Out of all keys in the keyboard, the Enter key is an important one as it is used to execute most commands. But, it can be a hassle if the key stops working. If you are frustrated, then do not worry! In today’s guide, we’ll explore why is Enter key not working and provide the solutions to fix it on Windows 10 PC.
8 Ways to Fix Enter Key Not Working on Windows 10
What to do if my Enter key is not working? This problem may arise due to many reasons. From removing common bugs to more complex solutions, this guide will help you troubleshoot and solve this issue on Windows 10.
Quick Answer
Try adjusting the keyboard settings on Windows 10. Here are the steps to do so.
1. Open the Windows Settings by hitting Windows + I keys simultaneously.
2. Select the Ease of Access option.
3. Click on Keyboard menu.
4. Disable the Use Sticky keys, Use Toggle Keys and Use Filter keys option.
Why is Enter Key Not Working?
The Enter key is one of the important keys in the keyboard and the reason for which there might be a glitch might be puzzling. If you are thinking about the answer to the question of why is Enter key not working, you can read the possible causes for the issue in this section.
- Hardware issues: The Enter key on the keyboard might be having some issues or the hardware components of the keyboard may have failed.
- Faulty keyboard drivers: The keyboard drivers installed on your PC might be outdated or corrupt.
- System configuration issues: The Enter key may be assigned with a number or maybe misconfigured in the Registry Editor.
By identifying the possible causes for the issue with the Enter key, we can brainstorm a few options to fix the issue. The possible options to resolve your query of why is Enter key not working are given in the following methods.
Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Steps
To ease the pressure you have after confronting the issue with the Enter key, it might not be easy to let go of the possible questions that pop into your mind. However, you can try using any of the basic troubleshooting methods given in the section and see if the issue is cleared.
1A. Restart PC
The issue might be caused due to some lag or minor issues in the PC that can be simply fixed with a restart. You can follow the options explained in the link given to restart your PC.
1B. Fix Hardware Issues
As the Enter key in the Keyboard is hardware connected to the PC, there might be some issues in the hardware components. If you are facing the question of what to do if my Enter key is not working, you can easily fix these issues on the keyboard.
- The first option is to clear the physical blockages in the keyboard, especially any hindering obstruction that is underneath the Enter key. You can clean such visual obstructions under the Enter key using a pair of tweezers or a toothpick.
- At times, the issue may not be visible to the naked eye and to clean the keyboard in this case, you can use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- If none of the options helps in fixing the issue, you can try using the keyboard on another PC. If the keyboard is working fine, the issue might be with your PC. In the other case, the issue might be with the hardware components of the keyboard. Contact a technician to alter or fix hardware issues in the keyboard or the PC.
1C. Reconnect Keyboard
If you are using a detachable keyboard connected to the PC, you can try using this option. This is not however suitable for fixing the issues with the keyboard on the Laptop.
1. Press the Esc key and disconnect the USB receiver from the USB slot.
Note: By pressing the Esc key, you can avoid the potential loss of data during the process.
2. Power cycle your PC as said earlier.
3A. Press the Esc key and reconnect the USB receiver to the USB port.
3B. If you are using a wireless keyboard, turn on the wireless keyboard by pressing the switch under the keyboard.
4. Pair the keyboard using the Bluetooth connection and check if the Enter key is working.
1D. Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Since the issue with the hardware components of the Keyboard is not the reason for the issue, it is assumed that it might be caused due to a glitch in the software configuration on the PC. In this case, you can run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter as given in the link. This can help to identify the issues in using the keyboard related to the software and clear the bugs.
1E. Repair Corrupt Files
At times, the issue might creep in if there is some issue in the system files or due to involuntary modifications in the configuration. You can run scans to check the issues in these files and repair them to fix Enter key not working on Windows 10 PC issue.
- Follow the instructions given in the link to run a virus scan on your PC and identify the major reason for the issue.
- To check if the issue is with using the system files, you can run the SFC and DISM tools to scan and fix the issues in them.
1F. Update Windows OS
Using an outdated Windows OS may be the reason for the issue and may conflict with the functioning of the Enter key. If you are searching for the answer to the question of what to do if my Enter key is not working, you can try updating the Windows OS installed to fix Enter key not working on Windows 10 PC issue.
1. Press the Windows + I keys at the same time to open the Settings app.
2. Click on the Update & Security option in the home menu.
3. In the Windows Update tab, click on the Check for updates button.
4. If an update were available, it would be installed by using the connected Wi-Fi network.
1G. Fix Keyboard Driver Issues
From running the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter, it might not be evident that the issue is with the corrupt or misconfigured Keyboard driver. In this case, you can try fixing the driver and see if the Enter key is working.
- The first approach in this method to fix the Enter key not working on Windows 10 PC issue is to update the Keyboard driver as instructed in the link given here. This would help in updating, which simply means, bringing the driver to the latest version rolled out in the market.
- If updating the driver does not help in fixing the issue, you can try reinstalling the Keyboard driver as explained in the link given. This is helpful as it can help in installing the driver software in a fresh state on the PC.
Method 2: Change Keyboard Settings
To aid in typing faster without any spelling mistake while typing on the keyboard, there are a few options in the Settings menu. These include the Sticky keys, Toggle keys, and Filter keys. However, one major issue noticed with these options is their interference with the keys on the keyboard. You can turn off these settings on your PC to fix the Enter key not working on Windows 10 PC issue.
1. Open the Settings app using the Windows + I keys together.
2. Click on the Ease of Access option in the home menu.
3. Move to the Keyboard tab in the Interaction section on the left pane. Toggle off the following options.
- Use Sticky Keys,
- Use Toggle Keys, and
- Use Filter Keys.
4. Restart your PC as instructed earlier and check if the Enter key is working.
Also Read: How Do You Connect a Logitech Bluetooth Keyboard
Method 3: Deactivate Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts
If some of the key combinations are accidentally triggered on the keyboard, it might be difficult to revert the functionality of the keys to the original form. You can press the following key combinations for a time or two to disable the activated keyboard shortcuts.
- Windows + Space bar keys
- Esc + Enter keys
- Esc key + press and hold the Shift key
Method 4: Disable Game Mode
If the Game mode is enabled on your PC, it might be difficult to access and use the keys on the keyboard. In this case, you can simply try disabling the Game mode on your PC as said in the link given here, and check if the issue with the Enter key is resolved.
Method 5: Restore Enter Key Functionality
The Enter key may have lost its functionality or may not be properly registered to the Windows PowerShell on your PC. In this case, the key may not be functioning in the keyboard, and to fix the Enter key not working on Windows 10 PC issue, you can try restoring its functionality.
Note 1: To use the command on the Windows PowerShell app, it is necessary to have a functional Enter key. In this case, you can connect any other functional keyboard or use your Android phone with the PC.
Note 2: If the Return key is working on your PC, you can use it as well. The Return key is present in the alphabet section of the keyboard and has a return symbol over it.
1. Press the Windows key, type Windows PowerShell, and click on the Run as an administrator option.
2. Click on the Yes button on the UAC window to allow the app.
3. Type the following command and press the Fn + Return keys together.
Get-AppxPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPAckage –DisableDevelopmentMode –Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXMAnifest.xml”}
4. Reboot the PC as instructed earlier to let the changes be effective.
Also Read: How to Turn Off Logitech Keyboard Number Lock
Method 6: Modify Registry Keys
While you are scratching your head to find the ideal answer to the question of what to do if my Enter key is not working, you may recall that system misconfiguration is one of the reasons for the issue. If the keys and their values are set incorrectly in the Registry Editor, you may face this issue and the Enter key may not be functional. In this case, you can modify the Registry Editor to fix Enter key not working on Windows 10 PC issue.
Before beginning the changes in the Registry Editor, it is best to have a backup of the Registry Editor keys as instructed in the link to avoid any loss of potential information.
Now, follow the steps listed below to modify registry keys.
1. Use the search bar to open the Registry Editor app.
2. To allow the app, click on the Yes button on the UAC window.
3. Navigate to the given location path.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout
4. Right-click on the Scancode Map key folder in the section and click on the Delete option in the menu.
5. Click on the Yes button on the confirmation window.
6. Restart the PC as mentioned earlier to implement the changes.
Method 7: Remap Enter Key (Not Recommended)
If none of the methods work in fixing the Enter key not working on Windows 10 PC issue with the Enter key, you can try remapping the Enter key. This workaround method can help you simply assign the Enter key function to another key on the keyboard.
1. Use the search bar at the bottom-left corner to open the Google Chrome app.
2. Open the GitHub website to install the SharpKeys and click on the version in the Releases section of the right pane.
3. Run the downloaded file and click on the Add button.
4. Select the Enter key on the left pane, select another key like Left Shift on the other window, and click on the OK button.
5. Click on the OK button on the confirmation window.
6. Click on the Write to Registry button on the SharpKeys window.
7. As mentioned earlier, restart the PC to make this effect take place.
Also Read: How Many Types of Keys on a Computer Keyboard
Method 8: Create New User Account
One of the notable workaround methods is to create a new user account as given in the link and use it to help use the keyboard. This can help bypass all the issues with the local or other account and help in using the Enter key on the keyboard.
The article explains the methods to fix the Enter key not working on Windows 10 PC issue. Kindly address your queries and suggestions in the comments section below for us to answer. Also, please let us know which of these methods was effective in fixing the issue with the Enter key.
