• ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
  • ×
    Information
    Need Windows 11 help?
    Check documents on compatibility, FAQs, upgrade information and available fixes.
    Windows 11 Support Center.
  • post a message
Guidelines
Are you having HotKey issues? Click here for tips and tricks.
Check out our WINDOWS 11 Support Center info about: OPTIMIZATION, KNOWN ISSUES, FAQs, VIDEOS AND MORE.
HP Recommended

My Down key in HP laptop keyboard is not working

2 REPLIES 2
HP Recommended

Hi @Jerry1107,

 

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

 

I'd be glad to help you! 

 

If the down arrow key on your HP laptop keyboard is not working, there are several steps you can take to diagnose and potentially fix the issue. Here’s a systematic approach to troubleshoot:

 

Step 1: Check for Physical Issues

Inspect the Key:

  • Check if the down arrow key is physically stuck or if there’s any debris underneath the key. Gently clean around the key using compressed air or a soft brush.

Test Key Functionality:

  • Press the down arrow key and check if it feels different from other keys that are working. Sometimes a key may feel different if it’s damaged or if the mechanism is not functioning properly.

Step 2: Restart the Laptop

  1. Perform a Restart:
    • Sometimes a simple restart can resolve minor keyboard issues. Save your work and restart the laptop to see if the problem persists.

Step 3: Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Update Keyboard Drivers:

  • Open Device Manager (search for it in the Start menu).
  • Expand the Keyboards section.
  • Right-click on the Standard PS/2 Keyboard (or similar) and select Update driver. Choose to search automatically for updated driver software.

Reinstall Keyboard Drivers:

  • In Device Manager, right-click on the Standard PS/2 Keyboard and select Uninstall device.
  • Restart your laptop. Windows should automatically reinstall the keyboard drivers upon reboot.

Step 4: Check Keyboard Settings

Accessibility Settings:

  • Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and ensure that no accessibility features (such as Sticky Keys or Filter Keys) are interfering with normal keyboard operation.

Check for Keyboard Layout Issues:

  • Ensure that the correct keyboard layout is selected in Settings > Time & Language > Language.

 

Please find the remaining steps in the next post.

 

Please mark this post as Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Nal_NR-Moderator
I am an HP Employee

HP Recommended

Hi @Jerry1107,

 

Please find the remaining steps below.

 

Step 5: Test the Keyboard in BIOS/UEFI

Enter BIOS/UEFI Setup:

  • Restart your laptop and enter the BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the designated key during startup (usually F10, F2, or Esc, depending on your model).

Test Key Functionality:

  • In the BIOS/UEFI menu, try using the down arrow key to navigate through the options. If it works in BIOS/UEFI, the issue may be software-related.

Step 6: Perform a Hard Reset

  1. Hard Reset Procedure:
    • Disconnect the power adapter and remove the battery (if removable).
    • Press and hold the power button for 15-30 seconds to discharge residual power.
    • Reconnect the battery (if removable), plug in the power adapter, and start the laptop.

Step 7: Check for Software Conflicts

Boot in Safe Mode:

  • Restart your laptop and boot into Safe Mode (press F8 or Shift + F8 during startup). Check if the down arrow key works in Safe Mode. If it does, a software conflict might be causing the issue.

Check for Recent Software Changes:

  • If the key stopped working after a recent software installation or update, consider rolling back the changes or uninstalling the problematic software.

Step 8: Use an External Keyboard

  1. Test with an External Keyboard:
    • Connect an external USB keyboard to your laptop and test the down arrow key. If it works on the external keyboard, the issue is likely with the laptop’s built-in keyboard.

 

  • If none of the above steps resolve the issue, the problem might be hardware-related. Contact HP Support or visit a certified repair center for further diagnosis and repair.

 

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

 

Please mark this post as Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

Nal_NR-Moderator
I am an HP Employee

† The opinions expressed above are the personal opinions of the authors, not of HP. By using this site, you accept the <a href="https://www8.hp.com/us/en/terms-of-use.html" class="udrlinesmall">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="/t5/custom/page/page-id/hp.rulespage" class="udrlinesmall"> Rules of Participation</a>.