To unlock a keyboard in Windows 10, first hold the right Shift key for 8 seconds, or open Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and turn off Filter Keys. Filter Keys makes Windows ignore quick key presses, so the keyboard seems locked. Then check Num Lock, the Fn lock, and any keyboard lock switch, and restart your PC.
If some keys type the wrong thing, it’s usually a language or Num Lock setting, not a lock.
Applies to: Windows 10 laptops and desktops, including Dell, HP, and Lenovo. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys
- Select Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard. Use the mouse or the On-Screen Keyboard if your keyboard doesn’t work.
- Turn off Use Filter Keys.
- Turn off Use Sticky Keys too, if it’s on.
Holding the right Shift key for 8 seconds turns Filter Keys on or off. It’s easy to do by accident.
Type with the On-Screen Keyboard in the meantime
Select Start > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and turn on Use the On-Screen Keyboard. Or press Windows key + Ctrl + O.
Check the lock keys
- Num Lock: if the letters on the right side of a laptop keyboard type numbers, press Num Lock (sometimes Fn + Num Lk).
- Fn lock: if the top row changes volume instead of typing F1 to F12, press Fn + Esc or the Fn Lock key on many laptops.
- Lock switch: some older keyboards and laptops have a keyboard lock switch or key. Look for a padlock icon.
Restart and check the connection
- Restart your PC with Start > Power > Restart.
- For a USB keyboard, plug it into a different USB port, directly into the PC.
- For a wireless keyboard, replace the batteries and reconnect the receiver or Bluetooth.
A key that is physically stuck down, often Shift, Ctrl or Alt, can make the whole keyboard seem locked because every press turns into a shortcut. Press each modifier key a few times, and clean around any key that feels sticky. To see what Windows thinks is held down, open the On-Screen Keyboard: a stuck key shows as highlighted.
Reinstall the keyboard driver
- Right-click Start and select Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard, and select Uninstall device.
- Restart your PC. Windows reinstalls the keyboard.
You can also select Update driver instead. For all your drivers, see how to update all drivers on Windows 10.
Laptop keyboards by brand
- Dell: test the keyboard with SupportAssist.
- HP: test it with HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.
- Lenovo: test it with Lenovo Vantage.
The Fn lock key differs by model. Look for a padlock and Fn on a key, often Esc.
If none of this helps and an external USB keyboard works, the laptop keyboard may need repair.
Frequently asked questions
Why did my keyboard suddenly stop working?
Most often Filter Keys was turned on by holding Shift, or the keyboard lost its connection.
How do I unlock the keyboard if I can’t type my password?
Select the Ease of Access icon on the sign-in screen and turn on the On-Screen Keyboard.
My keyboard types the wrong characters. Is it locked?
No. Your keyboard layout may have changed. See how to change keyboard settings back to normal on Windows 10.
How can I tell if it’s a hardware or a Windows problem?
Restart the PC and press the key that opens the BIOS or UEFI setup, such as F2 or Delete. If the keyboard works there, the keyboard is fine and the problem is in Windows, like a setting or driver. If it doesn’t work there either, the keyboard or its connection is likely faulty.
Is it safe to use my laptop with an external keyboard instead?
Yes. A USB or Bluetooth keyboard works alongside the built-in one. It’s a good stopgap while you wait for a repair.
To type while a keyboard isn’t working, see how to open the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows 10.
To turn off a laptop’s built-in keyboard on purpose, see how to disable a laptop keyboard in Windows 10.
If everything types in capitals, see how to turn off Caps Lock in Windows 10.
If your function keys do something unexpected, see how to use function keys without pressing Fn on Windows 10.
Microsoft’s guide is Windows keyboard shortcuts for accessibility. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Related: how to keep Num Lock on in Windows 11.
Related: how to unlock your computer screen in Windows 10.
Related: turn off the Insert key in Windows 10.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.