If your keyboard is typing the wrong characters in Windows 10, there are several potential causes and solutions you can explore to resolve the issue. Here are some steps to help you fix keyboard typing issues:
1. Check Language Settings:
- Open the “Settings” app (
Win + I
). - Go to “Time & Language” and then “Region & language.”
- Ensure that the correct language and keyboard layout are selected. Add or remove languages as needed.
2. Check Keyboard Layout:
- Ensure that your keyboard layout matches the physical layout of your keyboard. For example, if you have a US keyboard, make sure the layout is set to “United States.”
3. Restart Your Computer:
- A simple restart can sometimes resolve temporary glitches. Restart your computer and see if the issue persists.
4. Check for Num Lock and Caps Lock:
- Ensure that the Num Lock and Caps Lock keys on your keyboard are not activated unintentionally. Press them to toggle their states and see if that resolves the problem.
5. Update or Roll Back Keyboard Drivers:
- Open “Device Manager” (right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager”).
- Expand the “Keyboards” section.
- Right-click on your keyboard device and choose “Update driver.”
- Try updating the driver automatically. If the issue persists, you can also try rolling back the driver to a previous version.
6. Use the On-Screen Keyboard:
- Open the On-Screen Keyboard (
Win + Ctrl + O
) to see if the physical keyboard and the on-screen keyboard display the correct characters. If the on-screen keyboard works fine, the issue may be with the physical keyboard.
7. Check for Malware:
- Perform a full system scan for malware using your antivirus software. Malware can sometimes interfere with keyboard input.
8. Try a Different USB Port:
- If you are using a USB keyboard, try connecting it to a different USB port. Sometimes, issues with the USB port can cause keyboard problems.
9. Test the Keyboard on Another Computer:
- If possible, connect the keyboard to another computer to see if the issue persists. This helps determine whether the problem is with the keyboard or the computer.
10. System File Checker (SFC) Scan:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type
sfc /scannow
and press Enter. - Allow the scan to complete and fix any corrupted system files.
11. Check for Windows Updates:
- Make sure your operating system is up to date. Windows updates may include fixes for keyboard-related issues.
12. Restore to a Previous System Restore Point:
- If the issue started recently, you can use System Restore to revert your system to a state when the keyboard was working correctly.
If none of the above solutions resolve the problem, there may be a hardware issue with your keyboard, and you might need to consider replacing it. If your computer is under warranty, you may want to contact the manufacturer for assistance.