Changing your keyboard means physically removing the old one and connecting a new one in its place

Whether your keyboard is broken, worn out, or you straightforward want a different style, replacing it is one of the easiest hardware changes you can make. A keyboard connects to your computer through a cable or wireless connection — unplugging the old one and plugging in the new one takes less than a minute. You do not need to open your computer, install software, or restart anything. The new keyboard will work when ready.

The hardest part is usually choosing which keyboard to buy, not the actual swap. Once you know what type of connection your computer uses and what size keyboard fits your space, you can pick one that matches your budget and preferences.

Key Takeaways

  • Wired keyboards plug into a USB port on your computer and work right away with no setup needed.
  • Wireless keyboards use batteries and connect through a small USB receiver or Bluetooth, and you may need to pair them once before use.
  • Laptop keyboards cannot be swapped by most users — you would need to disassemble the laptop or buy an external keyboard instead.
  • Changing a keyboard takes under a minute and requires no restart or software installation.
  • Your old keyboard can be recycled at most electronics stores or donated if it still works.

Wired keyboards: the simplest option

A wired keyboard has a cable that plugs into a USB port on the back or side of your computer tower, monitor, or laptop. To change it, unplug the old keyboard's cable from the USB port, then plug the new keyboard's cable into any open USB port. The keyboard will work when ready — no pairing, no software, no restart.

Wired keyboards are reliable because they draw power through the cable itself. They never run out of batteries and have no wireless interference. They are also usually cheaper than wireless models. The main drawback is the cable takes up desk space and limits how far you can sit from your computer.

If your computer has no open USB ports, you can buy a USB hub — a small device that plugs into one USB port and gives you four or more additional ports. This costs $10 to $30 and solves the problem without replacing anything else.

Wireless keyboards: more freedom, more setup

A wireless keyboard connects to your computer through either a small USB receiver or Bluetooth. The receiver is a tiny dongle that plugs into a USB port once and stays there. Bluetooth keyboards pair directly with your computer without needing a receiver.

To change a wireless keyboard with a receiver, unplug the old keyboard and plug the new one's receiver into a USB port. Turn on the new keyboard and press the pairing button (usually on the bottom) — it will connect within seconds. If the new keyboard uses the same receiver type as the old one, you may be able to use the same USB port.

Bluetooth keyboards require you to go into your computer's settings to pair them. On Windows, open Settings, go to Devices, then Bluetooth, and click "Add device." On Mac, open System Preferences, go to Bluetooth, and click "Set Up New Device." Turn on the keyboard and press its pairing button, then select it from the list on your screen. After the first pairing, the keyboard will reconnect automatically when you turn it on.

Wireless keyboards run on AA or AAA batteries, which typically last three to twelve months depending on how much you use the keyboard. You will need to replace the batteries eventually, but this is cheaper than buying a new keyboard.

Laptop keyboards: you probably need an external one

Most laptop keyboards are built into the device and cannot be swapped without taking the laptop apart. If your laptop keyboard is broken or worn out, your options are to buy an external keyboard or have a technician replace the internal one.

An external keyboard is usually the better choice. You can buy a wired or wireless keyboard and use it with your laptop — just plug it in or pair it via Bluetooth. The laptop's built-in keyboard will still be there, but your computer will use the external one when it is connected. This costs $20 to $100 depending on the keyboard type and quality.

If you want the internal keyboard replaced, contact the laptop manufacturer or a local repair shop. This typically costs $100 to $300 in labor plus parts, and the laptop may need to stay in the shop for a few days.

What to do with your old keyboard

If your old keyboard still works, you can donate it to a school, library, or community center. Many organizations accept used computer equipment. You can also list it for free on Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace if you do not want to throw it away.

If the keyboard is broken, take it to an electronics recycling program. Best Buy, Staples, and most local waste management facilities accept old keyboards and other electronics for free. Do not throw it in the trash — keyboards contain materials that should be recycled.

Choosing the right replacement keyboard

Before you buy a new keyboard, decide whether you want wired or wireless. Wired keyboards are cheaper and never need batteries, but the cable takes up space. Wireless keyboards give you more freedom to move around, but you need to replace batteries and deal with pairing.

Consider the size and layout. A full-size keyboard has a number pad on the right side and takes up more desk space. A tenkeyless keyboard removes the number pad to save space. Laptop-style keyboards are thin and flat, while mechanical keyboards have individual switches under each key and feel more solid when you type.

Check that the keyboard matches your computer's operating system. Most keyboards work with Windows, Mac, and Linux without any issues, but some gaming or specialty keyboards may have software that only works on one system. Read the product description to confirm.

Troubleshooting a keyboard that will not work

If you plug in a new keyboard and nothing happens, first check that the cable is fully inserted into the USB port or that the wireless keyboard is turned on. Try a different USB port — sometimes a port stops working. If you are using a wireless keyboard, make sure the batteries are not dead and that the keyboard is within 10 feet of the receiver or your computer.

On Windows, open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Device Manager." Look for "Keyboards" in the list. If you see a keyboard with a yellow warning symbol, right-click it and select "Update driver." Windows will search for the latest driver and install it automatically.

On Mac, go to System Preferences, click Bluetooth, and check that the keyboard appears in the list of paired devices. If it does not, click "Set Up New Device" and pair the keyboard again. If the keyboard appears but does not work, click it in the list and select "Remove," then pair it again from scratch.

If none of this works, the keyboard itself may be faulty. Try it on a different computer if you can. If it does not work there either, contact the manufacturer or return it to the store where you bought it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to install drivers for a new keyboard?

No. Standard keyboards work when ready on Windows, Mac, and Linux without any driver installation. Some gaming keyboards or keyboards with extra buttons may come with software you can install to customize those buttons, but this is optional — the keyboard will work without it.

Can I use a Mac keyboard on a Windows computer?

Yes. Most keyboards work on any computer regardless of the operating system. The only difference is that some keys may be labeled differently — the Mac Command key and Windows key are in different places, but the keyboard will still function. You may need to remap keys in your settings if you want them to behave exactly as they did on a Mac.

What if I have a USB keyboard but my computer only has USB-C ports?

You will need a USB-C adapter or a USB-C hub. A USB-C to USB adapter costs $10 to $20 and lets you plug your old keyboard into the new port type. Alternatively, buy a new keyboard with USB-C or Bluetooth instead.

How do I know if my keyboard is wireless or wired?

Look at the back of the keyboard. If there is a cable attached, it is wired. If there is no cable, it is wireless — check the bottom for a battery compartment and a power button. A wireless keyboard may also have a small USB receiver attached to its cable or stored in a compartment.

Can I use multiple keyboards at the same time?

Yes. You can plug in or pair as many keyboards as you want, and your computer will accept input from all of them. This is useful if you want to keep an old keyboard as a backup or if multiple people are using the same computer.