Keyboards have made our daily data entry activities easier. While multiple touch screen devices have emerged in the last decade, many people still prefer the tactile response of a real keyboard. However, what if the Enter key is not working?
It can be bothersome when you can’t use the Enter key on your keyboard. How will you create a new paragraph? How can you submit forms? Of course, you can use the virtual keyboard on your computer. However, do you really want to go through all the trouble just to use the Enter key?
Well, do not worry because we’ve got you covered. In this article, we are going to explain the various reasons why your Enter key stopped working suddenly. We will also teach you how to resolve the problem.
How to Fix the Enter Key Not Working on Windows 10?
There are several reasons why your Enter key has stopped working suddenly. Your keyboard driver may have been corrupted. On the other hand, you may be dealing with system configuration issues. So, we recommend that you try the following solutions:
- Restarting Your Computer
- Reinstalling Your Keyboard Driver
- Updating Your Keyboard Driver
- Adjusting Your Keyboard Settings
- Configuring Your Wireless Keyboard
Solution 1: Restarting Your Computer
You should check if the issue is just a minor glitch in your system. In this case, a simple restart of your device can fix the problem. So, before you try other solutions when your Enter key stopped working suddenly, you should try this fix first.
If your laptop has a removable battery, detach it. After doing that, press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds. Reattach the battery, then restart your device to see if the Enter key is now working.
Solution 2: Reinstalling Your Keyboard Driver
You may be using an incompatible or outdated keyboard driver, which is why the Enter key is not working. To fix this, we recommend that you reinstall the driver, using Device Manager. Here are the steps:
- Press Windows Key+R on your keyboard to launch the Run dialog box.
- Type “devmgmt.msc” (no quotes) inside the Run dialog box, then click OK.
- Once Device Manager is up, go to the Keyboards category, then expand its contents.
- Right-click your keyboard, then select Uninstall Device from the context menu.
- Once you’ve uninstalled your keyboard driver, restart your computer.
- When your PC reboots, your system will install the keyboard driver automatically. So, you should check if the Enter key is finally working.
Solution 3: Updating Your Keyboard Driver
If you’ve reinstalled your keyboard driver and the Enter key is still malfunctioning, then you should try updating it. There are three ways to do this:
- Updating Your Keyboard Driver via Device Manager
- Downloading and Installing Your Keyboard Driver Manually
- Using Auslogics Driver Updater to Automatically Update Your Keyboard Driver
Updating Your Keyboard Driver via Device Manager
- Go to your taskbar, then right-click the Windows icon.
- Select Device Manager from the menu.
- Click the Keyboards category to expand its contents.
- Right-click your keyboard, then select Update Driver.
- Click the ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’ link.
Downloading and Installing Your Keyboard Driver Manually
Device Manager makes it convenient for you to update your keyboard driver. Unfortunately, it is not consistently reliable. Sometimes, it can miss the latest version of the driver. In this case, you will have to visit the manufacturer’s website to download the right driver for your system. Be careful when you choose this option because it is a bit risky. If you install an incompatible driver, you may end up with system instability issues. So, make sure that you download and install the latest driver that is designed for your operating system version and processor type.
Using Auslogics Driver Updater to Automatically Update Your Keyboard Driver
You will be delighted to know that there is an easier and more reliable way to update your keyboard driver. You can use Auslogics Driver Updater to automate the process. After installing this program, it will recognize your operating system and processor. All you have to do is click a button and this tool will locate, download, and install the latest driver for your keyboard. What’s more, it will take care of all driver-related issues on your computer. So, aside from fixing your keyboard problem, you will also enjoy a noticeable improvement in your system’s performance.
Solution 4: Adjusting Your Keyboard Settings
The Toggle, Sticky, and Filter keys bring functionality benefits for keyboard users. That said, they can still cause issues, including a malfunctioning Enter key. So, to resolve this problem, you need to disable these features. Here are the steps for Windows 10 and 8:
- Click the Search icon on your taskbar.
- Type “Ease of Access” (no quotes) inside the Search box.
- Select Ease of Access Keyboard Settings from the results.
- Toggle the switch for Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys to Off.
After performing these steps, check if your Enter key is now working.
If you’re using Windows 7, follow the instructions below:
- Click the Search box, then type “ease” (no quotes).
- Select Ease of Access Center from the results.
- Go to the Explore All Settings section, then click the ‘Make the keyboard easier to use’ link.
- Deselect the boxes beside the Turn on Sticky Keys, Turn on Toggle Keys and Turn on Filter Keys options.
- Click Apply and OK to save the changes you’ve made.
Solution 5: Configuring Your Wireless Keyboard
Are you using a wireless keyboard? If so, then you should follow the troubleshooting steps below:
- Detach the USB receiver from your PC.
- Shut down your computer, then remove the batteries from your keyboard.
- Now, attach the USB receiver into a USB port.
- Switch on your PC and put the batteries back into your keyboard. Don’t forget to turn on your keyboard.
Let your wireless keyboard pair with your computer, then check if the Enter key is now working.
Which of the solutions helped you fix your Enter key?
Let us know in the comments below!
