7 Ways to Fix Dell Laptop Keys When They Aren't Working

Are the keys on your Dell laptop not working properly? Fortunately, many keyboard problems can be fixed at home. Most professional repairs involve replacing the entire keyboard, so it's worth taking a few minutes to identify possible alternatives. If your laptop is still under warranty, contact Dell customer support to see if a free or reduced-price repair is available. In this article, we'll go over how to repair Dell keyboard keys, featuring expert tips from computer and phone repair specialists, Mobile Kangaroo.

Ways to Fix Dell Laptop Keys

Clean under the keys with compressed air or a gentle vacuum.
Use the SupportAssist diagnostic and reinstall the keyboard drivers before trying more drastic measures.
Remove the key and replace the membrane or retaining clip if they are broken or worn out.

Method 1

Method 1 of 7:

Cleaning Under the Keys

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1
Turn off and unplug your computer. This reduces the chance of damage to you and your computer.
- Dirt and debris under your laptop keys is the most common reason a key stops working properly.
2
Remove the key cap. To do this, wedge a small, flat-head screwdriver under the key cap and gently pry it off. You may need to repeat this several times on different corners of the key cap to remove it fully.
- Use light pressure only. If the key doesn't pop out, try a different corner.
- To remove larger keys, such as the Shift key and Space bar, lever from the top of the key (the side nearest the laptop screen).
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According to Mobile Kangaroo, dirt and debris can cause the key to stick.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Interview} Remove small objects with a pair of tweezers. Remove loose dust or animal fur with compressed air or a gentle vacuum cleaner hose attachment.
If you've spilled materials on the keyboard, remove the residue with a lint-free cloth. Dampen the cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol and wipe the sticky area gently. Leave the key cap off until the rubbing alcohol has fully evaporated and the area is dry.

Method 2

Method 2 of 7:

Running the SupportAssist Diagnostic

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1
Open SupportAssist. To do this, type SupportAssist in the taskbar search bar, then click on SupportAssist in the Start menu that pops up.
- SupportAssist can help you determine if the key is actually broken on your keyboard or if it's a software issue. You can also use this tool to diagnose performance issues.
This button is at the top of the screen.
It's under the "Take care of your PC with these tools" header, in the top row.
This option is under the "I want to troubleshoot my PC" dropdown. If this menu isn't expanded, expand it before clicking I want to check a specific piece of hardware.
It's under the "Other Devices" header. You'll likely have to scroll to find this section.
The SupportAssist diagnostic will let you know if the key you pressed was actually pressed.^{[2]
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Research source} If the key works in the SupportAssist diagnostic, it's likely a software issue causing certain keys not to work. If the key doesn't work in the SupportAssist diagnostic, you'll need to try one of the other methods in this article to get the key working again.

Method 3

Method 3 of 7:

Reinstalling Keyboard Drivers

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1
Open Device Manager. The easiest way to do this is to type device manager into the taskbar search bar and click Device Manager in the Start menu that pops up.
- If your keyboard isn't working properly, forcing your laptop to reinstall drivers can help fix the issue, as long as it's not a hardware problem.
The list of options is sorted alphabetically, so the Keyboards menu will be near the middle of the list.
If you've never used a USB keyboard on your device, you should only see one option here. Look for a device that says "HID Keyboard Device."
In the pop-up, check the box next to "Attempt to remove the driver for this device."
The device and its drivers will be uninstalled from your computer.
When your computer restarts, it will automatically reinstall the drivers for your keyboard.^{[3]
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Research source} You can now test out your keyboard to see if it works. If it still isn't working, try one of the methods below to repair the keyboard key.

Method 4

Method 4 of 7:

Repairing a Stuck or Nonfunctional Key

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1
Turn off and unplug your computer. This reduces the chance of damage to you and your computer.
- Note: Attempting to repair your own keyboard can void your warranty. If you are still under warranty and want Dell to replace your laptop's keyboard, jump to Contacting Dell below.
2
Lever out the key with a screwdriver. Remove the stuck key with a small, flat-head screwdriver. Start by lifting each corner of the key, listening and feeling for a snap as it unhooks. Repeat with each corner until the key is removed, after two to four snaps.
- Use light pressure only. If the key doesn't pop out, try a different corner.
- To remove larger keys, such as the Shift key and Space bar, lever from the top of the key (the side nearest the laptop screen).
The retaining clip, most often made of white plastic, consists of two thin, square objects hooked together. These should be firmly attached to the keyboard and to each other. If they are not, remove the clip by gently twisting the corners free with a screwdriver.
4
Check the silicone rubber membrane. This nipple-shaped membrane sits beneath the center of the key. Confirm that it is standing up, and try to depress it with a very gentle touch from a clean, soft object. If it sticks in the down position instead of popping back up, it needs cleaning or replacement.
- Do not touch it with a dirty or sharp object. This part of the keyboard is easily damaged.
- Clean with a lint-free cloth dampened slightly with rubbing alcohol. Pat with extreme care and wait for it to dry.
5
Glue down a new membrane. Before you begin, realize that this is a risky fix and could ruin the key if you use too much glue. For a more reliable repair, take the keyboard to a computer repair professional to have the entire keyboard replaced. If you do decide to try this yourself, do so as follows:
- Very carefully remove a membrane from a key you don't use by levering it off with a sharp knife.^{[4]
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  Research source} It is very easy to damage the membrane this way, but this is usually your only source of replacement membranes.
- Use a toothpick to place a dab of strong glue, such as silicone adhesive, onto a sheet of paper.
- Pick up the membrane with tweezers and lower it onto the sheet of paper, then transfer it onto the keyboard.
- Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or according to adhesive label instructions.
- Reattach the retainer and key cap on top of this, and let it sit for another 20 minutes before using.

Method 5

Method 5 of 7:

Reinstalling the Retaining Clip

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1
Examine the pieces for breaks. The retaining clip is made out of two pieces. The larger square or U shape fits onto the keyboard base and the key cap. The smaller piece, with a circular hole in the center, fits onto a small tab on the keyboard base. The two pieces fit together with two small tabs, one on either side of the smaller piece. If one of these pieces is missing or broken, order a replacement key or retaining clip for your exact keyboard model. If both pieces seem intact, continue to the next step.
- Before ordering a replacement key, make sure it includes a retaining clip. These are also sold as "hinges."
- Alternatively, carefully detach a clip from a key you don't use as often, and reattach it to the broken key.
- On some models, the tabs are separate pieces. If they fall out, you can slot them back in with a pair of tweezers.
- Note: Attempting to repair your own keyboard can void your warranty. If you are still under warranty and want Dell to replace your laptop's keyboard, jump to Contacting Dell below.
Even on the same keyboard, different retaining clips may be arranged in a different way. Lift an adjacent key cap the same size as the key you're replacing, by levering up the corners. Examine the exposed retaining clip as you repair the key. This will make it much easier to figure out how each piece slots in.
3
Fit the larger piece onto the keyboard. On some models, you'll need to squeeze the larger piece's sides in order to fit it into the slots on the keyboard base. Do this before attaching the two pieces together. Once attached to the keyboard base, you should be able to lift the piece a short distance.
- Only one side of this piece attaches to the keyboard.
Hold the smaller piece with the concave side facing down — or feel the piece until you find a groove, and keep that side face down. Lower it onto the tabs on the keyboard base until they hook onto the retention clip's groove.
5
Fit the two pieces together. Look for the two pins on the side of the smaller clip. Gently press these into the sides of the larger clip until the two pieces are attached.
- Using too much force here will break your retaining clip.
Hook the key cap back over the retaining clip. Press down until you hear two snaps and the key remains firmly attached.

Method 6

Method 6 of 7:

Repairing a Loose Key

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1
Turn off your computer. Unplug it as well. Repairing a keyboard is not dangerous, but it's always a good idea to take these precautions before you repair a computer.
- Note: Attempting to repair your own keyboard can void your warranty. If you are still under warranty and want Dell to replace your laptop's keyboard, jump to Contacting Dell below.
Mobile Kangaroo says laptop keys can be carefully popped off the keyboard.^{[5]
X
Expert Source

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Interview} Most loose keys should come away easily, with some gentle wiggling to unhook them from the retaining clip. If necessary, lever out the key cap from the corners with a flat-head screwdriver.
3
Check the attachment points on the key. The base of the key cap should have up to four attachment points, where the key clips onto the keyboard below. Look closely for signs of a broken attachment. Continue on to one of the steps below, depending on what you see.
- If you're not sure, remove a functional key of the same size by gently levering out each corner with a screwdriver. Compare the attachment points on the two keys.
4
Replace a broken key cap. If the attachment points are broken, you will need a new key. Purchase one online, making sure it matches your laptop model and the location of the attachment points. To put in the new key, hook one attachment point onto the keyboard, then rub your finger over the key until you hear two loud snaps, one at each end of the key.
- Alternatively, remove a key of the same size that you rarely use. Place it in the former key's position.
5
Fix the metal bar on the large keys. The space bar and ⇧ Shift keys are held flat by a metal bar. If this bar is not flat, you may need to re-attach it to the small plastic hooks on the keyboard. The bar should run along the lower end of the key, with the short arms running up the left and right sides and onto the hooks. Once the bar is reattached, press the key cap over it and test it.
- Once the bar is out of place, it often continues to have minor problems or has a tendency to slip out of place again. Consider buying a replacement keyboard for your laptop or having it repaired at a computer repair store.
- If you are installing a replacement for one of these keys, the replacement will come with its own bar. Remove the old bar first by gently levering it upward with a flat screwdriver.^{[6]
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  Research source}
Loose keys are almost always caused by damage to the key cap itself or the metal bar of large keys. If you're certain the key cap is in good condition, read the section on stuck keys below. This covers damage due to spills, broken retaining clips, or a damaged membrane.

Method 7

Method 7 of 7:

Contacting Dell

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You can find this page on Dell's website. This page will automatically detect the Dell device you're using, but you can also select the device manually if necessary.
Check the bottom of your laptop for a sticker listing the service tag, express service code, and manufacturing date. If you have the service code for your laptop, type it into the service code field and click Submit. If you can't find it, click I don't have it.
You'll be brought to a page that asks you to pick your issue from the dropdown. Once you've selected Keyboard, click Next to move to the next screen.
If your laptop is still within warranty, you may be able to get all or part of the repair for free. Otherwise, you can choose to start a web chat with an agent to get a service quote, or you can send a service request email.^{[7]
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Research source}

Expert Q&A

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Question

What do you do when the keys on your laptop stop working?

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.

Mobile Kangaroo

Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

Expert Answer

Sometimes an unresponsive key is just dirty and can be carefully popped off, cleaned, and restored. If that doesn't work, a full keyboard replacement may be necessary.

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Question

The number 2 key has the @ sign on the top, but when I try to get the @ sign, a " is shown. How can this be corrected?

Community Answer

Make sure the language on your Windows OS is the same as for the keyboard, or change the keyboard.

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Question

I have a Dell Inspiron laptop and my numeric keys (only 0-9 numbers) do not work, but the other keys are working properly - how do I resolve this problem?

Community Answer

First make sure your number lock ("NumLk") is off. If it is, you may need to take it in for repairs.

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Tips

Use an extra-fine paint pen or paintbrush to re-letter a worn key.

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In some repair guides, the retaining clip is referred to as a scissor support bar.

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If you have many keys missing, consider buying and installing an entirely new Dell keyboard. Make sure that you buy a keyboard that matches the exact make and model of your laptop.

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Warnings

Take extreme care when removing the membrane under the key. A damaged membrane is much harder to fix than just a damaged key.

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Trying to fix your laptop yourself may void your warranty. If you are not sure that you'll be able to fix it yourself or feel that the risk is too high, consider hiring a laptop repair professional. If your laptop is still under warranty, contact Dell customer service.

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