How Do You Fix a Keyboard That Types Extra Letters?
If you’re constantly using your computer, you may have noticed that your keyboard starts typing extra letters for no reason. This can be extremely frustrating, especially if you’re typing something really important.
Luckily, there are several simple steps in how to fix a keyboard that types extra letters. One of the most important steps that most people disregard is restarting their computers.
In this blog post, we’ve listed down some of the common reasons why you’re experiencing this issue and their solutions. So, keep reading to learn how to fix a keyboard that types extra letters.
Here are the ways to fix the issue
1. Clean Your Keyboard
Keyboards can get dirty fast. If you’re noticing that the buttons aren’t working as well on yours, there may be too much dust inside it then cleaning up might be necessary to fix this issue!
If you have an external keyboard, you can simply turn it upside down and give it a good shake. But don’t stop there! If you have a mechanical keyboard, it would be best to remove the keys using a key puller, give them a thorough clean, and use an air blower for the key slots.
However, if you’re using a built-in laptop keyboard, you might need to clean the internal parts.
2. Scan Your PC
Sometimes, viruses may affect your keyboard. While there are no specific viruses that influence your keyboard from malfunctioning, it’s still better to run anti-virus software.
If you have no anti-virus software, make sure to install one. Scan your laptop or PC for malicious malware that may hinder keyboard functionality.
3. Reboot Your System
Restarting your computer is always an easy way to fix many problems. Sometimes a simple reboot is all your PC or laptop needs to restore your faulty keyboard to its normal function.
If you’ve recently made any software or hardware update, it is highly recommended to restart your computer so it can adjust to its new settings.
4. Update Your Keyboard Drivers
If you haven’t made any changes recently, maybe your drivers need to be updated. Here are the ways to check:
For a Windows Computer:
- Search for the Device Manager and open it.
- Find the Keyboards and click on the arrow before it. It should open a new menu underneath the drivers’ list.
- Right-click the drivers and click the Update Driver option.
- You can do this for each of the drivers that you find under the Keyboards menu.
Another option to try is to search the internet for your keyboard’s manufacturer. They would usually have update options on their official website.
For an Apple Computer:
- Got to your System Settings by searching or by clicking the apple icon found on the menu bar.
- Go to General Settings > Software Update.
Most corrupted keyboard drivers can be resolved by a simple update.
5. Modify Your Keyboard Repeat Delay
You might also be experiencing keyboard delays. Keystroke delays tell you how long it takes for the computer to register and send out keystrokes after you’ve pressed down on them. You may need to modify your computer’s keyboard repeat delay to adjust its speed.
Here’s how to do this for Windows Computer:
- Go to your Control Panel and select Keyboard.
- Check the Keyboard Properties.
- Under Repeat delay, use the key repeat slider to move the cursor to long or short.
- Click Apply and then OK once done.
Here’s the step-by-step for Apple Computer:
- Click on the apple icon on your menu bar.
- Go to System Settings > Keyboard
- Run the delay slider option to long or short.
6. Run A Keyboard Troubleshoot
Much like running anti-virus software, a keyboard troubleshooter may even help in correcting extra character typing issues. Windows have a built-in keyboard troubleshooter under the Update & Security section.
Just follow these simple steps: Updates & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Find and fix other problems > Keyboard > Run the troubleshooter.
While Apple computers have no built-in troubleshooter for keyboards, most keyboard issues can be resolved under the Accessibility options found under System Settings. To know more about this, check out this link.
7. Number Lock
The Number Lock key, also called Num key, Num Lock, or Num Lk is a special key that allows your computer’s keyboard to have an extra number pad when turned on. In some computers, your keyboard has a number pad extension normally found on the right side. You can also find the Number Lock key in the number pad extension area.
Try turning off your Number Lock key and check if you still have keyboard complications. If your Number Lock key does not have a light indicator, you can press it then type characters on a document to check, wait for a few seconds, and repeat the process.
8. Check Your Language Settings
The way you set your computer’s keyboard language settings can make or break how well it works, so pay attention! Some keyboards have different key positions for some of the punctuation when compared to American keyboards.
And since international keyboards are organized in a way that they can accommodate multiple languages, their settings should be tweaked before using them. This is very important so the keys are pressed, they would give the correct output.
Check your menu for language options to see if you’re using the default language that you prefer. Don’t forget to check if you have a Switching Input Methods too. This option can allow you to use different input methods for different applications.
9. Update Your OS
To keep your computer running smoothly, it’s important to make sure you’re installing updates regularly. To do this for a Windows computer, go into Settings and select Update & Security. Click on the Windows Update option from there – if there are any new fixes or service packs available they’ll show up with a message saying so.
Wait for the update to finish and restart your computer laptop as usual. Check if this resolved the issue of the keyboard typing excess letters.
For Apple computers, just repeat the guide in step 4. Update Your Keyboard Drivers.
10. Modify Registry
When you have exhausted all the steps above, you might need to modify your Registry. However, before you do any Registry revisions, you need to make sure that you understand what this step entails.
Your computer’s Registry is like a digital warehouse for all of your computer’s information. It contains profiles, applications, and documents that Windows constantly references throughout its operation – not only what type, but also where they’re stored on disk or who created them!
The Registry Editor should be used with caution, as any errors in the registry can cause problems and result in data loss. Avoid advice from unofficial sources when using this tool because it might lead you down an unwanted path that would require a reinstallation of your operating system.
Before starting any modification, make sure to back up your computer’s Registry.
Aside from your normal keyboard or an external keyboard, you can also use an on-screen keyboard for this step.
- Click Start and type Run on the search bar.
- Search for “Regedit” and press the Enter key.
- Type in or look for the following HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Accessibility\Keyboard Response.
- Open the option AutoRepeatDelay and change the value to 500. Close the window by clicking on OK.
- Open the option AutoRepeatRate and change the value to 50. Close the window by clicking on OK.
- Open the option BounceTime and change the value to 35. Close the window by clicking on OK.
Don’t forget to restart your computer again to reflect the changes made.
Well, there you have it! These are just some ways to fix a keyboard that types extra letters. We hope one of these solutions works for you.
Do you have any other questions about your computer or technology? Let us know in the comments section below and we’ll be happy to help out. Thanks for reading!
