Keyboard Troubleshooting and Usage: The Definitive Guide
Zusammenfassung:See the Suggested Quick Fixes for a desktop or laptop keyboard not working and the keyboard troubleshooting sections for help with resolving your keyboard issues.
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Locate the wireless USB receiver that came with your keyboard.
NOTE:
When buying a keyboard or mouse with a computer:
Look in every compartment of the box that the device came in. The wireless USB receiver is small and can be overlooked. The receiver has an informational tag that is attached to help you locate the receiver. See Figure 1 to see the size and shape of the receiver.
When buying a keyboard or mouse separately from a computer:
The wireless USB receiver is under the keyboard when buying a keyboard or keyboard-mouse combination and under the mouse when purchased separately. The receiver has an informational tag that is attached to help you locate the receiver. See Figure 2 for the typical location, size, and shape of the receiver.
Figure 1: Wireless Receive
Figure 2: Wireless Receiver Location in Packaging
When you cannot locate your wireless receiver after you have unpacked the devices, some mice and keyboards have a place to store the wireless receiver. Look under the mouse buttons where the batteries are or in the battery compartment on the keyboard.
Ensure that the keyboard is turned on.
NOTE: The power switch can be in one of several locations. See the Dell article 133505, Manuals and Documentation for your Dell Product for information about how to locate, and download, or view the manual for your Dell device to locate the power switch.
Insert the wireless USB receiver, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3: Wireless USB Receiver Insertion
NOTES:
The receiver only goes in one way. When the connector does not seem to fit, adjust the angle, or flip it over.
When using the receiver that came with the keyboard, no driver or configuration is needed for the keyboard to work.
Your receiver and keyboard may have a connect button; if so, press the connect button on the receiver and on the bottom of the keyboard. See the example in Figure 4. Figure 4: Wireless Keyboard Connect Button Location
Look at the connector on the end of the USB keyboard cable.
Look for a matching port and USB symbol on the laptop. For more information, see Figure 1.
Figure 1: USB Port Locations
NOTES:
The connector only goes in one way. When the connector does not seem to fit, adjust the angle, or flip it over.
No driver or configuration is needed for the keyboard to work.
Select the tab below that matches the Operating System that is installed on your computer. Follow the steps to ensure that the settings are correct to prevent the cursor from moving around erratically while typing.
NOTE: For more information, see the Microsoft article Touch and Keyboard.
In the Search box, type main.cpl.
Touch or click main.cpl in the list of programs.
Touch or click the Dell Touchpad tab.
NOTES:
When the Dell Touchpad tab is not listed, it means one of two things:
The utility is not installed. In that case, see the Dell article Drivers and Downloads FAQs for more information about downloading drivers. The Dell Touchpad Driver or Utility is listed under Mouse, Keyboard & Input Devices.
That your newer computer has a Precision Touchpad, to determine whether your computer has the Precision Touchpad, see the Dell article How to Use the Precision Touchpad Features in Windows 8(8.1) and 10, and then see the "The Cursor Moves Around Erratically While Typing on the Laptop Keyboard" section for instructions on how to change the settings, when necessary.
Touch or click the image of the touchpad.
Touch or click Sensitivity.
Ensure that there is a checkmark in the Turn On box to the right of Touch Guard.
Move the circle under Touch Guard all the way to the right (this can always be adjusted back if the setting is too high).
Touch or click Save.
Touch or click the X in the upper-right corner to close the Dell Touchpad Utility.
Touch or click OK on the Mouse Properties window.
Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
In the Search box, type main.cpl.
Click or touch main.cpl in the list of programs.
Click or touch the Dell Touchpad or Cypress Trackpad tab.
NOTES:
When the Dell Touchpad or Cypress Trackpad tab is not listed, it means one of two things:
The utility is not installed. In that case, see the Dell article Drivers and Downloads FAQs for more information about downloading drivers. The Dell Touchpad or Cypress Trackpad Driver or Utility is listed under Mouse, Keyboard & Input Devices.
That your newer computer has a Precision Touchpad, to determine whether your computer has the Precision Touchpad, see the Dell article How to Use the Precision Touchpad Features in Windows 8(8.1) and 10, and see the "The Cursor Moves Around Erratically While Typing on the Laptop Keyboard" section for instructions on how to change the settings, when necessary.
Ensure that there is a checkmark in the Turn On box to the right of Touch Guard.
Move the circle under Touch Guard all the way to the right (this can always be adjusted back if the setting is too high).
Touch or click Save.
Touch or click the X in the upper-right corner to close the Dell Touchpad or Cypress Trackpad Utility.
Touch or click OK on the Mouse Properties window.
Press the Windows () key.
In the Search box, type main.cpl.
Touch or click main.cpl in the list of programs.
Touch or click the Dell Touchpad tab.
NOTE: When the Dell Touchpad tab is not listed, it means that the utility is not installed. See the Dell article Drivers and Downloads FAQs for more information about downloading drivers. The Dell Touchpad Driver or Utility is listed under Mouse, Keyboard & Input Devices.
Touch or click the image of the touchpad.
Touch or click Sensitivity or Touchpad Settings.
Ensure that there is a checkmark in the Turn On or Enable box next to Touch Guard, Palm Check, or TouchCheck.
Move the Touch Guard, Palm Check, or TouchCheck slider all the way to the right (this can always be adjusted back if the setting is too high).
The test determines if the keyboard is detected at a hardware level below the Operating System. When it is detected, it means that the operating system or installed software is preventing the keyboard from working. You can use a restore point to return the operating system to a previous state when the keyboard worked (in Windows 11 or Windows 10, it is called refreshing the operating system). If that does not work, you may need to reinstall your operating system. For more information, see the Dell article How To Restore or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell Computer.
When an error is reported during the test, write down the error and the validation code as seen. Then on another Internet device, browse to the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check page to submit the issue.
Ensure to perform the test on the keyboard that is having the issue.
For laptops that have a numeric keypad on the right side, it is by default turned on. When it is off, no numbers appear when the keys are pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.
Some laptops simulate a numeric keypad by using dual-purpose keys. When the Number Lock Key is active, numbers appear instead of letters when pressed. Press the num lock key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.
Unplug everything except the power cable, including the following:
Speakers
Printers
Scanners
USB devices
USB flash drive or other external storage devices
External monitor
External keyboard
External mouse
When your computer is attached to a docking station, undock it.
Turn the computer back on and retest the keyboard. When the keyboard does work correctly, attach one device at a time, and test the keyboard to see which device may have caused the issue.
Ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version. For more information, see the Dell article Dell BIOS Updates.
When the keyboard still only works intermittently, see the instructions below that best match the issue you are having:
When a specific key is not working or sticks, turn off the computer and use a can of compressed air to clean around the problem key and then retest the keyboard. For more information, see the How to Clean Your Keyboard section.
When the issue only occurs in a specific application program, test the keyboard in another application program, such as Notepad. If the problem only occurs in a specific program, you must troubleshoot that specific program.
When you have software that may change how the keyboard operates, uninstall or disable it, including:
Keyboard macro programs
External gaming keyboard software or drivers
KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch software
Try an external wired USB, wireless USB, or Bluetooth keyboard when available, to test if it responds correctly.
When your computer has a touch screen, the On-Screen Keyboard can be used until issues on your keyboard are resolved.
When at the login-in screen, touch the Ease of Access icon , and then touch On-Screen Keyboard.
From within Windows, touch or click the On-Screen Keyboard icon (located in the lower right corner).
Run diagnostics on your keyboard, you can run the online version or integrated diagnostics (you need an external keyboard that is attached to start the diagnostics).
The test determines if the keyboard is detected at a hardware level below the Operating System. When it is detected, it means that the operating system or installed software is preventing the keyboard from working. You can use a restore point to return the operating system to a previous state when the keyboard worked (in Windows 11 or Windows 10, it is called refreshing the operating system). If that does not work, you may need to reinstall your operating system. For more information, see the Dell article How To Restore or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell Computer.
When an error is reported during the test, write down the error and the validation code as seen. Then on another Internet device, browse to the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check page to submit the issue.
Ensure to perform the test on the keyboard that is having the issue.
Reseat the USB cable into the computer.
Ensure that the Number Lock Key is set correctly.
NOTE: The numeric keypad on a desktop keyboard is by default turned on. When it is off, no numbers appear when the keys are pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.
For more information about where the Number Lock Key is, see the documentation that came with the keyboard or browse to the Keyboard and Mouse Manual page for the manual.
Turn off the computer.
Unplug any nonessential devices, including the following:
Speakers
Printers
Scanners
USB devices
USB flash drive or other external storage devices
Ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version. For more information, see the Dell article Dell BIOS Updates.
Turn the computer back on and retest the keyboard. When the keyboard does work correctly, attach one device at a time, and test the keyboard to see which device may have caused the issue.
When the keyboard still only works intermittently, see the instructions below that best match the issue you are having:
When a specific key is not working or sticks, turn off the computer and use a can of compressed air to clean around the problem key and then retest the keyboard. For more information, see the How to Clean Your Keyboard section.
When the issue only occurs in a specific application program, test the keyboard in another application program, such as Notepad. If the problem only occurs in a specific program, you must troubleshoot that specific program.
When you have software that may change how the keyboard operates, uninstall or disable it, including:
Keyboard macro programs
External gaming keyboard software or drivers
KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch software
Try another wired USB, wireless USB, or Bluetooth keyboard when available, to test if it responds correctly.
Run diagnostics on your keyboard. You can run the online version or integrated diagnostics (you need a known good keyboard that is attached to start the diagnostics).
The test determines if the keyboard is detected at a hardware level below the Operating System. When it is detected, it means that the operating system or installed software is preventing the keyboard from working. You can use a restore point to return the operating system to a previous state when the keyboard worked (in Windows 11 or Windows 10, it is called refreshing the operating system). If that does not work, you may need to reinstall your operating system. For more information, see the Dell article How To Restore or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell Computer.
When an error is reported during the test, write down the error and the validation code as seen. Then on another Internet device, browse to the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check page to submit the issue.
Ensure to perform the test on the keyboard that is having the issue.
Ensure to use the wireless USB receiver that came with your wireless keyboard. Using another receiver may mean it uses another technology, that is not compatible with the mouse. For more information about the latest technology offered by Dell, see the Dell article How to use the Dell Universal Pairing For products that are labeled Logitech , browse to the Logitech Downloads Site for drivers and software.
NOTE:
When buying a keyboard or mouse with a computer:
Look in every compartment of the box that the devices came in. The wireless USB receiver is small and can be overlooked. The receiver has an informational tag that is attached to help you locate the receiver. See Figure 1 to see the size and shape of the receiver.
When buying a keyboard or mouse separately from a computer:
The wireless USB receiver is under the keyboard when buying a keyboard or keyboard-mouse combination and under the mouse when purchased separately. The receiver has an informational tag that is attached to help you locate the receiver. See Figure 2 for the typical location, size, and shape of the receiver.
Figure 1: Wireless Receive
Figure 2: Wireless Receiver Location in Packaging
When you cannot locate your wireless receiver after you have unpacked the devices, some mice and keyboards have a place to store the wireless receiver. Look under the mouse buttons where the batteries are or in the battery compartment on a keyboard, but they are not shipped in those locations.
Reinsert the batteries or install fresh batteries. For more information about how to install the batteries, see the document that came with the wireless keyboard or browse to the Keyboard and Mouse Manual page for the manual.
Ensure that the keyboard is within 10 feet (3 meters) of the computer.
Reseat the wireless USB receiver into the USB port.
Ensure that the keyboard is turned on. See Figure 3 for an example of what the power button may look like. For more information about where the power switch is, see the document that came with the wireless keyboard or browse to the Keyboard and Mouse Manual page for the manual. Figure 3: Power Button Example
Ensure that the Number Lock Key is set correctly.
NOTE: The numeric keypad on a desktop keyboard is by default turned on, but when it is off, no numbers appear when the keys are pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.
For more information about where the Number Lock Key is, see the documentation that came with the wireless keyboard or browse to the Keyboard and Mouse Manual page for the manual.
Save any data, close any open programs, and restart the computer.
Your receiver and keyboard may have a connect button. If so, press the connect button on the receiver and on the bottom of the keyboard. See Figure 4 for an example. Figure 4: Wireless Keyboard Connect Button Location
Ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version. For more information, see the Dell article Dell BIOS Updates.
When the keyboard still only works intermittently, see the instructions below that best match the issue you are having:
When a specific key is not working or sticks, turn off the computer and use a can of compressed air to clean around the problem key and then retest the keyboard. For more information, see the How to Clean Your Keyboard section.
When the issue only occurs in a specific application program, test the keyboard in another application program, such as Notepad. If the problem only occurs in a specific program, you must troubleshoot that specific program.
When you have software that may change how the keyboard operates, uninstall or disable it, including:
Keyboard macro programs
External gaming keyboard software or drivers
KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch software
Try the wireless USB receiver in another USB port on the computer. A notice that drivers are being installed may appear; if so, wait until a message that the drivers were installed before using the keyboard.
NOTE: When using a wireless USB keyboard with a connect button, ensure to press the connect button on the receiver and on the bottom of the keyboard again.
Try another external wired USB or wireless USB keyboard and receiver when available. A notice that drivers are being installed may appear; if so, wait until a message that the drivers were installed before using the keyboard.
NOTE: When using a wireless USB keyboard with a connect button, ensure to press the connect button on the receiver and on the bottom of the keyboard again.
Run diagnostics on your keyboard, you can run the online version or integrated diagnostics (you need a known good keyboard that is attached to start the diagnostics).
The test determines if the keyboard is detected at a hardware level below the Operating System. When it is detected, it means that the operating system or installed software is preventing the keyboard from working. You can use a restore point to return the operating system to a previous state when the keyboard worked (in Windows 11 or Windows 10, it is called refreshing the operating system). If that does not work, you may need to reinstall your operating system. For more information, see the Dell article How To Restore or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell Computer.
When an error is reported during the test, write down the error and the validation code as seen. Then on another Internet device, browse to the SupportAssist Pre-Boot System Performance Check page to submit the issue.
Ensure to perform the test on the keyboard that is having the issue.
Reinsert the batteries or install fresh batteries. For more information about how to install the batteries, see the documentation that came with the Bluetooth keyboard or browse to the Keyboard and Mouse Manual page for the manual.
Ensure that the keyboard is within 10 feet (3 meters) of the computer.
Ensure that the keyboard is turned on; see Figure 1 for an example of what the power button may look like. For more information about where the power switch is, see the documentation that came with the wireless keyboard or browse to the Keyboard and Mouse Manual page for the manual. Figure 1: Power Button Example
Ensure that the Number Lock Key is set correctly.
NOTE: The numeric keypad on a desktop keyboard is turned on by default, but when it is off, no numbers appear when the keys are pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.
For more information about where the Number Lock Key is, see the documentation that came with the Bluetooth keyboard or browse to the Keyboard and Mouse Manual page for the manual.
Save any data, close any open programs, and restart the computer.
Ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version. For more information, see the Dell article Dell BIOS Updates.
When the keyboard still only works intermittently, see the instructions below that best match the issue you are having:
When a specific key is not working or sticks, turn off the computer and use a can of compressed air to clean around the problem key and then retest the keyboard. For more information, see the How to Clean Your Keyboard section.
When the issue only occurs in a specific application program, test the keyboard in another application program, such as Notepad. If the problem only occurs in a specific program, you must troubleshoot that specific program.
When you have software that may change how the keyboard operates, uninstall or disable it, including:
The numeric keypad on a desktop keyboard is by default turned on. When it is off, no numbers appear when pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.
For laptops that have a numeric keypad on the right side, it is turned on by default. When it is off, no numbers appear when the keys are pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.
Some laptops simulate a numeric keypad by using dual-purpose keys. When the Number Lock Key is active, numbers appear instead of letters when pressed. Press the Number Lock Key to switch the numeric keypad on and off.
Ensure that the keyboard language setting in Windows is correct (select the tab below that matches the Operating System that is installed on your computer for more information).
Ensure that the BIOS for your computer is up to date. For information about how to download the BIOS, see the Dell article Dell BIOS Updates.
Using the SupportAssist application provides automatic computer updates and detects issues that are resolved for you. Let us take the effort out of maintaining your Dell Computer or Tablet. For more information about SupportAssist, browse to the Explore SupportAssist for Home PCs page.
See the Microsoft article, Change your keyboard layout, and then select your Operating System and follow the instructions.
NOTES:
Ensure that the BIOS for your computer is up to date. For information about how to download the BIOS, see the Dell article Dell BIOS Updates.
Using the SupportAssist application provides automatic computer updates and detects issues that are resolved for you. Let us take the effort out of maintaining your Dell Computer or Tablet. For more information about SupportAssist, browse to the Explore SupportAssist for Home PCs page.
See the Microsoft article, Change your keyboard layout, and then select your Operating System and follow the instructions.
NOTES:
Ensure that the BIOS for your computer is up to date. For information about how to download the BIOS, see the Dell article Dell BIOS Updates.
Using the SupportAssist application provides automatic computer updates and detects issues that are resolved for you. Let us take the effort out of maintaining your Dell Computer or Tablet. For more information about SupportAssist, browse to the Explore SupportAssist for Home PCs page.
NOTE: Many laptops do not have a Pause/Break key. You can substitute the Pause/Break key with the following key combinations. You may have to try both to find out which device is appropriate for your computer.
Press and hold the Fn key, and then press the b key.
Press and hold the Ctrl key, then press and hold the Fn key, and then press the b key.
Internet Keys
For information about a button's action, locate it in Table 1.
(Not all keyboards have every button that is shown.)
Button
Action
Go to the Home Internet page.
Launch Email
Go to a web page or Web menu (configured by software).
Start Web Search
Table 1: Internet Keys
Multimedia Keys
For information about a button's action, locate it in Table 2.
(Not all keyboards have every button that is shown.)
Button
Action
or
Mute Sound
or
Volume Down
or
Volume Up
or
Play/Pause
or
Media Stop
or
Previous
or
Next
Audio Key (starts Windows Media Player)
CD/DVD Ejection Key - Quickset needs to be installed before this key works. (You may have to press and hold the Fn key first for it to work.)
Table 2: Multimedia Keys
Laptop Keys
For information about a button's action, locate it in Table 3.
(Not all keyboards have every button that is shown.)
Button
Action
Number Lock (You may have to press and hold the Fn key first for it to work.)
Scroll Lock (You may have to press and hold the Fn key first for it to work.)
Brighten Display - Tap it to brighten the display. (You may have to press and hold the Fn key first for it to work.)
Dim Display - Tap it to dim the display. (You may have to press and hold the Fn key first for it to work.)
External Display - Pressing this key toggles between an external or internal monitor or both. (You may have to press and hold the Fn key first for it to work.)
CD/DVD Ejection - This key only works if Quickset is installed. (You may have to press and hold the Fn key first for it to work.)
Standby - This key only works if Quickset or Dell ControlPoint are installed, depending on your model. (You may have to press and hold the Fn key first for it to work.)
Battery Status - This key only works if Quickset or Dell ControlPoint are installed, depending on your model. (You may have to press and hold the Fn key first for it to work.)
Battery Charging - Allows you to disable battery charging until the next reboot. It does not affect battery usage and only works if Dell ControlPoint is installed. (You may have to press and hold the Fn key first for it to work.)
Fn Key - Fn stands for function. Pressing and holding this key allows you to access the alternative function of a key. It is typically located between the CTRL and the Windows key on the lower left of the keyboard. (The alternative function of the key may be in blue or red letters under the primary function. For more information, see the image above for descriptions of what the key does.)
Latitude ON:
Boots to the Latitude ON module or Reader if installed when the computer is off.
Reboots from Windows to the Latitude ON module or Reader if installed (Dell ControlPoint has to be installed).
Disables or Enables the Touchpad on some computers. Press and hold the Fn key then press the F3 key to switch the Touchpad off or on.
Disables or Enables the Touchpad on some computers. Press only the F6 key to switch the Touchpad off or on.
Disables or Enables the Touchpad on some computers. Press the Touchpad Disable or Enable key (the key is located to the right of the F12 key) to switch the Touchpad off or on.
When using a wired, wireless, or Bluetooth keyboard, turn the keyboard upside down and shake it gently to remove any loose material.
Use a vacuum cleaner designed for computers, when available.
Use a can of compressed air to remove any additional loose material when available.
CAUTION: Do not turn the can on its side or upside down. This causes a freezing liquid to spray out and can damage your keyboard and skin.
Using a Microfiber or terry cloth, wipe the keys and frame around the keys.
NOTE: When there is a build-up, take a cotton swab, microfiber towel, or terry cloth and dip it in isopropyl alcohol. It should be damp but not wet. Wipe away the build-up and let the isopropyl alcohol evaporate away before using the keyboard again.
NOTE: When a single key or set of keys does not work there is no way to replace the keys individually, a replacement keyboard is the only option, Contact Technical Support for assistance.
When a keycap comes off, perform the following steps to try to put the keycap back on the laptop:
Ensure the area that was under the keycap is clean. Using a can of compressed air is best.
CAUTION: Do not turn the can on its side or upside down. This causes a freezing liquid to spray out and can damage your keyboard and skin.
Examine the plastic scissor spring that was under the keycap for any damage, as indicated by the red circles in Figure 1. Figure 1: Scissor Spring Mechanism on a Laptop Internal Keyboard
When the plastic scissor spring looks intact, align the keycap, and gently press down to try to reseat the keycap. You must wiggle your finger back and forth so that the keycap is buckled down on the shear spring. There are two snaps, one at the top of the key and one at the lower part of the key.
CAUTION: Do not try to force the keycap back on, as you may damage other parts of the computer.
When there is damage to the plastic scissor spring, the keycap cannot go back onto the keyboard.
NOTE: When you have purchased Accidental Damage coverage, or when a single key or combination of keys does not work there is no way to replace the keys individually, a replacement keyboard is the only option. Contact Technical Support for assistance.
When a keycap comes off, perform the following steps to try to put the keycap back on the keyboard:
Ensure the area that was under the keycap is clean, a can of compressed air is best.
CAUTION: Do not turn the can on its side or upside down. This causes a freezing liquid to spray out and can damage your keyboard and skin.
Examine the mechanism that was under the keycap for any damage.
When the mechanism looks undamaged, align the keycap, and gently press down to try to reseat the keycap.
CAUTION: Do not try to force the keycap back on, as you may damage other parts of the keyboard.
When there is damage to the mechanism, the keycap cannot go back onto the keyboard.
NOTE: When you have purchased Accidental Damage coverage, or when a single key or a set of keys does not work there is no way to replace the keys individually, a replacement keyboard is the only option. Contact Technical Support for assistance.
Save any data, close any open programs, and restart the computer. When the mouse and keyboard do not respond at all, you may have to press and hold the power button down for at least 15 seconds to turn the computer off, and you lose any data that is not saved.
Ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version. For more information, see the Dell article Dell BIOS Updates.
Ensure that Windows has the latest updates. For more information, see the Microsoft article Windows Update: FAQ.
Reseat the USB cable into the computer.
Save any data, close any open programs, and restart the computer. When the mouse and keyboard do not respond at all, you may have to press and hold the power button down for at least 15 seconds to turn the computer off, and you lose any data that is not saved.
Ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version. For more information, see the Dell article Dell BIOS Updates.
Ensure that Windows has the latest updates. For more information, see the Microsoft article Windows Update: FAQ.
Reseat the wireless USB receiver into the computer.
Save any data, close any open programs, and restart the computer. When the mouse and keyboard do not respond at all, you may have to press and hold the power button down for at least 15 seconds to turn the computer off, and you lose any data that is not saved.
Ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version. For more information, see the Dell article Dell BIOS Updates.
Ensure that Windows has the latest updates. For more information, see the Microsoft article Windows Update: FAQ.
Save any data, close any open programs, and restart the computer. When the mouse and keyboard do not respond at all, you may have to press and hold the power button down for at least 15 seconds to turn the computer off, and you lose any data that is not saved.
Ensure that the BIOS is updated to the latest version. For more information, see the Dell article Dell BIOS Updates.
Ensure that Windows has the latest updates. For more information, see the Microsoft article Windows Update: FAQ.
To disable the On-Screen Keyboard, perform the following steps.
NOTE: To enable the On-Screen Keyboard, perform the following steps, but instead check the box to the left of Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard in Step 5.
Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
In the Search box, type ease of access center.
Touch or click Ease of Access Center (Control Panel) from the list.
Touch or click Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard.
Ensure the box to the left of Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard is cleared.
Touch or click Apply (when you have made changes).
Touch or click OK.
Close the Settings window.
To disable the On-Screen Keyboard, perform the following steps.
NOTE: To enable the On-Screen Keyboard, perform the following steps, but instead check the box to the left of Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard in Step 5.
Press and hold the Windows () key, and then press the q key.
In the Search box, type ease of access center.
Touch or click Ease of Access Center (Control Panel) from the list.
Touch or click Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard.
Ensure the box to the left of Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard is cleared.
Touch or click Apply (when you have made changes).
Touch or click OK.
Close the Settings window.
To disable the On-Screen Keyboard, perform the following steps.
NOTE: To enable the On-Screen Keyboard, perform the following steps, but instead check the box to the left of Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard in Step 5.
Press the Windows () key.
In the Search box, type ease of access center.
Touch or click Ease of Access Center from the list.
Touch or click Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard.
Ensure the box to the left of Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard is cleared.
Touch or click Apply (when you have made changes).
How to use the Dell Universal Pairing - This article provides information about which keyboard and mice are compatible with Dell Universal Pairing and how to connect them.
For products that are labeled Logitech , browse to the Logitech Downloads Site for drivers and software.
Using the SupportAssist application provides automatic computer updates and detects issues that are resolved for you. Let us take the effort out of maintaining your Dell Computer or Tablet. For more information about SupportAssist, browse to the Explore SupportAssist for Home PCs page.
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