There is no single keyboard unlock shortcut, because Windows has no key that locks the whole keyboard. When keys suddenly stop working, the usual cause is Filter Keys, which makes Windows ignore quick presses. Hold the right Shift key for about eight seconds to turn it on or off, or switch it off in Settings.
Other common locks have their own keys: NumLk for the number pad, Fn lock for the top row, a Windows key lock on gaming keyboards (Fn + Win on many), and a touchpad toggle on laptops. Each is covered below.
Quick facts
Filter Keys
Hold right Shift about 8 secondsNumber pad
NumLkTop row
Fn lock, often Fn + EscWindows key
Fn + Win on gaming keyboardsTouchpad
Fn and the touchpad F-keyTyping without keys
Win + Ctrl + O
Keyboard unlock shortcut by symptom
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Keys do nothing unless held long | Filter Keys | Hold right Shift about 8 seconds, or turn off in Settings |
| Number pad moves cursor | Num Lock off | Press NumLk |
| Top row changes volume instead | Fn lock state | Press Fn lock, often Fn + Esc |
| Windows key does nothing | Game mode lock | Press Fn + Win or the lock key |
| Letters type numbers | Hidden number pad on letters | Press NumLk or Fn + NumLk |
| Nothing at all works | Driver or hardware | Restart, then reinstall the keyboard driver |
Turn off Filter Keys
- Open Settings with the mouse, or press Win + I if any keys respond.
- Go to Accessibility, then Keyboard.
- Turn off Filter keys, and also Sticky keys if it is on.
- Close Settings and test typing.
Filter Keys is meant to help people with hand tremors, but holding the right Shift key for too long, for example while resting a book on the keyboard, can turn it on by accident.
Mouse unlock shortcut key and touchpad
Many laptops have an F-key with a touchpad picture that turns the touchpad off; pressing it again, sometimes with Fn, turns it back on. Some have a small light in the corner of the touchpad that you double tap. In Windows 11, Settings, Bluetooth and devices, Touchpad has an on or off switch. If an external mouse works but the touchpad does not, this is almost always the reason.
When the keyboard is truly not working
Restart the laptop first. If keys work in the BIOS screen at start up but not in Windows, it is a software problem: open Device Manager (Win + X, then M), expand Keyboards, uninstall the keyboard device and restart so Windows reinstalls it. If keys fail everywhere, spilled liquid or a loose internal cable is likely; use an external USB keyboard and get it repaired.
Common mistakes
| What happens | Real cause |
|---|---|
| Capitals everywhere | Caps Lock is on |
| Arrows scroll the Excel sheet | Scroll Lock is on |
| Wrong symbols for @ and quotes | Keyboard layout changed |
| One key repeats endlessly | A stuck key; clean around it |
Frequently asked questions
What is the keyboard unlock shortcut?
There is none for the whole keyboard. Hold the right Shift for about 8 seconds to toggle Filter Keys, the most common cause.
Why are my keys not typing unless I hold them?
Filter Keys is on. Turn it off in Settings, Accessibility, Keyboard.
How do I unlock the Windows key?
On many gaming keyboards press Fn + Win or the dedicated lock key.
How do I unlock the touchpad?
Press the F-key with a touchpad icon, or turn it on in Touchpad settings.
Why does my number pad not type numbers?
Num Lock is off; press NumLk.
What if no key works at all?
Restart, reinstall the keyboard driver, or use an external keyboard.