Question:

How can I troubleshoot a keyboard compatibility issue with Windows 11?

I have an old keyboard that is defective and does not work properly on any device. I bought a new Logitech K120 keyboard, but it does not work on my PC that runs Windows 11. However, the new keyboard works fine on other devices. Interestingly, when I plug both the new and the old keyboard into my PC, they both work, although the old one still has some problems. What could be the cause of this issue and how can I fix it?

Answer:

Windows 11 is the latest operating system from Microsoft, and it comes with many new features and improvements. However, some users may encounter problems with their keyboards after upgrading to Windows 11. For example, some keyboards may not work at all, or they may work intermittently or incorrectly. This can be frustrating and affect your productivity and user experience.

If you are facing a keyboard compatibility issue with Windows 11, don’t worry. There are some possible solutions that you can try to fix it. In this article, we will explain the common causes of keyboard problems on Windows 11, and how to troubleshoot them step by step.

What causes keyboard compatibility issues on Windows 11?

There are several factors that can cause keyboard compatibility issues on Windows 11, such as:

• Faulty or loose connections: If your keyboard is external, it may not be connected properly to your PC. This can result in no response or erratic behavior from your keyboard. You should check the cable or the wireless receiver of your keyboard, and make sure they are plugged in securely and correctly.
• Outdated or corrupted drivers: Drivers are software components that enable your PC to communicate with your hardware devices. If your keyboard drivers are outdated or corrupted, they may not be compatible with Windows 11, and cause your keyboard to malfunction. You should update or reinstall your keyboard drivers to fix this issue.
• Conflicting software or settings: Some software or settings on your PC may interfere with your keyboard functionality. For example, some keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys may be assigned to other programs or functions, and prevent your keyboard from working normally. You should disable or modify any conflicting software or settings that may affect your keyboard.
• Hardware damage or wear and tear: If your keyboard is old or damaged, it may not work properly on any device, including Windows 11. Some keys may be stuck, missing, or unresponsive. You should inspect your keyboard for any physical damage or signs of wear and tear, and replace it if necessary.

How to troubleshoot keyboard compatibility issues on Windows 11?

Depending on the cause of your keyboard compatibility issue, you can try the following solutions to fix it:

• Run the troubleshooter: Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can detect and resolve common hardware and device issues. To run the troubleshooter for your keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + I to launch the Settings app. 2. Click on Troubleshoot on the right in the System tab. 3. Click on Other troubleshooters. 4. Locate and click on the Run button next to Keyboard. 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.

• Update or reinstall keyboard drivers: To update or reinstall your keyboard drivers, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + X or right-click on the Start button in the Taskbar to launch the Quick Access/Power User menu. 2. Select Device Manager from the list of options that appear. 3. Locate and double-click on Keyboards to view the devices under it. 4. Right-click on your keyboard device and select Update driver from the context menu. 5. Next, click on Search automatically for drivers from the two options that appear here in the Update drivers window. Windows will now scan for the best available driver on the system and install it. 6. If that doesn’t work, right-click on your keyboard device again and select Uninstall device from the context menu. 7. Next, tick the checkbox for Attempt to remove the driver for this device, and click on Uninstall at the bottom. 8. Restart your PC. Windows will automatically install your keyboard device upon restarting.

• Disable fast startup: Fast startup is a feature that allows your PC to boot faster by saving some system information to a file when you shut down. However, this feature may also cause some devices, including keyboards, to not work properly on Windows 11. To disable fast startup, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + S to launch the Search menu. 2. Enter Control Panel in the text field at the top and click on the relevant search result that appears. 3. Click on System and Security from the list of options. 4. Click on Power options. 5. Next, click on Choose what the power buttons do from the options listed on the left. 6. Click on Change settings that are currently unavailable at the top. 7. Uncheck the box next to Turn on fast startup (recommended) under Shutdown settings. 8. Click on Save changes at the bottom.

• Reset the keyboard: If none of the above solutions work, you can try to reset your keyboard to its default settings. To reset the keyboard, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog box. 2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor. 3. Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout. 4. Right-click on the Scancode Map entry and select Delete from the context menu. 5. Restart your PC. Your keyboard should be reset to its default settings.

Conclusion

Keyboard

compatibility issues on Windows 11 can be annoying and frustrating, but they are not impossible to fix. By following the steps above, you can troubleshoot and resolve your keyboard problems on Windows 11. However, if none of the solutions work, you may need to contact your keyboard manufacturer or Microsoft support for further assistance. We hope this article was helpful and informative. Thank you for reading.