What if a keyboard keeps automatically typing on its own? The keyboard may type the same letter or character continuously for no reason, leaving the user wondering what the problem could be. A jammed keyboard key is a common issue that faces many computer owners. It can be caused by a myriad of reasons, such as driver issues or food crumbs. Luckily, the problem is fixable. Below, we show you how to fix the ‘keyboard typing the same letter itself’ issue so that you can get back to typing normally again.
How to Fix the Keyboard Typing Multiple Letters on Windows 10
Fix 1: Clean the Keyboard
Your computer’s keyboard is an essential component that allows you to enter commands, write texts, and basically use your PC. However, with time, the keys may experience damage, defects, or internal system-related issues. If your keyboard is stuck typing the same letter repeatedly, it indicates that that particular key is stuck.
To address the issue, we are going to start with the basic troubleshooting step – cleaning the keyboard physically.
Most people work on their laptops or desktops while enjoying a snack or eating lunch. As a result, food crumbs may find their way under the keys. When food particles or liquids get into the keyboard, the keys might get sticky and cause the keyboard to keep pressing the same letter over and over again. To resolve this, try cleaning the entire keyboard using canned air or an air blower and a dry brush to see if it stops. An old toothbrush can also do the trick.
The same case can happen if your keyboard is too old. Due to wear and tear, the keys might begin to stick physically – that is, they don’t release back when you press them to type – so the keyboard keeps repeating the same key or multiple keys. When this happens, it might be a sign that you need to replace your keyboard.
Fix 2: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
Windows 10 comes with built-in troubleshooters that help to identify and fix various PC issues on your computer. The keyboard troubleshooter is designed to fix keyboard-related issues, especially if they are caused by system-related settings. Here is how to use the troubleshooter:
- Press the Windows logo on your keyboard, type in “troubleshoot”, and select “Troubleshoot settings”.
- This will open the “Settings” app, with the “Troubleshoot” tab selected by default.
- Find the “Keyboard” option and select it to reveal the “Run the troubleshooter” button. Click on this button and allow Windows to initiate diagnostics. Once it’s done, it will display the results of the scan and the suggested fixes. Apply them all and restart your PC.
Try pressing the problematic key to see if it is now working correctly.
Fix 3: Disable Filter Keys
The Filter Keys functionality in Windows 10 allows you to control the keyboard repeat rate and ignore repeated keystrokes. It’s a useful feature for people with hand tremors or inaccurate finger movements.
However, this feature can lead to problems, especially for fast typists. Disabling Filter Keys may provide the solution in your case:
- Open the “Settings” app using the Windows logo key + I combination.
- Open “Ease of Access” and go to the “Keyboard” tab in the left pane.
- Find the “Filter Keys” option and check if it’s enabled. If it is, click the toggle button to turn it off.
Fix 4: Configure the Repeat Delay and Repeat Rate
The repeat delay in Windows 10 describes the pause between pressing a key and when it starts repeating while you’re holding down that particular key. The repeat rate defines the speed at which the system repeats the character of the key you’re holding pressed. Changing these settings might help to resolve the issue:
- Press the Windows logo key, locate the Control Panel, and open it. Alternatively, press the Win + S key combination to open Windows Search. Type “Control Panel” (without quotes) into the Windows search box and press “Enter”.
- In the “View by:” drop-down, switch to “Large icons”.
- Find the “Keyboard” applet and select it. This will open the “Keyboard Properties” window.
- Under the “Speed” tab, move the “Repeat delay” slider towards “Long” and the “Repeat rate” slider towards “Slow”.
- Click Apply > OK.
Fix 5: Update or Reinstall the Keyboard Driver
Your system needs device drivers for the corresponding hardware, like the keyboard, to function properly. If the keyboard driver is outdated, damaged, or missing, it might lead to errors like the keyboard typing the same or multiple letters repeatedly by itself. The best option is to install the latest keyboard drivers.
Below we show you two methods to update the keyboard driver: manual and automatic.
Manually Update the Keyboard Driver
- Press the Win + R shortcut, typedevmgmt.mscinto the “Run” dialog box, and press “Enter” to open Device Manager.
- Expand the “Keyboards” option, right-click on your keyboard, and select “Update driver”.
- Select “Search automatically for updated driver software” and wait patiently for Windows to search online for the latest driver. If an update is available, it will automatically install it on your PC.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
You could also try reinstalling the driver:
- In the “Device Manager” window, expand the “Keyboards” section, right-click your keyboard and select “Uninstall device”.
- Confirm your selection and select “Uninstall device”.
- Restart your PC. Windows will detect the missing driver and automatically install it for you. Alternatively, go to “Device Manager” and click on “Scan for hardware changes” to install the keyboard driver.
Automatically Update Your Keyboard Driver
In some cases, updating your drivers via Device Manager may not install the latest driver versions. A better method would be to use a reliable third-party program like Auslogics Driver Updater. This tool is designed specifically to fix driver-related issues on your PC.
It’s easy to use thanks to its minimalist user interface. Once installed, Driver Updater scans your system to detect outdated or corrupted drivers. It then gives you two options: you can update all your drivers simultaneously with the click of a button or update them one by one.
You can also schedule automatic maintenance at a frequency of your choosing to ensure that your device drivers stay up to date. With Driver Updater, you don’t have to worry about new issues cropping up. The program first creates a backup of all your current drivers before installing the latest versions. This allows you to undo the changes if something stops working as it should.
Fix 6: Use an External Keyboard
If the keyboard is still troublesome, you may opt to connect an external keyboard to your laptop. First, you must disable the problematic keyboard via Device Manager:
- Locate the “Keyboards” option in Device Manager and expand it.
- Right-click the malfunctioning keyboard and select “Uninstall device”.
- Confirm your selection to complete the process.
Now you can plug in the external keyboard and use it while you are still looking for a lasting solution.
How to Unstick Keyboard Keys
If your keyboard is sticky, it might be due to a sticky residue left behind by spilled food and liquid. Cleaning the ordinary way may not get rid of the dirt. You may be forced to pull the keys off and clean underneath with a substance like rubbing alcohol.
Before you start cleaning, make sure your laptop is powered down or unplug the keyboard if you’re using a desktop. Use a cotton swab to clean around the edges to remove any sticky residues. If the keys are still sticky, you may have to remove the keys to thoroughly clean them.
To do so, gently pry up the jammed key using a flat object like a screwdriver. Be careful when removing keys on your laptop since they are held in place by a flimsy plastic clip that may get damaged if pulled too hard.
Once you manage to remove the key, wipe carefully the slot from which it was removed, clearing out any substances or crumbs that were jamming the key. Finish the process by dipping a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol to clean off any sticky substances.
Allow the key and slot to fully dry before inserting the key back into its original position. Test the key to check if it is unstuck.
How to Fix a Key That Keeps Coming Off of the Keyboard
Sometimes, a key on your laptop or desktop keyboard may become loose or fall off. This makes using your keyboard while working a nuisance. If the keycap is loose, you can fix it by pressing it down. The keycap should snap in place if nothing is broken. If you don’t hear the snap sound, try removing the key and reattaching all the necessary components.
If the keycap is broken, you may have to find a replacement or take it to a repair expert. If the key still doesn’t work even after fixing or replacing it, the circuit board could be faulty, in which case you’ll need to replace the keyboard.
