Question
Issue: How to fix keyboard skipping or missing characters while typing in Windows?
Whenever I type on my keyboard, some of the characters are missing, and I need to press the button again for it to work. If is not the issue with one key – it happens with random keys. Also, it does not matter which apps I'm using – Office, browser, etc., the issue remains the same. How can I fix this?
Solved Answer
Typing on a Windows computer and having the keyboard occasionally skip characters is a common and frustrating problem. This issue can appear at any time and affect characters that appear random or specific, which seriously impairs accuracy and typing experience. In addition to impeding productivity, the problem makes routine tasks like writing emails and creating documents more difficult.
There are a variety of reasons why characters don't appear when typing. A physical issue with the keyboard itself could be one of the causes; non-functioning or broken keys might not record every keystroke. On the software front, keyboard registration errors may arise from mismatched applications or corrupted system files.
Outdated keyboard drivers may potentially be a factor in this issue since they might not be entirely compatible with the particular hardware or the current operating system version.
In order to fix keyboard skipping or missing characters when typing, you might need to examine your keyboard for physical flaws or make sure the drivers are up to date by downloading and installing updates. Checking for conflicts or corrupted system files that might be influencing the keyboard's functionality could also be helpful.
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Fix 1. Use another keyboard
Using a different keyboard can help determine if the issue is hardware-related. If the new keyboard functions correctly, the original keyboard may be faulty.
- Disconnect the current keyboard from your PC.
- Connect a different keyboard.
- Try typing to see if the new keyboard skips any characters.
Fix 2. Run keyboard troubleshooter
The built-in Windows troubleshooter can identify and fix issues with the keyboard automatically.
- Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter.
- On the right side of the window, click Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
- Scroll down and select Keyboard.
- Click Run the troubleshooter/Run.
- Wait for the troubleshooter to finish.
- Restart your system once done.
If you can't find it, you can run Hardware and devices troubleshooter instead:
- Type cmd in Windows search.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt result and pick Run as administrator.
- Copy and paste the following command, pressing Enter after:
msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic - Follow on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter and apply the suggested fixes.
- Restart your computer.
Fix 3. Install all Windows updates
Keeping Windows updated ensures that you have the latest drivers and system improvements that might fix keyboard issues.
- In Windows search, type Updates and hit Enter.
- In the new window, click Check for updates and wait till everything is installed.
- Make sure you also install any available optional updates.
- When done, restart your system to implement the changes.
Fix 4. Check for software conflicts
Performing a Clean Boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify conflicts.
- Type msconfig inWindows Search and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
- Click on the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft Services box.
- Click Disable all to disable non-Microsoft services, then click the Startup tab.
- Open the Task Manager, disable all startup items, and close the Task Manager.
- Go to the Boot tab and mark the Safe boot option.
- Click OK on the System Configuration window and restart your computer.
- Identify the problematic software by re-enabling services and startup items one by one (or in groups) and restarting your computer each time until the problem reoccurs.
- Once identified, you can disable, update, or uninstall the problematic software.
Fix 5. Update keyboard driver
Outdated or corrupt drivers can cause keyboards to malfunction. You can download the latest driver from your keyboard manufacturer's website or software, employ automatic tools like DriverFix that will deal with all your drivers at once, or do this process manually as follows:
- Right-click on Start and choose Device Manager.
- Expand the Keyboards section.
- Right-click on your keyboard, then select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers.
- Wait for Windows to install drivers for your device, and then reboot your system.
Fix 6. Reinstall keyboard driver
Reinstalling the keyboard driver can resolve issues caused by corrupt or improperly configured drivers.
- Right-click on Start and pick Device Manager.
- Expand the Keyboards section.
- Right-click on your keyboard and select Uninstall device.
- When the warning comes up, click Uninstall.
- Reboot your system.
- Windows should install the default driver automatically.
Fix 7. Repair corrupted Windows files
System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management tools can fix corrupted system files that may affect keyboard functionality.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator.
- In the Command Prompt window, paste the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow - Wait for the scan to complete.
- Once the SFC scan is finished, run the following set of DISM commands, pressing Enter after each one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - After completing the DISM commands, restart your computer.
Fix 8. Adjust keyboard settings
Incorrect or overly sensitive keyboard settings can sometimes cause issues with character input.
- In Windows search, type Control Panel, then press Enter.
- Go to Clock and Region and click on Region.
- Under the Administrative tab, click on Change system locale.
- Ensure the correct language is selected, and consider toggling the Beta: Use Unicode UTF-8 for worldwide language support on or off.
- Click OK and restart your computer.
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Ugnius Kiguolis is the founder and editor-in-chief of UGetFix. He is a professional security specialist and malware analyst who has been working in IT industry for over 20 years.
