Spacebar, Backspace, and Enter keys are the most used yet underrated keys because most people consider them pros in typing. Only when these keys stop working do they understand how useful these keys are.
If you, like most, considered the Spacebar to be just an extra key, but now that it has stopped working, you are wondering how to fix the Spacebar not working on Windows 11/10/8/7, you’ve landed on the right post. Here, we will explain ways to fix the space bar key on your keyboard stopped working.
The spacebar is an essential key on the keyboard. Using it, you can perform several important functions. Regardless of what you are using the PC for, be it for gaming, typing, or browsing, the spacebar is very useful. Therefore, working on the PC becomes inconvenient when the Spacebar is broken. This happens mostly because of misconfigured settings or outdated keyboard drivers. You can try to disable the sticky keys feature and check first. But, before you rush to the technician to fix the issue, try the troubleshooting steps below.
Why Does The Spacebar Not Working On Keyboard Issue Arise?
The issues with the spacebar not working are caused by a variety of factors. Here are some of the common ones –
- Hardware issues like Physical damage, Wear & Tear, Loose & Faulty connections, etc.
- Outdated keyboard drivers create a gap between the hardware and software.
- Software Issues like temporary glitches, bugs, updates, settings, and conflicting third-party software.
Best Ways to Fix Keyboard Spacebar Not Working – Windows 11/10/8/7
Method 1 – Clean Your Keyboard
Clean your keyboard using a vacuum cleaner. So that all dust particles are removed, and if they are causing the issue, the problem gets fixed.
Method 2 – Use An Alternative Keyboard
If you use an external keyboard, disconnect and reconnect it. However, if this does not help, try connecting the keyboard to another PC so that you know there is nothing wrong with the keyboard. This will help determine whether it is a software or hardware issue.
Method 3 – Replace Batteries in Wireless Keyboard
If you are using a Wireless Keyboard, then the quickest resolution to fix this issue is to replace the batteries, even if they are new. Some batteries might be incompatible with your keyboard and hence need to be replaced.
Method 4 – Disable Filter and Sticky Keys
To offer ease of use to users with disabilities, Windows offers different accessibility features. Sticky Keys and Filter Keys are a part of these features. Sometimes, when enabled, they cause issues with the Spacebar. Therefore, to ensure they are not the reason behind the broken Spacebar issue, let us disable them and see if it helps.
Step 1: Press the Windows + I to access Windows Settings.
Step 2: Click the Accessibility tab (Windows 11) Ease of Access (Windows 10).
Step 3: Click the Keyboard option.
Step 4: Toggle off the switches next to the Sticky and Filter keys.
Now, try to use the Spacebar. It should help. If this doesn’t work, no worries. We have other fixes you can try.
Read Also: Fix – Keyboard Input Lag Issue on Windows 11/10
Method 5 – Run Windows Troubleshooter
To fix different issues, Windows offers a built-in troubleshooter. Since the Spacebar on the keyboard is not working, try using the troubleshooter to fix the issue.
Step 1: Press Windows + S, and in the search field, type troubleshoot.
Step 2: Open the best search results.
Step 3: Click Other troubleshooters (Windows 11.) Additional troubleshooters (Windows 10).
Step 4: Look for the Keyboard option, click on it, and Run the troubleshooter.
Step 5: Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter. If there are any errors detected, they will be automatically fixed.
However, if the troubleshooter fails to detect any issue, run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter. It will help fix problems with all your externally connected devices, including the keyboard.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2: Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and press the Enter key.
Step 3: Click Next and follow the on-screen prompts to run the troubleshooter.
Follow the instructions. This should help.
Method 6 – Restart Human Interface Device Service
Human Interface Device Service is responsible for registering your keyboard inputs on Windows. If there is an issue with the service, the keyboard might not work. Restarting it helps fix the issue. Follow the steps to restart it:
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
Step 2: Type services.msc and press the Enter key.
Step 3: Look for Human Interface Device Service in the Services window. Right-click it > select Restart.
This should help fix the issue on your computer.
Read Also : [Solution] Keyboard Arrow Keys Not Working Issue ? Try These Fixes!
Method 7 -. Update or Reinstall Keyboard drivers
The keyboard driver translates the commands and acts as a bridge between the keyboard and Windows. Hence, when the driver is outdated or corrupt, you face issues with keyboard keys, and some keys might malfunction, such as the Spacebar. Try updating the keyboard driver to see if it helps get the Spacebar working. You can update the driver manually or automatically using a driver updating tool like Advanced Driver Updater. Follow the steps below and decide which method you will try to use to update drivers.
Manually Updating Keyboard Driver
Step 1: Press the Windows + R to open the Run window.
Step 2: Type devmgmt.msc, and hit the Enter key.
Step 3: Now, scroll down and double-click the Keyboard option. Right-click on your keyboard device > select Update driver.
Step 4: Select ‘Search automatically for drivers’ for updating drivers on the next page and follow on-screen instructions. Windows will look for available updates and will update the driver.
Step 5: Restart your PC to apply the changes. Alternatively, download the latest driver update from the manufacturer’s website.
Automatically Update Keyboard Driver
If manually updating the driver seems too much work, you can update the driver automatically. To do so, you will need to install Advanced Driver Updater, one of the best driver updating tools that help keep drivers updated on Windows. You can use its free or paid version to update the driver and fix the Spacebar not working error.
Want to know complete information about the tool ? Go here
Also, you can use it to schedule driver scanning, exclude incompatible drivers, and update tested and WHQL-certified drivers in a few clicks without providing any information.
To use it and fix the Spacebar not working, follow these steps.
Step 1: Download, install, and run Advanced Driver Updater.
Step 2: Click Start Scan Now to scan the PC for outdated drivers. Wait for the scanning process to finish. Advanced Driver Updater will now show a list of out-of-date system drivers.
Step 3: You can now update the driver. If you are using the trial version, click the Update Driver link. However, click the Update All button if you have the paid version. This will update all drivers at once. ( Scroll to find keyboard driver )
Step 4: Finally, restart the PC and check that the ‘Spacebar key is not working’; issue is now fixed.
Method 8 – Perform the SFC scan
If the issue persists, there might be an issue with the system files causing the problem. Hence, run an SFC Scan to fix the laptop Spacebar not working. Follow the steps below to run the command and fix corrupt system files.
Step 1: Run the elevated Command Prompt.
Step 2: Type the sfc /scannow and press the Enter key.
Let the process run. Windows will now look for issues with system files and fix them automatically. Now check if the Spacebar key should be working.
Method 9 – Update Windows
Sometimes, a Windows bug can also cause the Spacebar not to work. The best way to fix it is to update Windows. Follow these steps to download and run the latest version of Windows.
Step 1: Press Windows + S and type Check for updates.
Step 2: Choose the best search result.
Step 3: Click the Check for updates button.
Windows will now look for available updates. If updates are found, the downloading procedure will begin immediately. Restart your computer and check the Spacebar button should now be working.
Method 10 – Perform System Restore
If you have made any changes to the Windows, then the Spacebar might become unresponsive. If you don’t remember the changes you made, perform a system restore. This will help reverse any changes. The process will not impact your data.
Step 1: Press Windows + S, type create a restore point, and press Enter.
Step 2: Click the System Protection tab > System Restore button.
Step 3: Click Next to continue.
Step 4: Select a restore point to which you want to restore the system or when the spacebar was working. Click Next to proceed.
Step 5: Click Finish and allow Windows to restore to the specified restore point.
Method 11- Scan For Malware
Malware is one of the most common reasons for errors and issues on Windows PC. Although there is no direct connection but malware can hamper normal functionality on your PC, and deactivating the Spacebar is one of them. You can run a malware scan using the built-in Windows Security or using any third-party antivirus software. We have explained the steps using the Windows Security app.
Step 1 – Press the Windows key and type “Windows Security”.
Step 2 – Click on the search result that matches what you have typed.
Step 3 – A new window will open where you have to click on the “Virus & Threat Protection” option.
Step 4 – Next, click on the “Scan Options” link.
Step 5 – Click on the radio button next to “Full Scan” and click on the Scan Now button.
Step 6 – Wait for the scan to complete and reboot your PC.
Method 12 – Clean Boot
Some experts have noticed that there could be certain third-party applications that cause conflicts with the keyboard functionality, causing the Spacebar not to work or misbehave. To identify this factor, we need to disable all the third-party services and check. Here are the steps to fix laptop keyboard not working –
Step 1 – Press Win + R to launch the RUN dialog box.
Step 2 – Type “Msconfig” and click on the OK button.
Step 3 – A new box will open, where you will click on the Services tab.
Step 4 – Check the box before Hide All Microsoft Services in the bottom left corner.
Step 5 – Now, click on the Disable All button in the bottom right corner.
Step 6 – Click on the Apply button and then navigate to the Startup tab.
Step 7 – Next, click on the Open Task Manager link.
Step 8 – In the new window, right-click on third-party apps and choose Disable from the context menu.
Step 9 – Close all windows and reboot your computer.
Method 13 – Reinstall Windows
The final method we recommend is to reinstall Windows if none of the above steps work and you have checked the keyboard with another PC, confirming that it is working properly. Here is what you need to do –
Step 1 – Press Windows + I to open the Settings box.
Step 2 – In the top left corner, type “Reset This PC” and click on the search result that matches your text.
Step 3 – Locate the Reset This PC option and click on the Reset PC button.
Step 4 – In the next box, choose between Keep My Files and Remove Everything.
Step 5 – Follow the instructions that appear on your screen. PC will be restored to factory default settings.
No More Spacebar Not Working Issues
That’s it. You can fix the Spacebar not working issue on Windows 11/10/8/7 using the steps mentioned above. To keep drivers updated and avoid facing such issues give Advanced Driver Updater a try. However, if you find the issue you are facing is hardware, you can temporarily use the on-screen keyboard available in Windows or remap a key you don’t often use to function as the Spacebar. We hope this helps. In case you have any suggestions or queries, drop us a comment.
FAQs on Keyword Problems
Q.1 Why is my spacebar not working on my laptop?
The Spacebar key on the laptop may not function due to wear and tear, outdated drivers or glitches in the OS like malware, bugs, misconfigured settings, etc.
Q.2 What To Do If The Keyboard Has A Hardware Fault?
If you have identified that the keyboard has a hardware fault, then the first thing you have to do is to search for the warranty bill. If the hardware is under warranty, then you can get it replaced or repaired by contacting the service center. If not, then you can try consulting a local computer service technician in your area or purchasing a new keyboard.
Q.3 What To Do if the Keyboard Suddenly Stops Working?
If the keyboard keys suddenly stop functioning, then you can try to restart the computer as a first step, and if the issue persists, then unplug the keyboard from your PC and replug it into a different USB port, if possible. In case of a Wireless keyboard, try replacing the batteries with fresh ones.
Q.4 What Are Alternatives If The Keyboard Is Not Working?
If you keyboard is not working and you really need to type something then you can use the online keyboard in your Windows OS or use an alternative keyboard for the time being.
Q.5 What Can I Do If the Problem Is Not Solved After Trying All The Fixes?
If the issues do not get resolved after trying all the expert-recommended troubleshooting methods listed above, then you can try using a different keyboard. Also, you can take your PC and the keyboard to a local computer technician and ask him/her to look at the problem.
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