Sticky keys on laptop

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Co-authored by Mobile Kangaroo and Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: April 23, 2021 References

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Method 1 Method 1 of 2:Cleaning Your Keyboard
Method 2 Method 2 of 2:Fixing Hardware and Software Issues
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This wikiHow teaches you how to clean your keyboard in order to fix sticky or stuck keys. Since stuck keys are usually the result of spilled liquid or excess dust build-up, cleaning your keyboard should address this issue.[1]

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists Expert Interview. 11 September 2019. Go to source If your keyboard's keys work mechanically but fail to register certain keystrokes on your computer, you can usually fix the problem by updating or reinstalling the keyboard or its drivers.

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:Cleaning Your Keyboard

1
Disconnect the keyboard from its power source. If you're using a laptop, this entails turning off and unplugging the laptop and removing its battery if possible. If you're using a standalone keyboard, unplugging it and/or removing the batteries will suffice.
2
Spray the keyboard with compressed air. Use the compressed air to blow any debris or dust out from the spaces between the keys and the keyboard base.
- Spritzing the compressed air around each key is a good idea; even if not all of the keys are stuck, this will prevent future sticking.[2]
3
Remove any remaining objects with a toothpick. If any large objects (e.g., residue) remain visible near or under the keyboard's keys, use a toothpick to scrape away the objects.
4
Wipe down your keyboard with isopropyl alcohol. Lightly spritz isopropyl alcohol onto a clean cloth, then run it from left to right across your keyboard's surface.[3] X Expert Source
Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists Expert Interview. 11 September 2019. Go to source This will help remove any gunk or sticky residue from around the keys.[4] X Research source Go to source
- If you don't have isopropyl alcohol, you can use water; however, make sure you pat dry your keyboard before proceeding if you do this.
- If your computer has a UV coating or a similar effect, do not use isopropyl alcohol as it will remove the coating. Use warm water instead.
5
Test the keys. Try pressing repeatedly the sticky keys. If they aren't still sticky, you can stop here; otherwise, continue with the rest of this method.
6
Take a picture of your keyboard. Before you remove any keys, photograph your keyboard so that you know which keys go where.
7
Remove the sticky keys from the keyboard. If you're using a mechanical keyboard (e.g., a desktop keyboard), use a keycap puller if you have one; otherwise, you can wrap floss around the base of the key and gently pull upward. You may also have to resort to a flat-head screwdriver to pry up the keys.
- If you have a laptop, refer to your laptop's manual or online documentation for instructions on removing the keys (in most cases, you'll pry the keys up from a specific point to avoid breaking their latches).
- If you have a MacBook laptop, you can remove the key(s) by prying it/them up from the top of the key(s).
- Most debris is found in the letters and numbers. Other keys tend to be less dirty and more difficult to replace after removal, especially the space bar.[5]
8
Clean under the keys.[6] X Expert Source
Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists Expert Interview. 11 September 2019. Go to source Use compressed air to remove exposed dust and debris, and a Q-tip or cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol to remove stickiness and stains.
- For laptop keyboards and other keyboards with delicate internal parts, use gentle swabbing with a Q-tip only.
9
Wash and dry the keys.[7] If the underside of your keys are discolored or dirty, put them in a colander and run water over them, or rub them in a bucket of soapy water. Let them air dry completely on a paper towel.
10
Re-lubricate a mechanical keyboard's keys. If you have a mechanical keyboard, press down on the sticky key's lever and apply a drop of lubricant to the walls of the key's well, then release and press the lever a few times to incorporate the lubricant.
- Make sure they lubricant you're using is specifically designed for keyboards or other sensitive plastics. Using a standard lubricant such as WD-40 may ruin the keyboard.
- This is only necessary if the mechanical keyboard's lever(s) is/are still sticking after your cleaning.
11
Let your keyboard dry for at least two days before using it. Once your keyboard is bone-dry, you can proceed with reassembling it, plugging it back into your computer, and testing it out.[8] X Research source Go to source
- If the keys are still sticking, particularly on an older mechanical keyboard, consider taking your keyboard in for professional repairs.

Method 2 Method 2 of 2:Fixing Hardware and Software Issues

1
Make sure that the keyboard is plugged in properly. To avoid software issues, your keyboard should be plugged directly into your computer rather than into a USB hub.[9] X Research source Go to source
- If your keyboard uses batteries, make sure it's charged (or replace the batteries with fresh ones).
Note: Skip this step for a laptop.
2
Update your keyboard's drivers. Most of the time, keyboard issues can be tied to out-of-date drivers or software. You can fix the keyboard by updating the driver or software. The easiest way to ensure your drivers are up to date is by using your computer's update utility:
- Windows Open Start, click the Settings gear, click Update & Security, click Windows Update, click Check for updates, and install any available updates.
- Mac Open the Apple menu, click App Store..., click the Updates tab, and click UPDATE ALL if it's available.
- If you have a mechanical keyboard, another way you can update your keyboard's drivers is by going to the keyboard manufacturer's website, finding your model of keyboard, and looking for a driver download. You can then download the keyboard's driver file and double-click it to run it.
3
Reinstall the keyboard. The easiest way to do this is by shutting down your computer, unplugging and then reattaching the keyboard, and turning back on the computer.[10] X Research source Go to source
- If you have a laptop, skip this step.
- You can reinstall Bluetooth keyboards by deleting them from the Bluetooth menu and then re-pairing them with your computer.
4
Determine which programs aren't working with your keyboard. If you notice that specific programs aren't working with your keyboard (e.g., your web browser or Microsoft Word), make a note of those programs.
- If your keyboard's key or group of keys aren't working with any programs on your computer, skip this step and the next step.
5
Update the program in which you're having trouble. This won't always fix the keyboard issues, but if the program isn't completely up to date, updating it won't hurt.
6
Repair internal laptop connections. If some of your laptop keys don't register when pressed, there could be a loose internal connection. Unless you have a guide for your model and are comfortable disassembling your laptop yourself, you should seek professional repairs.

Community Q&A Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

How can I fix unresponsive keyboard keys?

Mobile Kangaroo

Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Sometimes a key is just dirty and can be carefully popped off, cleaned, and restored. If that doesn't work, a full keyboard replacement may be necessary.
Question

Some of my computer's keyboard keys are not working. Is that a hardware or software issue?

Community Answer

That is most likely going to be a hardware issue. Most keyboards are "plug and play" so that, if connected properly, they should work. Check and make sure your malfunctioning keyboards are "plug and play." If they are, check and make sure your keyboard is being detected by your PC. Open Device Manager and expand the "keyboards" section; your device should be listed here. If it isn't, it's a hardware issue.
Question

Can keyboards be replaced on a laptop?

Community Answer

Yes, this is quite common. Do a search on Amazon or eBay's Buy It Now by your laptop model for a replacement. Replacement instructions may come with the new keyboard; if not, you can find them on the manufacturer's website. In the meantime, you can just plug a standard USB keyboard into your laptop and use that, or wireless/Bluetooth.
Question

How do I fix a sticky key on a laptop keyboard?

Community Answer

The tips here will work for both desktop keyboards and laptops.
Question

What percentage of isopropyl alcohol should I use?

Community Answer

I found that 50 percent works best for not rubbing off the key labels. You also can buy a waterproof keyboard.
Question

What are some steps for fixing laptop keys that stick and release slowly?

Community Answer

Try wedging your fingernail under the side of the sticky key and using some force to loosen it. You can also use a tool like a butter knife.
Question

What would cause a keyboard to stop functioning entirely? Nothing happens when I push any of the keys.

Community Answer

Most likely the keyboard is internally unplugged. Open the laptop and reconnect the ribbon cable.
Question

My keyboard stopped working, what should I do?

Community Answer

If you aren't able to clean it and get it to work, you may have to buy a new keyboard.
Question

What's wrong if when I press my key, the key will pop back up but the computer will act like the key is still pressed? For example, I will press the "N" key, it pops up, but the computer will still type "NNNNNNNN".

R2_d2000

Top Answerer

It's likely that the switch underneath the key is damaged. You can try to clean it by using the steps in this article, but it may need to be replaced. Keyboards for desktops are not very expensive and you can easily find them at many stores. If this is a laptop, then you can try to replace the internal keyboard, but you can also take it to a local repair center to get it fixed if you are not confident.

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Tips

Using a coffee filter instead of paper towels to dry off your keyboard will result in fewer paper fibers staying on your keyboard.
If you spill something on your keyboard, immediately remove the power source and turn it upside down. Wipe up as much as you can with a dry cloth, let it dry overnight, then clean as described above.[11]

Warnings

Do not use cleaning sprays or cleaners that contain hydrogen peroxide.
Avoid applying liquids directly; instead, use a damp cloth or cotton swab.[12]

Sticky keys on laptop

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 2:Cleaning Your Keyboard

Method 2 Method 2 of 2:Fixing Hardware and Software Issues

Community Q&A Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Video

Tips

Warnings

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About This Article

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