn off the control panel permanently so that it does not interfere with the correct functioning of the device, while another user will prefer only a temporary shutdown.

How to disable the keyboard on a laptop - Windows 10

This is the latest version of this operating system, which is installed by default on all modern laptop models that are purchased in the store. It’s very easy to determine that you have this particular version - it has a different interface from all the others and has a black bottom panel, as opposed to the blue interfaces of 7 and many other versions.

What can you do to disable the keyboard in this case?

• The first and easiest way is to install a special application called Kid Key Lock. With its help, you can turn off not only the keyboard, but also individual buttons on the mouse or other accessories/built-in elements of the laptop. The only obstacle may be that the application is only available in English, but those who do not speak English can easily use a translator to understand the variety of options and features provided.

• Another option is to remove or disable your keyboard drivers. You can do this using Device Manager. Outdated or missing drivers are one of the most common reasons why a particular accessory on a regular computer or a built-in element on a laptop does not work. To restore operation, you will need to download the necessary files from the manufacturer’s official website and install. You can also use the disk that comes with the device.
• Another method associated with Device Manager involves a larger number of actions performed. You need to find the “Keyboard” tab and open its details. After that, select “Hardware ID” by right-clicking on it with your mouse or touchpad - this is the built-in touch control panel in laptops and netbooks. In the context menu that opens, click on “Copy”. In the input field that opens, write gpedit. msc.The next step is to go to another tab, “Device Installation Restrictions.” It can be found in “Computer Configuration”. You need to double-click on the “Prohibit installation of devices” option. After that, check the box next to “Also apply for..” and click on “Show”. Now we paste the information from the clipboard and apply the settings.

After this, be sure to restart the laptop.

How to disable the keyboard on a laptop - Windows 8

The method described below can be tried on other versions, but most often it is used with Windows 8. Its essence is that it is not easy to remove the driver, but replace it with another, but incompatible one.

This is quite easy to do. Go to Device Manager again and go to the “Keyboard” section. After this, you need to go to Properties and click on the “Update Driver” button. You will then be prompted for one of the drivers available on your computer.

IMPORTANT! For the procedure to be completed successfully, be sure to uncheck the “Only compatible devices” option.

Then select any driver for another keyboard - for example, an external one that was previously connected. Any model and manufacturer will do, in this case it doesn’t matter.

How to disable the keyboard on a laptop - Windows 7

On this version, you can try disabling the control panel using the command line. To do this, go to the All Programs option, which is easily found by clicking Start. Then you will need the “Accessories” tab, and then “Command Prompt”. The next item you need is “Run as administrator”. In the field that opens, enter rundll132 keyboard, disable. Then you need to apply the settings.Please note that to reset this command you will need to enter different text into the command line - which means you will need a different keyboard.

IMPORTANT! To avoid connecting an external device and being left without the ability to control the computer, copy the required command to the clipboard in advance. If you forgot to do this, you can find the text on the Internet, but only if you have a numeric keypad to enter the text in the search bar so you can type the text with the mouse.

How to temporarily disable the built-in keyboard on a laptop

What methods are suitable for temporary shutdown? Of all the above, you can restore the keyboard after almost every method. But that doesn't mean you can just not do it.

For example, if you no longer need the keyboard due to a malfunction or other reason, you can simply disable it using the same command line and simply not restore it. If this measure is needed for a very short period of time, then the best solution would be to install third-party applications that also have a large number of other useful functions.

After the work is completed, simply uninstall the application, and if a new need arises, you can install it again - this is done very easily and quickly. Many different applications are available for free, and even a beginner can install them. To implement this method, you only need good Internet speed so that the application downloads as quickly as possible.Now you know several ways to disable the built-in keyboard on a laptop or netbook - this means that in case of any problem or if you want to connect a third-party accessory that you like better, you can easily disable the unnecessary internal element of the device. This way you can avoid unwanted accidental clicks, as well as the adverse effects of a damaged keyboard on the operation of the computer itself. Choose the most convenient method and test its performance from your own experience!