Having a key get stuck or repeat on your laptop keyboard can be very frustrating. Thankfully, there are several things you can try to fix the issue yourself before taking more extreme measures. In this article, I will walk through the steps I take to troubleshoot and resolve stuck or repeating key problems on laptop keyboards.
Inspect the Key and Clean Out Debris
The first thing I do when encountering a stuck key is to closely inspect the key and the area around it. Oftentimes, a bit of dust, pet hair, or other debris can get lodged under or around a key, causing it to stick.
To clean around the key, I turn my laptop off and then use a can of compressed air to blow out any debris that may be trapped. I also use a small brush, like a toothbrush, to gently brush around the sides and underside of the keycap to dislodge anything stuck.
After thoroughly cleaning the area, I press the key several times to see if the sticking is resolved. This simple cleaning step fixes stuck key issues more often than you might think!
Remove the Keycap and Clean Underneath
If blowing compressed air and brushing doesn’t seem to help, the next step is to pop off the keycap and clean underneath it.
To remove a laptop key:
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Locate the retainer clips securing the keycap in place. There are usually 2-4 tiny clips that snap onto the keyboard.
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Carefully pry the keycap off, starting on one side and gently working around. Do not forcefully pull up or you may break the clips!
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Once removed, set the keycap aside in a safe place.
Now you can closely inspect the key mechanisms underneath and clean out any debris. I use compressed air and a brush again to thoroughly clean the area. Be gentle around any movable parts or springs under the key.
Once clean, carefully snap the keycap back into place, making sure the retainer clips click in on all sides. Check to see if this resolved the sticking key.
Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
If cleaning does not work, the next thing to try is updating your keyboard drivers. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause keys to stick or misbehave.
To update drivers on Windows:
- Open Device Manager
- Expand the “Keyboards” section
- Right click on your keyboard device and select “Update driver”
- Select “Search automatically…” and follow the prompts
On Macs, you can often fix keyboard issues by deleting ~/Library/Preferences/com.apple.keyboardtype.plist and restarting. This resets keyboard settings.
Reinstalling drivers often resolves sticky key problems caused by software, not hardware.
Use a Can of Electronic Contact Cleaner
When all else fails, using an electronic contact cleaner spray can help dissolve built-up grime and restore sticky keys to working order. Make sure the product is safe for plastics before using on a laptop keyboard.
To use, turn the laptop off and disconnect power. Spray a small amount of cleaner underneath the key, working the key several times to penetrate the cleaner. Let it sit for a few minutes before reconnecting and testing the key. The cleaning agents in the spray can break up debris and buildup that might be causing the sticking.
When to Take It to a Professional
If you’ve tried all the above steps thoroughly and the key still sticks, fails to register, or repeats, the underlying keyboard mechanism may be damaged. At this point, it’s best to take your laptop to a repair shop to have the keyboard replaced. Replacing a built-in laptop keyboard can be tricky.
Stuck keys are a common laptop keyboard problem, but they can often be resolved with a little cleaning and troubleshooting. Just be slow and gentle when removing laptop keys to avoid damaging the delicate mechanisms underneath. With a bit of patience, you can usually get those sticky keys working again!
