Fix Enter Key Not Working on Windows PC

Summary

  • Check for physical obstructions or debris around the Enter key and clean it carefully.
  • Restart your system and test the Enter key.
  • Update or reinstall your keyboard driver in the Device Manager.
  • Try using an external keyboard or the on-screen keyboard to see if the issue is with the hardware of your computer keyboard.

Is your Enter key not working on your Windows PC? It can be frustrating when you can’t use this essential key. Let’s explore some potential solutions to fix this issue.

Check for physical obstructions or debris around the enter key and clean it carefully.

Restart Your System

After the system restarts, test the Enter key to see if it is now functioning properly. If the issue persists, it may be related to a software or driver problem.

You can try updating your keyboard driver in the Device Manager. Right-click on the Start button, select “Device Manager,” expand the “Keyboards” section, right-click on your keyboard, and select “Update driver.”

If the problem still persists, you can try using an external keyboard to see if the issue is with the hardware of your computer keyboard.

The only thing that stops you from pressing the enter key is yourself.

Check Keyboard on Other Devices

To determine if the issue with the Enter key not working is specific to your Windows PC or if it’s a problem with the keyboard itself, try using the keyboard on another device. Connect the keyboard to a different computer or laptop and test the Enter key to see if it functions properly. If the key works on another device, the issue may be related to your Windows PC.

Adjust Keyboard Layout/Settings

To adjust keyboard layout and settings on your Windows PC, start by checking if the issue is with the physical keyboard itself. Try using an external keyboard or the on-screen keyboard to see if the problem persists. If the issue is with the keyboard layout, you can easily change it in the settings.

To adjust the keyboard layout, go to the Control Panel and select “Clock, Language, and Region.” Then, click on “Change input methods” and select the desired keyboard layout under the “Input method” section.

If the issue is with the keyboard settings, you can adjust them by going to the “Ease of Access” settings. Open the Control Panel, click on “Ease of Access,” and then select “Change how your keyboard works.” Here, you can adjust settings such as filter keys, sticky keys, and toggle keys.

If the Enter key is still not working after adjusting the keyboard layout and settings, you may need to check for any driver updates or run a troubleshooter for keyboard issues in the Windows settings.

Reinstall Your Keyboard Driver

If your Enter key isn’t working on your Windows PC, it may be due to a problem with your keyboard driver. To fix this issue, you can try reinstalling the keyboard driver.

First, go to the Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Device Manager” from the context menu. Then, expand the “Keyboards” section and right-click on your keyboard device. Select “Uninstall device” to remove the keyboard driver from your system.

Next, restart your computer to allow Windows to reinstall the keyboard driver automatically. If the driver is not automatically reinstalled, you can manually install it by going to the manufacturer’s website and downloading the latest driver for your keyboard model. Once downloaded, double-click the driver file to install it on your system.

After reinstalling the keyboard driver, test your Enter key to see if it’s working properly. If the issue persists, you may need to consider other potential causes such as hardware failure or software conflicts.

Update Keyboard Driver Manually

To update the keyboard driver manually on your Windows PC, you can follow these steps. First, go to the Device Manager by pressing the Windows key + X and selecting “Device Manager” from the context menu. Then, locate and expand the “Keyboards” category. Right-click on your keyboard and select “Update driver.” Choose “Browse my computer for drivers” and then “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.” Select the latest driver from the list and click “Next” to install it.

If you’re prompted to restart your computer, do so. After the restart, check if the Enter key is now working properly. If not, you may need to consider other potential issues such as hardware problems or software conflicts. Keep in mind that updating the keyboard driver manually can sometimes resolve issues with keyboard functionality, but it may not always be the solution. If you continue to experience problems, it may be best to seek professional assistance or alternative troubleshooting methods.

Update Keyboard Driver Automatically

To update your keyboard driver automatically on a Windows PC, you can use the Device Manager tool. First, press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu. Then, expand the “Keyboards” section and right-click on your keyboard device. Select “Update driver” from the dropdown menu. Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update process.

If the automatic update doesn’t work, you can also visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest driver for your keyboard. Simply search for your keyboard model and download the driver from the official website. Once downloaded, double-click the file to install the updated driver.

Updating your keyboard driver can often fix issues like the Enter key not working on your Windows PC, so it’s worth trying this solution if you’re experiencing this problem.

Disable Sticky and Filter Keys

To fix the issue of the Enter key not working on your Windows PC, you can try disabling Sticky and Filter Keys. These accessibility features may be causing the problem. To disable Sticky Keys, press the Shift key five times in quick succession and then click “Settings” in the dialog box that appears. Uncheck the box next to “Turn on Sticky Keys” and click “Apply.” To disable Filter Keys, go to the Control Panel, then Ease of Access, and select “Change how your keyboard works.” Uncheck the box next to “Turn on Filter Keys” and click “Apply.” Restart your computer to see if the issue is resolved.

If you are still experiencing issues with your Enter key, you may need to consider other potential factors such as hardware or driver problems. If the problem persists, it may be best to seek professional help or contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Clean Your Keyboard Thoroughly

After that, you can use a soft, slightly damp cloth to wipe down the keys and the surface of the keyboard. Be sure to dry it thoroughly before reconnecting it to your computer. If the issue persists after cleaning, it may be a sign of a more serious hardware or software problem, and you may need to seek professional help or consider replacing the keyboard.

Check for Malware or Virus

To ensure that the Enter key issue is not caused by malware or a virus, run a full scan of your Windows PC using a reliable antivirus software. This will help to identify and remove any potential threats that could be affecting the functionality of your keyboard. Additionally, update your antivirus software to ensure it is equipped to detect the latest threats. It’s also important to keep your operating system up to date by running Windows Update to patch any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware. If the issue persists after checking for malware and updating your system, it may be a hardware issue and you may need to consult a professional for further diagnosis and repair.

Use an External or Onscreen Keyboard

If your Enter key is not working on your Windows PC, you can try using an external or onscreen keyboard as a temporary solution. First, try connecting an external USB keyboard to your computer. Once connected, test if the Enter key works on the external keyboard. If it does, then the issue may be with your computer keyboard itself.

If using an external keyboard resolves the problem, you may need to replace or repair your computer keyboard. On the other hand, if the Enter key still does not work with the external keyboard, there may be a deeper issue related to your computer’s hardware or device drivers.

In this case, it’s recommended to check for Windows updates and install any available updates. You can also try updating your device drivers to see if that resolves the issue. If the problem persists, it may be best to consult a professional to diagnose and fix the issue with your computer’s hardware or software.