Unlock a keyboard in Windows 10

So, you open your laptop to start working, only to find that your keyboard isn't typing. Although your first thought might be a hardware issue, there's a good chance you've accidentally enabled the keypad lock. Today we are going to show you how to perform a keypad unlock so you can get back to it.

If the keyboard is frozen in Windows 10, it could be due to hardware or software activation. Although Windows 10 doesn't technically have a keyboard lock toggle, it does let you change how long you have to hold down a key to get a response.

To check this, you can open a blank document and hold down a key for 20 seconds. If it works, then you know it's a problem with Windows 10.

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Keyboard not typing on a Lenovo, Dell or HP laptop?

However, if your Lenovo, Dell, or HP laptop is locked and holding down a key isn't working, you've probably pressed the lock key on your keyboard. We will show you how to fix this problem first.

Of course, you can also use this guide to learn how to perform a keyboard lock when you're away from your laptop. This can be very useful if your cats like to run on your keyboard or if your children often type on your keys.

Content

1

How to Lock or Unlock a Laptop Keyboard via Hotkey

2

How to Lock or Unlock a Windows Keyboard with Slow Keys

How to Lock or Unlock a Laptop Keyboard Via a Hotkey

The exact key combination to disable a keyboard lock depends on the brand of your laptop. If you want to unlock an HP laptop keyboard, for example, the layout may be slightly different from the Lenovo one we use below. However, we will teach you some tips and tricks to help you find the right combination whatever your brand.

Press your lock keyboard shortcut

The lock keyboard shortcut on a laptop is usually found on one of the F keys and is usually characterized by a keyboard icon. You may also have a padlock icon, but in some cases this locks the PC rather than your keyboard. You can check your laptop's manual if you are unsure. Once you have identified the correct F button, hold down

fn

on your keyboard, then press it. If your keyboard is still not typing, you can try the method below.

How to Lock or Unlock a Windows Keyboard with Slow Keys

If your keyboard is still frozen, it's possible someone has enabled slow keys on your PC. This setting causes your keyboard to wait up to 20 seconds after a key is pressed before accepting input. You may also hear a ticking sound when pressing the buttons.

Open settings

Press the

Dell Laptop Keyboard Locked: Dell Laptop Keyboard Locked http://t.co/2QAgHEjt

— Pav Nud Wed Sep 21 19:32:30 +0000 2011

"Start" button

, then click the settings cog, above the power button. Otherwise, press

Windows + I

.

Click on “Ease of Access”

Enable or disable Slow Keys/Filter Keys

In the Settings sidebar, find the header

"Interaction"

and click on

"Keyboard"

below. Look for the option that says

“Use Filter Keys”

. If enabled, as well as

“Enable Slow Keys…”

, that's probably your problem. Turn off the toggle to turn it off, or turn on if you want to disable the keyboard in Windows 10.

This should cover the most common keyboard issues, but if it still doesn't work, you may have a hotkey that's enabling key lag or some kind of hardware problem. If your problem isn't a full keyboard lockup but your Ctrl + Shift keys aren't working, you'll want to follow

our guide to Sticky Keys

. Once everything is settled, why not

learn how to create emojis, GIFs and more

using your keyboard in Windows 10?

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