Among discussions about keyboard issues, how to fix swapped keyboard keys is a hot topic that attracts a lot of attention. Usually, keyboard keys getting swapped is a sign of bugs so it’s wise to run the keyboard troubleshooter. Besides that, you may want to update the keyboard driver, apply changes to keyboard language settings and so on. Continue reading if you want to bring the keyboard keys on your computer back to normal at the earliest opportunity.
Swapped Keys On Keyboard: Solutions
Run Keyboard Troubleshooter
- Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings, pick Update & Security and click Troubleshoot.
- Step 2: Choose Additional troubleshooters then select Keyboard.
- Step 3: Hit Run the troubleshooter and allow the process to run all the way.
- Step 4: Assuming that the troubleshooter manages to identify the cause, click Apply this fix.
- Step 5: Restart your computer.
Update The Keyboard Driver
- Step 1: Go to Search bar, type devmgmt.msc then press Enter to open Device Manager.
- Step 2: Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard and pick Update driver.
- Step 3: Hit Search automatically for drivers.
- Step 4: After the process finishes, restart your computer.
Note: While talking about how to fix swapped keyboard keys, a few people claim that they have achieved good results by uninstalling and reinstalling the keyboard driver.
- Step 1: Go to Search bar, type devmgmt.msc then press Enter to open Device Manager.
- Step 2: Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard and pick Uninstall device.
- Step 3: Check the checkbox next to Delete the driver software for this device before hitting OK.
- Step 4: Restart your computer.
Change Keyboard Language Settings
- Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings, choose Time & Language then select Language.
- Step 2: Pick English, click Options and see what is set for Keyboards. Feel free to make changes if necessary. Restart your computer when everything is to your liking.
- Step 3: As soon as the screen comes back on, test out your keyboard keys.
Note: If you don’t have the English language pack, get it via Add a Language. Make sure that your Internet connection is stable to minimize complications during the process.
The Root Of The Problem
It’s not uncommon for Windows computers to experience bugs in use and some of the bugs affect the function of keyboard keys. Thus, once it comes to keyboard keys getting swapped, you must give bugs some thought. Also, since the keyboard driver dictates the way that keyboards work, things would go haywire if the driver is obsolete, corrupted, etc. Last but not least, if you mess up keyboard language settings, a number of keys such as ” and @ could be spewed.
Questions And Answers
How Do I Switch Between Keyboard Layouts?
If you have multiple keyboard layouts, you can use the Ctrl + Shift shortcut to switch between them. Keep in mind that you can change the order of layout by going to Keyboards in Settings.
What Must Be Done If My Keyboard Keeps Typing Wrong Characters?
In the beginning, you should press the NumLock or FN + NumLock shortcut. If the issue persists, proceed to change the language. It won’t hurt to switch between keyboard layouts as well.
As PCWorld’s senior editor, Mark focuses on Microsoft news and chip technology, among other beats. He has formerly written for PCMag, BYTE, Slashdot, eWEEK, and ReadWrite.