There is nothing quite as frustrating as your keyboard cutting out while you’re halfway through an important email or a university essay. Because laptops are portable, their keyboards are exposed to everything from coffee spills to Auckland’s humidity.
At Advanced Computers, keyboard issues are one of the most common laptop problems we see. Before assuming the keyboard needs replacing, try the steps below to identify whether the issue is minor, software-related, or requires professional laptop repair.
1. Check for Debris (Carefully)
Dust, crumbs, and debris are the most common causes of sticky or unresponsive keys.
What to do safely:
-
Power the laptop off
-
Hold it at a slight angle
-
Use short bursts of compressed air between the keys
Important warning:
Do not use water, cleaning sprays, or damp cotton buds. Laptop keyboards use thin membrane layers, and even a small amount of moisture can short the keyboard and stop it working completely.
2. Rule Out Software or Settings Issues
Sometimes the keyboard hardware is fine, but the software isn’t behaving correctly.
Quick checks:
-
Restart the laptop
-
Confirm the correct keyboard language/layout is selected
(For example, US vs UK layouts can cause symbols like @ and “ to swap)
Windows users: Check “Filter Keys”
Holding the Right Shift key for 8 seconds can accidentally enable Filter Keys, making the keyboard feel unresponsive.
Go to:
Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard → Turn Filter Keys off
3. Check Keyboard Drivers and System Updates
Operating system updates can occasionally disrupt keyboard drivers.
On Windows:
-
Right-click Start → Device Manager
-
Expand Keyboards
-
Look for warning icons
-
Uninstall the keyboard device and restart — Windows will reinstall the driver automatically
On macOS:
Keyboard issues are usually system-related. Restart in Safe Mode to test whether third-party software is interfering. If the keyboard works in Safe Mode but not normally, the issue is likely software-based.
4. Act Fast If There’s Been a Liquid Spill
If you’ve spilled water, coffee, tea, or wine on your laptop keyboard, time matters.
What to do immediately:
-
Power the laptop off
-
Unplug the charger
-
Do not turn it back on
-
Do not use a hairdryer (heat can warp keys and damage internal components)
Why speed is critical:
Liquids containing sugar or milk cause corrosion on the keyboard connector and motherboard. The laptop may still work temporarily, but damage often appears days or weeks later. Bringing it into our Auckland workshops can significantly improve the chances of saving the motherboard.
5. Use an External Keyboard as a Temporary Solution
If you’re on a deadline and can’t visit us immediately:
-
Plug in a USB or Bluetooth keyboard
-
This bypasses the internal keyboard completely
-
You can continue working while arranging repairs
We stock reliable external keyboards at our Rosedale and Penrose branches.
When Keyboard Replacement Is Necessary
Laptop keyboards are more complex than desktop keyboards. Many models have keyboards:
-
Riveted into the palm rest
-
Integrated with the backlight or top case
-
Connected directly to the motherboard
If keys are:
-
Physically broken or missing
-
Unresponsive after liquid exposure
-
Randomly typing characters
Replacement is often the safest and most cost-effective solution.
Professional Laptop Keyboard Repair in Auckland
At Advanced Computers, we provide expert laptop keyboard repair and replacement services, including:
-
Genuine replacement keyboards for MacBook, Dell, HP, ASUS, Lenovo, and more
-
Fast turnaround times
-
Liquid spill cleaning and corrosion treatment
-
Full testing of every key and backlight before return
We’ll always assess whether repair is possible before recommending replacement.
Visit Advanced Computers in Auckland
📍 North Shore:
7C Triton Drive, Rosedale
📍 Penrose:
67 Station Road, Auckland
📞 Call: 0800 622 349
If your laptop keyboard isn’t working properly, bring it in for a free assessment. Early diagnosis can save both your keyboard — and your motherboard.