How to unlock Dell laptop keyboard: The simplest ways

A common problem for all Dell laptop users is a deactivated keyboard. A lot of people do not realize what are the reasons for this issue and how to solve it.

It may be because of the locked keys or an outdated keyboard driver, regardless of what type of Windows is installed on the laptop.

If your laptop keyboard is locked, do not rush to throw it away and buy a new one. There are many ways to unlock a Dell laptop keyboard and they are free.

In this article, we are going to give some instructions and your problem will be solved in a few minutes.

What causes a locked keyboard?

We discovered several reasons why a Dell laptop keyboard might not function. You need to know each of them to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

Deactivation of Numeric lock key

On a Dell laptop keyboard, a numeric lock or Num lock key is located. It is responsible for a section of numbers working.

If the number buttons do not function, then the Num lock key is turned off.

Deactivation of the Function lock key

Function lock or, in short, Fn key is one of the most important keys on a Dell laptop keyboard that is located on the left side of the button with the Windows icon.

It is responsible for the functions of the F buttons at the top of the keyboard.

Once the Fn key is accidentally locked, those F buttons do not work, and you will not be able to change some settings.

Activation of Scroll lock

Scroll lock is a system that allows the cursor to move the screen with the arrow buttons. When it is activated, you can freely scroll the screen.

The Scroll lock key or Scr lock is not available on the keyboard. That is why you need to open the on-screen keyboard and check if it is turned on or off.

Problems with a keyboard driver

The Dell laptop keyboard driver might be outmoded. You need to constantly check the expiration date of the driver because it connects the device and operating system.

That is why you should update the keyboard driver. It is one of the usual ways to fix the problem of a locked Dell keyboard.

Problems with Windows

Windows version can also be outdated and may lead to the lock of a Dell keyboard. The latest versions are the most appropriate ones, so you need to download them.

Physical damage

The situation when the Dell laptop keyboard is locked may be the consequence of physical damage. Probably your laptop was dropped or something dropped on your device.

In this case, you have to inspect the laptop and the functions of the Dell keyboard. If there is a slight problem, then you need to fix it.

Low battery

If you have a wireless keyboard, and it does not work, then probably its battery was run out.

Most Dell laptop users are careless about this. So, you should constantly check the battery energy of the keyboard.

Unlock Dell laptop keyboard – Solutions

We gathered for you several ways to unlock your keyboard. However, before you start to apply any method, define the reason for your locked keyboard. That will be much more effective.

Reboot your Dell laptop

If something is wrong with your laptop, including a keyboard lock, then you need to reload it. It is a universal solution for all issues. You can turn the laptop off with the mouse or power button.

Restarting is necessary sometimes because a laptop can be overloaded and might not function properly. This also affects the Dell keyboard.

Activate Num key

It is the easiest way to unlock if you have the Num lock key on your keyboard. You just need to click on the button, if the numbers on the right section do not work.

If there is no Num lock button, then you need to go to the settings and switch on the screen keyboard by opening it in Ease of Access.

There you can find the Num lock key and turn it on. Moreover, you can activate it in the Options.

Activate Fn key

There are 2 ways to activate the Fn key. In the first one, you have to press and hold the Fn button, then at the same time click Num lock key.

In the second one, you can press the Fn key. While holding it, click the Esc key.

Deactivate the Scr lock key

After opening the on-screen keyboard of a Dell laptop, you need to press the Scan button if it is turned on.

Update your Dell keyboard driver

As mentioned above, the driver is a very important component for hardware and operating system to be worked together. Keyboard drivers can be outmoded, so you need to update them.

To update your keyboard driver, you need to open Local Computer management and go into Device manager.

After, choose Keyboards and you can either uninstall the device, reboot the internal and external keyboard, or update the driver.

The whole process takes only a few minutes. New keyboard drivers always work fast and much better.

Update your Windows

The Dell laptop keyboard’s defects might be from the broken version of Windows. If the Dell computer is lagging and bagging, you should update it.

To upload a new version, you have to go into settings. In the options, choose Update and Security, then open Windows update. If an update is necessary, download the new Windows.

Update your BIOS

BIOS is the aggregate of microprograms, which are used to start the computer systems to operate alongside the hardware. It should be updated as well if no other solutions are effective.

To do that, you should apply to Dell support and download the latest BIOS version. For that, you need an internet connection and the process may take relatively more time.

Replace the keyboard on your Dell

In the case of physical damage to your laptop, and it does not type, you have to change the Dell keyboard.

No updates will help the damaged keyboard. The new laptop keyboard will be necessary. At the time of purchase, search for a high-quality Dell laptop keyboard.

Also, do not forget to clean the laptop of dust and dirt, which may interfere with its work. So, you should be careful and keep your device safe.

Recharge

If you have a wireless keyboard and its battery has no energy, just recharge it or change the battery of the device. Doing this constantly will keep the Dell laptop keyboard working as usual.

Conclusion

When a Dell laptop keyboard locked, it is very complicated to work and use a laptop since a keyboard is vital hardware of the device.

Nothing is permanent, so the keyboard can be locked or deteriorated.

To prevent and fix all the problems, you need to define the reason for your locked laptop keyboard first of all.

Many factors can cause issues with your Dell laptop and its components.

For instance, accidental deactivation of certain keys such as the Fn key and Num lock key, activation of Scroll lock, outmoded Dell laptop keyboard driver and Windows version, some heavy damages, and low battery energy.

To unlock keyboard you should activate the Num key and Fn key, switch off the Scr lock, update the keyboard driver, download the latest Windows and BIOS versions, recharge, and replace with the new keyboard if it is necessary.

All these solutions do not take much time and allow your Dell laptop keyboard to function for a long time. Also, you can restart your Dell laptop.

The Dell laptop keyboard is one of the most important parts of the device. You have to take care of it frequently and use all the tools to fix the problems related to the keyboard.

Follow the instructions if you have keyboard issues. We hope our given information will be useful for you.

FAQ

Why is my Dell keyboard not typing?

In the article, we have discussed several factors, which may be the reasons for your keyboard not working.
It is because of the deactivation of the Fn key and Num lock, outdated driver, Windows, and BIOS versions.
If the keyboard is wireless, most probably battery energy was run out. Damage has the worst effect on your keyboard.

How do I turn my Dell keyboard back on?

As was said before, you need to restart your Dell laptop and solve the problems of Fn, Num, and Scr locks with the help of an on-screen keyboard.
Also, you can update the software of the laptop through the device manager to unlock the keyboard.