The Enter key on the keyboard is one of the most important keys as it performs the most important function in performing a task. This button is used in word processing software to change the line only, but is otherwise used in place of the highlighted OK buttons on most applications and in Windows dialog boxes. Unlike some keys like numbers, ALT, Shift, and CTRL, there is generally an Enter key on a keyboard.
If this button doesn't work, it can cause some discomfort in using your PC. So, before you consider replacing your keyboard, try these specific solutions that might help solve this problem.
4 solutions on how to do when the Enter key doesn't work on Windows 10?
1. Reboot the system
The most common solution that seems to solve many small and temporary problems is to shut down the computer, wait a couple of minutes and restart it. There is no clear understanding of why the Enter key now works or why the problem has occurred. In the case of a laptop, press the power button for 30 seconds and let the system shut down. Restart after a couple of minutes and check if the Enter key works on your keyboard.
2. Reinstall the drivers
Drivers are small pieces of programs that help establish communication between the hardware and the operating system. Any application that needs the hardware to display video or transmit audio must communicate with the operating system, which sends messages and commands to the drivers and ultimately reaches the actual hardware.
So, if the Enter key or some other keys don't work on your keyboard, it's time to remove the existing drivers and install new ones. Here are the steps to reinstall drivers on Windows PC:
- Press Windows + R to open the RUN dialog, then type “devmgmt.msc” in the text space.
- Press the OK button to open the Device Manager tab.
- In the list of drivers displayed, click Keyboards to activate the drop-down menu. Choose your keyboard from the list and right-click on it.
- From the context menu, click on the uninstall driver and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
- Once the process is complete, restart your computer and the Windows 10 operating system will automatically reinstall the keyboard drivers for you.
Final report: A new copy of the keyboard drivers will be installed, which will replace any damaged or missing files from the previous drivers installed.
Check if the Enter key on the keyboard works correctly; go to the next fix below.
3. Update the drivers
The above method is used to reinstall existing driver files. However, if, due to some changes or updates in the operating system, your keyboard needs updated drivers.
- How to update drivers without programs in Windows 10
- 6 software to update PC drivers Windows 10, 8, 7
4. Change the keyboard settings
The keyboard has certain accessibility settings that make using the keyboard convenient. These settings include Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys that are enabled on your system and can cause problems with the operation of the Enter key on your keyboard. To determine if these settings are incorrect, you can disable them by following the steps given below:
- Type Accessibility in the search box located in the lower left corner of the taskbar and check the results displayed at the top.
- Click on the result that says “Easy Access Keyboard Settings” and a new window will open.
- The new window will list three options: Use Sticky Keys, Use Toggle Keys, and Use Filter Keys. Turn the switch below all of these options to the left and make sure they are off.
- Restart your system after all settings have been disabled and see if the problem is resolved.
Two words for when Windows 10 Enter Key Not Working
The Enter key is one of the most important keys on the keyboard and is also one of the most pressed keys. In some cases, for people using specialized software, failure of the Enter key can cause their work to stop. Replacing the keyboard may not solve the problem in all cases as it may be due to outdated drivers or some settings. So it is recommended that you try the above options before considering a hardware change.
