HP Envy keyboard stops working

[michaeljsalo]

There is a major problem with HP Envy laptops running Windows 11. At least once a week for the last year, the built in keyboard stops responding out of nowhere. When this happens, there is nothing to do but use the trackpad to restart the system.

It is not a minor annoyance. It is a major recurring problem that drains time and energy. The keyboard functionality drops out at the worst times, while I am in the middle of a task. Imagine being in an important meeting when the keyboard suddenly stops working. A working keyboard is a basic essential requirement of a computer.

Advice to update or reinstall keyboard drivers is a waste of time. That is not where the problem lies. I don't know whether it's more of a hardware or software issue. I don't know if it's more of an HP or Microsoft issue. Either way it's on HP to figure this out and provide guidance to their clients. I expect a reasonable and helpful answer to this significant matter.

[Max3Aj]

@michaeljsalo. Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

We understand that you are facing issues with your HP ENVY x360 15.6 inch 2-in-1 Laptop PC
Here are practical steps based on deeper troubleshooting, not surface-level tips:

Disable Keyboard Power Saving

Sometimes, Windows puts the keyboard controller to sleep to save power.

• Open Device Manager
• Expand Keyboards
• Right-click on your keyboard → Properties
• Go to the Power Management tab
• Uncheck: "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power"

Note: You may not see the Power tab for all devices. If you don’t see it, continue to next steps.

Disable USB Selective Suspend

The internal keyboard may be controlled over USB internally, and Windows' power saving might cut it off.

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options
• Click on Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings
• Expand USB settings > USB selective suspend setting
• Set it to Disabled for both Battery and Plugged in

Turn Off Modern Standby (If Supported)

Modern Standby (S0ix) is a frequent cause of peripheral problems on HP laptops.

Check if it’s enabled: powercfg /a

 

If it shows S0 Low Power Idle, you may be able to disable it (note: some BIOSes allow toggling between Modern and Legacy Sleep).

• Reboot to BIOS (F10 at startup)
• Look for Modern Standby or Sleep State Options
• If present, disable Modern Standby or select S3 Legacy Sleep

⚠️ If this option isn’t present, it means your hardware is locked into Modern Standby.

BIOS and Firmware Update

Try HP Support Assistant for updates.

Or Go to: HP Drivers & Software

Enter your full model: 15-ew0000

Manually download and install the latest:

• BIOS
• Intel Chipset driver
• Intel Serial IO driver
• HP System Event Utility

Install HP Hotkey Support

Try installing/reinstalling HP Hotkey Support. 

You can find it under your laptop’s driver list.
 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support