Q&A for How to Fix Sticky Keyboard Keys

Sometimes a key is just dirty and can be carefully popped off, cleaned, and restored. If that doesn't work, a full keyboard replacement may be necessary.

That is most likely going to be a hardware issue. Most keyboards are "plug and play" so that, if connected properly, they should work. Check and make sure your malfunctioning keyboards are "plug and play." If they are, check and make sure your keyboard is being detected by your PC. Open Device Manager and expand the "keyboards" section; your device should be listed here. If it isn't, it's a hardware issue.

Yes, this is quite common. Do a search on Amazon or eBay's Buy It Now by your laptop model for a replacement. Replacement instructions may come with the new keyboard; if not, you can find them on the manufacturer's website. In the meantime, you can just plug a standard USB keyboard into your laptop and use that, or wireless/Bluetooth.

The tips here will work for both desktop keyboards and laptops.

I found that 50 percent works best for not rubbing off the key labels. You also can buy a waterproof keyboard.

Try wedging your fingernail under the side of the sticky key and using some force to loosen it. You can also use a tool like a butter knife.

Most likely the keyboard is internally unplugged. Open the laptop and reconnect the ribbon cable.

If you aren't able to clean it and get it to work, you may have to buy a new keyboard.

It's likely that the switch underneath the key is damaged. You can try to clean it by using the steps in this article, but it may need to be replaced. Keyboards for desktops are not very expensive and you can easily find them at many stores. If this is a laptop, then you can try to replace the internal keyboard, but you can also take it to a local repair center to get it fixed if you are not confident.