How to Reset Keyboard in Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

If your keyboard isn’t working properly on Windows 11 — maybe some keys are unresponsive, shortcuts don’t behave as expected, or your layout suddenly switched — don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many Windows 11 users run into keyboard issues, and one of the most effective solutions is resetting the keyboard settings.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to reset keyboard in Windows 11, why you might need to do it, and several methods to get your keyboard back in perfect working order.

Table of Contents

🔑 Key Takeaways

Resetting your keyboard can fix layout errors, stuck keys, and shortcut misconfigurations.
Windows 11 offers multiple reset methods: through settings, device manager, registry, or troubleshooting tools.
Changing the keyboard layout is different from a full reset — both solutions are covered here.
If your keyboard hardware is faulty, resetting won’t help — you may need repair or replacement.
Always back up custom keyboard settings before resetting if you rely on specific shortcuts.

Why Would You Need to Reset Your Keyboard in Windows 11?

Your keyboard is the main way you interact with your PC, so even small issues can feel huge. Here are common reasons you might need a reset:

Wrong keyboard layout (e.g., English US vs. English UK)
Keys typing the wrong characters (pressing “@” shows “#”)
Sticky keys or accessibility features enabled accidentally
Custom hotkeys or shortcuts misbehaving
Software conflicts after updates or new app installations
Driver issues preventing proper function

Think of it like refreshing your phone when apps freeze — a reset brings the keyboard back to its default state.

How to Reset Keyboard in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step Methods)

Let’s dive into the exact steps you can take. Depending on the cause, you may only need one of these methods.

Method 1: Reset Keyboard Layout via Settings

If your keyboard is typing the wrong characters, it’s usually a layout issue.

Steps:

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to Time & Language > Language & region.
Under Preferred languages, select your main language (e.g., English US).
Click … (three dots) > Language options.
Scroll down to Keyboards.
Remove the unwanted keyboard layout.
Click Add a keyboard and re-add your preferred layout.

👉 This essentially resets the layout and removes any mismatches.

Method 2: Use Keyboard Shortcuts to Switch Layouts

Sometimes, you’ve accidentally switched layouts.

Press Windows + Spacebar to toggle between installed layouts.
Or use Alt + Shift for quick switching.

If the problem vanishes when switching, you don’t need a full reset — just remove unused layouts.

Method 3: Reset Keyboard Settings Using Control Panel

Press Windows + R, type control, and hit Enter.
Navigate to Clock and Region > Language.
On the left panel, click Advanced settings.
Under “Override for default input method,” select your preferred keyboard.
Save changes and restart your PC.

Method 4: Reinstall Keyboard Driver via Device Manager

Sometimes, driver corruption causes issues. Resetting the driver can help.

Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
Expand Keyboards.
Right-click your keyboard and choose Uninstall device.
Restart your computer — Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.

👉 This acts like a factory reset for your keyboard driver.

Method 5: Use Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has built-in troubleshooting tools.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Scroll down and find Keyboard.
Click Run and follow the instructions.

This scans for errors and applies automatic fixes.

Method 6: Reset Accessibility Settings (Sticky & Filter Keys)

If your keyboard feels “laggy” or keys seem stuck, accessibility features may be on.

Press Windows + I.
Navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard.
Turn off Sticky keys, Toggle keys, and Filter keys.

👉 This often solves issues where the keyboard behaves oddly.

Method 7: Reset Registry Settings for Keyboard

⚠️ Advanced users only. Always back up your registry before editing.

Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout
Delete the value named Scancode Map (if it exists).
Restart your PC.

This removes any custom key mappings and resets the layout.

Method 8: Reset Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11

If shortcuts are broken, you can reset them.

Right-click the desktop shortcut or app.
Select Properties > Shortcut tab.
Delete or reassign the Shortcut key.

For global hotkeys, you may need to reset via app settings (e.g., in Microsoft Office).

Method 9: Perform a System Restore

If your keyboard was fine before and suddenly started acting up, try a restore.

Search Create a restore point in the Start menu.
Open System Properties.
Click System Restore.
Choose a restore point before the issue started.
Follow the prompts.

Method 10: Perform a Windows Reset (Last Resort)

If nothing works, you may need a full reset.

Press Windows + I.
Go to System > Recovery.
Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.

👉 This is a nuclear option — only use it if all other methods fail.

Additional Tips to Keep Your Keyboard Running Smoothly

Keep Windows updated (Settings > Windows Update).
Clean your physical keyboard to prevent stuck keys.
Avoid installing too many third-party keyboard remappers.
Backup registry before making changes.

Common Problems and Quick Fixes (Table)

Problem	Likely Cause	Quick Fix
Wrong characters	Wrong layout	Reset layout in Settings
Unresponsive keys	Driver issue	Reinstall via Device Manager
Slow/sticky typing	Accessibility features	Turn off Sticky/Filter Keys
Shortcuts not working	Custom hotkeys	Reset or reassign shortcuts
Entire keyboard not working	Hardware failure	Test on another PC

Conclusion

Resetting your keyboard in Windows 11 may sound complicated, but as you’ve seen, it’s just a matter of identifying the problem and applying the right fix. Whether it’s a layout mismatch, driver issue, or accessibility feature causing trouble, the methods above will help you get back to smooth, frustration-free typing.

👉 Remember: start simple (check layout), then move to drivers and troubleshooting, and only consider registry edits or full PC resets as a last resort.

Now that you know how to reset keyboard in Windows 11, your PC should feel much more responsive and reliable.

FAQs About Resetting Keyboard in Windows 11

1. How do I reset my keyboard back to normal?
Go to Settings > Time & language > Language & region, remove unwanted layouts, and re-add your preferred one.

2. Why is my keyboard typing the wrong symbols in Windows 11?
You probably switched layouts accidentally (e.g., US vs. UK). Use Windows + Spacebar to fix it.

3. Can I reset my keyboard without restarting my PC?
Yes, by switching layouts or disabling accessibility settings. But driver resets usually require a restart.

4. Will resetting the keyboard delete my personal files?
No. Resetting only affects keyboard settings, not your documents or apps.

5. My keyboard still doesn’t work after reset — what should I do?
Test it on another PC. If it fails there too, it’s likely a hardware issue, and you may need repair or replacement.