You don’t realize how important keyboard keys are until they stop working. And when that key is the Delete key, it disrupts your workflow and leads to frustration. But before rushing to the store for a replacement keyboard, try these troubleshooting tips to restore its functionality.
This guide walks you through possible fixes for a non-functioning Delete key on a Windows PC.
1. Check for Physical Damage
The first thing you should do is check the Delete key for physical damage. Sometimes cleaning or adjusting the keys can solve the issue. Here’s what to do:
2. Restart Your Computer
If your keyboard is not physically damaged,reboot your Windows computer. This general troubleshooting tip often repairs minor glitches and refreshes your system. Once your computer restarts, see if the Delete key works.
3. Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Hardware and Devices troubleshooter is an inbuilt Windows program that diagnoses and solves hardware-related issues. So, if restarting the computer didn’t work, try this tool. It will scan your system for problems and suggest fixes.
To run the troubleshooter, follow these steps:
In the end, it will suggest possible fixes. Follow the instructions and see if that resolves the issue.
4. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
If the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter finds no issues, try running the Keyboard troubleshooter. This tool is similar to the previous one, but it targets keyboard-related problems.
To run the keyboard troubleshooter, follow the steps:
If it finds any problems, it will suggest possible fixes. Follow the instructions to see if it solves the Delete key issue.
5. Check for Driver Updates
Another reason your Delete key may not work is outdated drivers. To make sure you have the latest updates, follow these steps:
If you see the message “The best drivers for your device are already installed,” it means your keyboard drivers are up-to-date. In that case, reinstall the drivers and see if it solves the issue.
In Device Manager, right-click on the keyboard driver and selectUninstall device. You’ll see a prompt asking for confirmation. Click onUninstallagain. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
After that, restart your computer and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver. Check if it solves the issue.
6. Try a Different Keyboard Layout
Sometimes, the issue is with your keyboard layout settings. Your Delete key may be mapped to another function or disabled altogether. To check this, switch to a different keyboard layout and see if it works. Here’s how:
After adding the new layouts, switch to them and see if the Delete key works. To switch between layouts, pressWin + Spaceon your keyboard. If switching to a different layout solves the Delete key issue, you can remove the added layouts and stick to the one that works for you.
7. Check for Malware or Software Conflicts
Windows OS is also prone to malware attacks. It could disrupt the normal functioning of your keyboard. So, if none of the methods above work,try running a malware scan.
For this, you must useantivirus software that provides real-time protection. If you don’t have one, we recommend Windows Defender. It’s a free and reliable alternative. You can also tryWindows PowerShell to scan and remove malware. After running a full system scan, see if the Delete key works correctly.
8. Try the On-Screen Keyboard
Digital technologies make life easier. The on-screen keyboard is one of them.
If you still can’t delete even after trying all these methods, use the on-screen keyboard as a temporary fix. To open the on-screen keyboard, follow these steps:
Use the mouse or touchpad to click on the Delete key and see if it works. If it does, you may continue using the on-screen keyboard until you find a permanent solution.
Your Delete Key Is Now Working Again
The Delete key is a vital component of our daily computer usage. Any issue with it can significantly affect our productivity and workflow. If your Delete key is not working, try the methods mentioned in this guide until you find one that works for you. Also, remember to regularly update your system and drivers to prevent such issues in the future.
