How to check if your laptop keyboard is working properly

The keyboard is an integral part of any computer, including a laptop. The correct operation of this device ensures the functionality of the entire PC, because if the keys malfunction, many options on the computer become unavailable. Although, you can turn on the on-screen keyboard and control the PC using the mouse, but this is not very convenient and complicates working with the computer.

Laptop keyboard test

If this device on a regular computer does not meet the necessary requirements, then you can easily replace it with another one, since the connection and configuration process is very simple. Simply connect the new device to the USB connector, and the system will install the necessary drivers itself, and the keyboard will be immediately ready for use. With a laptop, everything is not so simple, because the keys are built into the case, and the replacement process is akin to a moderately complex repair.

There are various types of malfunctions, and for some of them it is not necessary to disassemble the laptop structure. In order to choose the appropriate repair, it is necessary to diagnose the problem itself. There are several reasons why the keyboard does not work.

• Software glitch. If nothing happens when you press the keys, or the response does not correspond to the button press, the problem may be a settings glitch. In order to check or fix this malfunction, you need to go to in BIOS. If you can control the keyboard in the BIOS system, then the problem is a software glitch in the operating system.

ATTENTION. To enter the BIOS, during boot, when the line “Press DEL to enter SETUP” appears, press the DEL key. An alternative method would be to press F1–3 or F10–12. Also on some models there is an Esc button in the BIOS.

• Problems with the cable. Typically, such a malfunction occurs during prolonged use or severe physical damage. In order to check the integrity of the cable, you will have to disassemble the laptop.

ATTENTION. Once the device has been disassembled, it is not subject to warranty repair. Warranty service may be useful if the integrity of the cable is damaged due to a manufacturing defect.

• Faulty drivers or software. There is a separate driver for each connected device. If for some reason it cannot function, the normal operation of the device becomes difficult. Typically, problems with software occur when an update attempt fails, or when installing them manually. To check the functionality of the drivers, just go to the BIOS. If the arrows work normally in this system, then the problem is in the software. Also, an alternative way to check would be to boot Windows in safe mode. If the keyboard works fine in this mode, then the problem is in the software or drivers. To fix this problem, just manually download the latest versions of the software from the official website of the device manufacturer.
• Contact fault. Usually this problem occurs due to external influences. Contact malfunction may be caused by spilled liquid or physical damage.Typically, a malfunction of the contacting surfaces results in poor performance of some keys. To check the correct functioning of the buttons, you can use special services for checking the keyboard.

Programs for testing laptop keyboards

In order to check the functionality of laptop buttons, there are many different programs. The most popular of them: KeyboardTest.

This utility allows you to check the functionality of not only the keys, but also the indicators on the keyboard. The program has a list of the most popular devices, as well as a designer, so that the user can assemble his own device, close to the existing model. KeyboardTest also allows you to check your computer mouse, testing it for sensor speed, correct coordinate determination and button response speed.

Online services for checking the operation of the keyboard

Among the online services, Key-Test should be highlighted. This service allows you to check all the main buttons. For correct operation, it is better to use the English layout.

The check is a virtual keyboard displayed on the screen, on which the pressed key is highlighted. If it works properly, it is marked in white, if there is some kind of malfunction in red.