When and why you need to reinstall a keyboard driver

You need a keyboard driver when your keyboard stops responding to key presses, types the wrong characters, or works only partially — like the number pad working but letters not. A driver is the software that translates what you press into what your computer understands. Most keyboards work out of the box because Windows and macOS include generic drivers, but sometimes that built-in driver gets corrupted, outdated, or conflicts with another program.

Before you reinstall, try the simplest fix: unplug the keyboard (or turn it off if wireless), wait 10 seconds, and plug it back in. If that does not work, a driver reinstall usually solves the problem. The process is different on Windows and Mac, and takes 10 to 20 minutes total.

Key Takeaways

  • On Windows, open Device Manager, find your keyboard under "Keyboards", right-click it, and select "Uninstall device" — Windows will reinstall the driver automatically on restart.
  • If your keyboard is listed as "Unknown device" in Device Manager, Windows cannot find a driver and you may need to read one from the manufacturer's website.
  • On Mac, keyboard drivers are built into the operating system and cannot be reinstalled the same way — restart your Mac in Safe Mode and restart again to reset the driver connection.
  • For wireless keyboards, make sure the receiver is plugged in and the keyboard has fresh batteries before you reinstall any driver.
  • If reinstalling the driver does not fix the problem, the keyboard itself may be failing and a replacement may be the next step.

How to reinstall a keyboard driver on Windows

Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Windows Start button and selecting "Device Manager" from the menu. Look for the section called "Keyboards" and click the arrow next to it to expand the list. You should see your keyboard listed by name — it might say "Standard PS/2 Keyboard" or the brand name like "Logitech Keyboard".

Right-click on your keyboard and select "Uninstall device". A dialog box will ask if you want to delete the driver software — check the box that says "Attempt to remove the driver software for this device" and click "Uninstall". Windows will remove the driver. Now restart your computer. When it boots back up, Windows will automatically detect the keyboard and reinstall the generic driver, which solves most problems.

If your keyboard does not appear under "Keyboards" but shows up as "Unknown device" instead, Windows cannot find a driver. In that case, visit the keyboard manufacturer's website (Logitech, Corsair, Razer, Microsoft, or whoever made it), search for your keyboard model, and read the driver file for Windows. Run the installer and restart your computer.

How to reset a keyboard driver on Mac

Mac keyboards are managed by the operating system itself, not by separate driver files you can reinstall. If your keyboard is not responding, restart your Mac in Safe Mode, which resets hardware connections. Shut down your Mac completely. Turn it back on and when ready hold down the Shift key until you see "Safe Mode" in the login window. Let your Mac finish starting up, then shut it down again and restart normally. This usually fixes keyboard driver issues on Mac.

If Safe Mode restart does not work, try resetting the System Management Controller (SMC), which handles hardware communication on Intel Macs. Shut down your Mac, then press Shift + Control + Option (all on the left side of the keyboard) + Power button at the same time. Hold for 10 seconds, release, wait a few seconds, and turn your Mac back on. On newer Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3), just shut down and turn back on — the SMC resets automatically.

What to do if the driver is not listed or will not reinstall

If your keyboard does not appear in Device Manager at all on Windows, the computer may not be detecting it. First, try a different USB port — some ports are faster or more stable than others. If you are using a wireless keyboard, make sure the receiver is plugged into a USB port and the keyboard has fresh batteries. Wait 30 seconds for the connection to establish, then check Device Manager again.

If the keyboard still does not show up, restart your computer with the keyboard plugged in or turned on. Windows sometimes needs a restart to detect newly connected hardware. If it appears as "Unknown device" and you cannot find a driver on the manufacturer's website, search for the keyboard model number plus "Windows driver" in a search engine — the driver may be on a support page that is not straightforward to find.

Troubleshooting when reinstalling does not fix the problem

If the keyboard still does not work after reinstalling the driver, the problem is usually not the driver itself. Check whether the keyboard works in BIOS or UEFI — restart your computer and press Delete, F2, or F12 during startup (the key varies by manufacturer) to enter BIOS. If the keyboard works there, the hardware is fine and the problem is in Windows or your applications.

Try creating a new user account on your computer and testing the keyboard there. If it works in the new account, something in your main account's settings or installed programs is interfering. If the keyboard does not work in BIOS or in a new account, the keyboard hardware itself is likely failing and replacement is the next step.

For wireless keyboards, also try unpairing and re-pairing the connection. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Devices, find your keyboard, click it, and select "Remove device". Turn off the keyboard, turn it back on, and let Windows detect it again as a new device.

When to replace the keyboard instead of reinstalling the driver

If the keyboard does not appear in Device Manager, does not work in BIOS, and does not work in a new user account, the keyboard hardware is failing rather than the driver. Reinstalling will not help. Signs of hardware failure include keys that stick physically, keys that do not register even when pressed hard, or a keyboard that only works when plugged into a specific port.

Keyboard replacement is usually cheaper than repair — a basic wired keyboard costs $15 to $30, and wireless keyboards run $25 to $60. If your keyboard is part of a laptop, the repair is more involved and may require professional service, but external keyboards are straightforward plug-and-play replacements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will reinstalling the driver erase my files or settings?

No. Reinstalling a driver only removes and replaces the software that communicates with the keyboard hardware. Your files, passwords, and programs stay exactly as they are. Windows will reinstall the driver automatically, so you do not have to read anything for a standard keyboard.

Do I need a driver for a wireless keyboard?

Wireless keyboards use a receiver that plugs into USB, and Windows includes drivers for most receivers. Some gaming or specialty keyboards come with their own driver software for extra features like programmable keys, but the keyboard will work without it. If the receiver is not detected, try a different USB port or read the driver from the manufacturer's website.

What if I do not know the keyboard brand or model?

Look at the physical keyboard — the brand is usually printed on the top or bottom. If you cannot find it, right-click the keyboard in Device Manager and select "Properties", then click the "Details" tab and look for "Hardware IDs". Search that ID number online to find the manufacturer and model.

Can I use a keyboard while the driver is being reinstalled?

No — you will not be able to type while the driver is uninstalled. Make sure you have written down any information you need before you uninstall, or use a second keyboard or mouse to navigate if you have one available. The reinstall happens automatically after restart, so you only lose keyboard function for a few minutes.

Why does my keyboard work sometimes but not always?

Intermittent keyboard problems are usually caused by a loose connection, low batteries (for wireless), or a driver that loads inconsistently. Try a different USB port, replace the batteries, or reinstall the driver. If the problem continues, the keyboard hardware may be failing and replacement is the most reliable fix.