How To Unlock Keyboard on Dell Laptop? 9 Quick Fixes

If you suddenly find out that your keys are not working on your keyboard, then you might find yourself asking the question of how to unlock keyboard on Dell laptop? There can be several reasons for unresponsive keys on a Dell laptop keyboard.

Sometimes, the keyboard can malfunction, and the keys can stop working altogether. This can be either a software or a hardware issue. You may also find out that only a select few keys on your Dell keyboard are refusing to register.

Whatever your Dell laptop keyboard issue may be, you can solve it using a few simple steps. Let’s dive right into the process to fix your Dell keyboard.

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How To Unlock Keyboard on Dell Laptop?

If your Dell keyboard is locked then you can unlock it using the NumLock key method. Another way to unlock your laptop keyboard is by using the Fn key on your keyboard.

It is also possible to unlock the keyboard by updating the keyboard drivers. Static electricity may be preventing the keys from being registered, so you can also try draining the static from your laptop. Finally, you can also try system optimization to try to unlock the Dell keyboard.

Unlock the Dell Keyboard with NumLock Key

If the only keys that are not working are the number pad keys on the right-hand side of your Dell keyboard, then the problem can be solved by unlocking the Numlock key of your keyboard.

Here’s how to do that.

1. Locate the NumLock key on your Dell keyboard. It is usually located on the right side of the keyboard above the number pad.
2. Press the key to disengage the NumLock.
3. If pressing the NumLock key has no response, you can try pressing it together with the Fn key.
4. You should be able to use the Numpad keys now.

If your Num Lock key is jammed or broken somehow and you have no physical way to disengage the NumLock, then you can use the following method to unlock keyboard.

1. Click on the Start Menu.
2. Select the Settings option.
3. Go to the Ease of Access section.
4. Choose the Keyboard option.
5. Turn ON the “On-Screen Keyboard” setting.
6. If NumLock is not visible on the keyboard, then press the Options key.
7. Check the box for “Turn on numeric keypad”
8. Press OK
9. Press the NumLock key on the On-Screen Keyboard to disengage the NumLock.

You have successfully unlocked the number pad keys on your Dell keyboard.

Unlock the Dell Keyboard using Fn Key

If your Dell laptop has a locking Fn key, then it is possible for the keyboard to be locked because of that key. Many keys can be unavailable if your Fn key is locked.

Here’s how to unlock your Fn lock on a Dell keyboard.

1. Locate the Fn key on your Dell keyboard. It is usually located right beside the Windows logo key, along with the Alt key.
2. Press the Dell Fn key to disengage the alternative functions.
3. If the Fn key alone does not work, then press the Fn key along with the Num Lock key to disengage both.

You should be able to unlock keyboard keys with this method on your Dell laptop.

Unlock the Dell Laptop Keyboard by Uninstalling Keyboard Driver

Another solution to the “Dell laptop keyboard locked” problem is to update keyboard driver which can be outdated.

If your entire keyboard is not responding to any key presses, then it may be possible that your keyboard driver is corrupted or missing.

You should reinstall your keyboard driver in order to fix the Dell laptop keyboard locked problem permanently.

1. Click on the Start Menu and perform a Windows search for Device Manager.
2. Enter Device Manager.
3. Locate the Keyboards entry in the list of devices.
4. Open the drop-down menu.
5. If any keyboard drivers are corrupted, they will be shown with a yellow exclamation mark.
6. It is recommended to reinstall all drivers if your keyboard is completely unresponsive.
7. Click on Uninstall Device in the driver settings.
8. Right-click on the missing drivers and click Update.
9. Select “Search automatically for updated driver software”.
10. Wait for the process to complete.
11. Repeat for all Keyboard drivers.

Your keyboard should be functional again thanks to Device Manager.

Update your Dell Laptop BIOS

If your Dell laptop had a functional keyboard but it started having problems after a firmware update, then you should update your Dell laptop BIOS to fix this problem.

Performing a BIOS update is not always recommended for a locked keyboard. You should only do it if you suspect the locked keyboard to be a result of a previous BIOS update.

To update your BIOS on a Dell laptop, follow these steps.

1. Search for Bitlocker in the Windows Search.
2. Click on Manage BitLocker.
3. Select Suspend Protection.
4. Choose Yes when prompted.
5. Go to the official Dell Support website.
6. Choose the Detect PC function.
7. Select Drivers and Downloads.
8. Choose the BIOS category.
9. Download the latest version of BIOS and run the file when downloaded.
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the BIOS update.

Make sure that your laptop has enough charge, or is plugged in while performing a BIOS update.

After the update is done, try pressing keys like the ESC key or F keys on the top row and see if they respond.

Perform System Optimization

If your Dell keyboard is having problems registering various keys such as the filter keys or the function keys, then it may be due to a software issue.

Some viruses and malware can interfere with your keyboard keypresses on a software level. You can perform system optimization to try to fix this problem.

Perform a System Scan

Viruses and malware can interfere with the keyboard on Windows 10. It is recommended to perform a system scan if you are experiencing keyboard problems.

We recommend the MalwareBytes program for malware removal. Here’s how to use Malwarebytes.

1. Download Malwarebytes from their official website.
2. Run the application.
3. Run a full system scan. You should perform a deep scan at least once a month.
4. Wait for the scan to finish. This may take a while depending on the size of your drive and its health.
5. When finished, Malwarebytes will provide you with a list of all the found viruses and malware.
6. You can then choose to quarantine and delete those viruses with the click of a button.

There, you can now check if the various keys on your keyboard are responding.

Always check the Caps Lock, the Scroll Lock, the Right Shift Key, and the Number Keys to confirm if your keyboard is working properly.

Use Dell SupportAssist

You can also run Dell SupportAssist to optimize your laptop. This is a handy all-in-one tool that can fix a variety of problems.

1. On Windows 10, find the Dell SupportAssist application.
2. If your laptop does not have Dell SupportAssist, you can just download it from Dell’s website.
3. Open the application, and at its home page, click the DOWN arrow.
4. Click the Run Now option under Tune Performance.
5. Wait for the process to complete.

Check the keyboard again after you restart your Dell laptop.

Check Hardware Faults

You should also check for Hardware faults on the keyboard itself.

It is very possible that the hardware switches of the keyboard itself got damaged if you spilled a beverage on your keyboard or dropped your laptop recently.

Examine the keys with your naked eye. Test the pressing mechanism. Check if there is any debris stuck under the keys.

Drain Static Electricity from your Dell Laptop

This is a unique fix you can try to fix your malfunctioning keys.

1. Turn off your laptop using the power button.
2. Remove the battery of your laptop and unplug the charger.
3. Press and hold the power button for about 1 minute.
4. Install the battery and plug in the laptop again.
5. Power on the laptop.

If your laptop was malfunctioning due to static electricity, then this issue should be fixed now.

Restart Your Dell Laptop

A pretty straightforward method you should try first and foremost is to restart your Dell laptop.

You can also try a hard restart by removing the battery for 1 minute and then installing it again to see if that fixes anything.

Why your Dell Laptop Keyboard may be locked?

There are several reasons why your keyboard may be locked. Following are some of the common causes of a malfunctioning keyboard on a laptop.

Fn Key Lock

As mentioned before, if your Function Key is engaged then it can lock your keyboard on Windows 10.

The Function key is responsible for alternative functions, but if it is permanently engaged then it can stop the primary function of many keys.

Num Lock

The Num Lock Key is responsible for the number pad keys on the right side of your keyboard.

If your NumLock is engaged, then you won’t be able to press those number pad keys.

Outdated Keyboard Driver

The keyboard of a laptop requires its device drivers in order to function properly. If the drivers are outdated or missing, then the entire keyboard can stop functioning entirely.

Reinstalling device drivers can fix this problem as mentioned before.

Dead Wireless Keyboard Battery

If you have a wireless keyboard attached to the laptop, then a dead battery might be the reason why your keys stop working.

Many people use a wireless keyboard as an external keyboard for their laptops. If the keyboard has a low or dead battery, then it will stop responding.

Damaged Keyboard

The final cause can be a completely damaged keyboard. If you dropped your laptop or spilled any drinks on it, then there is a high chance that the keyboard is damaged completely.

The only fix in this condition would be to send the laptop back to the manufacturer for a keyboard replacement.

FAQs:

Can I replace a Dell laptop keyboard?

You can replace a Dell laptop keyboard if it is damaged by sending it back to the manufacturer. Your laptop should be under manufacturer warranty for this process to occur.

You can also replace the keyboard of your laptop yourself, but that involves a high level of expertise and you will definitely void your warranty.

How to clean a laptop keyboard?

You can clean the keyboard of a laptop yourself by using a soft brush or compressed air. A soft microfiber cloth may also be used to clean the surface of the keys.

Gently use the soft brush to clear debris from in-between the keys. A Q-Tip can also be handy in this process.

Do not use any solvents or liquid material to clean the keyboard as they can damage the circuitry of the keyboard.

How to use my Dell laptop if the keyboard is locked?

You can use your Dell laptop if the keyboard is locked by using the On Screen Keyboard. This function can be accessed from the “Ease of Access” menu of the Control Panel.

The On Screen Keyboard can provide you with all the keyboard functions you need to use your laptop. It can also be pinned to the system tray for quick access.

If you don’t want to use the On Screen Keyboard, then you can purchase an external keyboard and plug it in via a USB cable.