Dell laptops are the portable computer of choice for many thanks to their reliability and affordability. But even these well-designed devices encounter issues from time to time, and one common problem users report is that the keyboard can lock up unexpectedly. So, if your Dell laptop keyboard has locked up, what can you do?
If your Dell laptop keyboard has locked up, try restarting the computer. If that doesn’t help, try to turn off the ‘Fn’ key by holding it down and pressing ‘NumLock’ or ‘Esc.’ Also check that the ‘NumLock’ key itself isn’t activated. You can perform a system scan to check for other issues.
Knowing how to unlock the keyboard on your Dell laptop can help you get back to your task as soon as possible. Let’s take a closer look at the various methods you can try as well as when you should see a professional for help.
How to Unlock the Keyboard on a Dell Laptop
Having a reliable laptop is key to many of our day-to-day activities, and that’s why so many people turn to Dell. Dell’s laptops are made to last and relatively inexpensive to purchase.
Since it came onto the technology scene, Dell has been one of the leading companies providing laptops for workers, students, and those who just want a computer to use at home. That’s because they offer a high-quality product, and they stand by their manufacturing processes.
However, that doesn’t mean that these machines don’t encounter issues from time to time.
When your Dell laptop’s keyboard locks up randomly while you’re using it, it can be pretty frustrating. But know that you’re not alone; this is a common issue, and there are several ways to solve it. Here are some of the options:
Restarting the Laptop
One of the first methods you should try to get your Dell laptop’s keyboard unlocked is to restart the computer. If you were to call customer support at this stage, this is one of the strategies they’ll tell you to attempt first.
Sometimes, a computer just needs to be reset to go back to standard functionality. A restart is an easy way to make this happen, and it will likely fix the problem right away.
To restart your Dell laptop, use the following steps:
- Select the Start button and click on Shut Down.
- Once the laptop has shut down, unplug it.
- Remove the battery.
- Press the Power button until it’s powered down completely.
- After a few minutes, reinsert the battery.
- Plug in your laptop.
- Turn your laptop back on.
You’ll be able to determine quickly if this fixed the problem of the keyboard locking up on you. If this method didn’t work, you may need to try resetting your laptop.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Sometimes, when the keyboard on a Dell laptop is locked, you can fix it by using a variety of keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts are typically designed for you to use to make your accessibility options easier.
One of the keyboard shortcuts that may be causing the problem is the Fn key, which has a a verity of uses. If you’ve inadvertently turned on the Fn key, you’ll need to turn it off to unlock your keyboard.
Follow these steps to unlock the Fn key:
- Hold down the Fn key.
- Press either your NumLock key (if you have one) or the Esc button.
It’s also possible that the the NumLock key was engaged, thereby locking your keyboard. While most computers have this button on the keyboard itself, it may be locked from the onscreen keyboard, preventing you from being able to use your other keys.
To disengage the NumLock button, use these steps:
- Navigate to Settings and click on Ease of Access.
- Activate the onscreen keyboard.
- Press the NumLock key.
If the NumLock key doesn’t appear on your onscreen keyboard, you will need to activate it by going to the options menu to turn on the numeric keypad.
System Scan
If you’ve attempted the above methods but haven’t successfully unlocked the keyboard on your Dell laptop, you may need to run a system scan. This is because you may be dealing with more than just a keyboard that won’t work.
Running a system scan can help detect any issues you may not be aware of. It will also tell you whether you need to seek the help of a professional.
To perform the system scan, follow these steps:
- Restart your computer.
- When you see the logo, press F12.
- Click on Diagnostics and press Enter.
At this point, your laptop will begin scanning the entire system to look for anything that may be causing an issue. Once the scan is complete, it will likely give you an error code you will need to jot down for reference.
Once you have the error code, you can contact customer support at Dell so a customer support representative can let you know how serious the issue is. If it’s something you can fix on your own, they may even guide you through the process.
And if it’s not recommended that you fix the issue yourself, they will likely suggest you either send it in or take it to a local Dell repair center. They’ll also be able to tell you whether the issue will be covered under warranty.
When to See a Professional
While the previously mentioned methods are likely to fix the issue, there are cases where they won’t do the trick. Unfortunately, if this happens to you, you may not have a choice but to reach out to a professional.
Even though Dell computers are very reliable, there may be something wrong internally, and it’ll need to be fixed by a computer technician.
In most cases, the issue with the keyboard locking unexpectedly can be fixed easily; however, sometimes, it requires the skillful touch of a professional. They can at least advise you of the next steps, and they may have other fixes to recommend.
If you do try to fix your laptop on your own, take extra care; you don’t want to do anything that could void your laptop’s warranty. If you do any damage while attempting a repair, your warranty may not cover the laptop any longer.
Final Thoughts
All in all, when it comes to unlocking the keyboard on a Dell laptop, there are many methods you can use to try to remedy the situation. However, if these methods are ineffective in unlocking it, you may need the help of a computer professional.