When the keys on a keyboard don't work, it's usually due to mechanical failure. If this is the case, the keyboard needs to be replaced. However, sometimes non-functioning keys can be fixed. The following sections contain common issues and their causes, and methods to try and remedy those problems.
- Type the key on the keyboard that doesn’t respond and see if the corresponding key highlights on the Keyboard Viewer. If it does, that key is functioning correctly. If you enable the Mouse Keys feature, many keys might not respond as you expect. To turn off Mouse keys, choose Apple menu System Preferences, then click Accessibility.
- Ever have a problem on your Mac, where you can’t type the letters and numbers 7, 8, 9, U, I, O, J, K, L, and M—and maybe some others? It’s probably Mouse Keys at play, an accessibility.
Keys not working after spill Hi All, Have read many posts on the topic of spills but haven't come across one that had keys not working after a spill. Most have had sticky keys which have come good after washing/cleaning. Some portable Mac computers have a group of keys with small numbers on them that can be used as a numeric keypad. Apple update os x 10 11. To use these keys as a keypad, press the Num Lock (F6) key, or hold down the Fn key while you press the keys on the keyboard.
NoteThe steps on this page are for those whose keyboards still have some keys that work. We have a separate page for troubleshooting keyboards that have no working keys, see: Why don't any keys on my keyboard work?
One or more keys do not work
Dust, dirt, hair, and other debris can fall into the keyboard over time and obstruct a key's movement or interfere with its circuitry. Try removing the key that isn't working and clean the area under and around it.
- Computer keyboard cleaning.
You can also try blowing away any debris in the spaces between the keys using a can of compressed air.
Plex software download. If cleaning under and around the key does not fix its functionality, the circuit board in the keyboard is likely defective or damaged. A bad circuit board can cause one or more keys to no longer function properly or at all.
Function keys are not working
If the function keys are not working, the problem may be you have a function lock or F-Lock key that needs to be toggled. Macbook pro has a lock on the screen. The F-Lock key is used to turn on or off the F keys (F1 through F12) or secondary functions of the F keys.
TipSome keyboards may label the F-Lock key as the Fn key.
Keys on the number pad are not working
If the keys on the number pad don't work or are behaving oddly (e.g., moving your cursor), press the Num Lock key. Num Lock is used to switch between the primary function (numbers) and secondary functions (arrow keys, Home, Del, etc.) of the numeric keypad.
Some keys aren't used in certain programs
Some keys, such as the function keys (F1 through F12), do not work with every application. Test the key that isn't working in more than one program, such as Notepad, a word processor, and your preferred Internet browser.
Apple Keyboard A1243 Keys Not Working Together
Program or driver interference
Try rebooting your computer. It's not uncommon for a program or operating system to cause problems with a keyboard that prevents some of the keys from working. If rebooting didn't help and you're using Windows, try starting it in Safe Mode to make sure no background programs are running. If your keyboard works in Safe Mode, it's likely that one of the programs or device drivers you have installed is causing the problem.
Keyboard still does not work
Apple Keyboard A1243 Keys Not Working Windows
If you've tried all the above suggestions and one or more keys are still not working, it's likely the defective keyboard and needs to be replaced.