Sometimes our computers and the devices connected to them can start living life on their own. As someone who works with computers as an IT consultant, I can tell you that this happens on a regular basis, and for a variety of different reasons.
The one thing that these issues seem to have in common is that they’re frustrating to deal with when you don’t know where to start.
Depending on their ability to identify the problem and then search for a solution, some people will, instead, try to suppress the problem and look for a workaround.
This can be difficult when it comes to the keyboard, as the keyboard is one of the two components that allow the user to control the device and maneuver it. Today we’ll be looking at the different solutions to this problem and what you can do about it.
The reason why your keyboard is typing random characters automatically can be both hardware and software-related. On the hardware side of things, it could be that a key is stuck, the keyboard is damaged by the user, or during production. Whereas software-related issues can be linked to malware, the computer’s settings, BIOS drivers, or the keyboard’s drivers.
It’s important to troubleshoot everything related to the keyboard to identify the problem. Thankfully, Microsoft has made it quite easy for anyone to troubleshoot the device’s components. I’ll show you how to deal with this problem.
How Do I Stop My Keyboard From Typing Automatically?
All problems related to automatic typing aren’t equal. The symptoms can vary greatly too. Repeated characters, repeated symbols, typing wrong characters, and automatically erasing letters are all common issues.
If your keyboard is generating gibberish nonsense in the middle of your sentences on a regular basis the keyboard could be defective, meaning it would need to be replaced.
The production cost of a keyboard is extremely low, and they’re not meant to be repaired, but replaced. This doesn’t apply to high-end keyboards.
Before you even start considering replacing your keyboard, I suggest you go through the steps I’ve listed below. With a bit of luck, one of the methods will fix your keyboard and get it back to normal.
Troubleshoot the device using Windows built-in troubleshooter
- In the Search Bar in the lower-left corner, search for “Troubleshoot Settings” and hit Enter.
- Now you should be in the Troubleshoot window. Scroll down to find “Keyboard”.
- Click on the keyboard symbol to reveal the “Run the troubleshooter” and click it.
- Wait for the results.
The troubleshooter will try to identify any irregularities that could cause your keyboard to malfunction. If any irregularities are found during the scan, Windows will give you the option to fix them.
Uninstall the keyboard’s drivers
Uninstalling the keyboard’s drivers will force the computer to reinstall them as the computer starts. The newly-installed device drivers can get your keyboard back to normal.
To uninstall your keyboard’s drivers, do the following.
- Press the Windows button + R to open up “Run”
- In the Run-window, type “devmngmt.msc” and hit Enter.
- Locate the “Keyboard” tab and expand it to show all keyboards connected to your device.
- Right-click on the malfunctioning keyboard and choose “Uninstall Device”
- Reboot your computer. During start-up, the computer will reinstall the drivers.
- See if the keyboard works as intended.
You’re in Overtype mode in Word.
If you’re experiencing that your keyboard is replacing characters as you write, or inserting letters in positions other than those you intended. Then you’re probably in Overtype.
To stop typing over text in Word:
- In Word, choose File in the upper-left corner.
- In File, click Options -> Advanced.
- Under Editing Options, look for “Use Insert Key to toggle Overtype Mode” and uncheck it.
- Uncheck “Use Overtype Mode” as well.
Disable Sticky Keys
Sticky keys is a feature in Windows that allows the user to press key combinations, such as Ctrl + Alt + Delete without having to press the modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Windows).
This feature was developed to help people with physical impairments who may have a hard time pressing multiple keys simultaneously.
Sticky Keys can be activated by clicking the Shift key 5 times in a row, but the same key doesn’t disable the feature. Making it quite easy to activate and harder to deactivate.
When Sticky Keys is activated, your computer may spew out symbols and characters that you never intended to type.
To see if you have Sticky Keys enabled and to disable it – do the following.
- In the Search Bar, search for “Ease of Access keyboard settings” and hit Enter.
- Under “Use Sticky Keys” make sure the feature is “Off”. You can also enable the shortcut to make sure you don’t accidentally activate the Sticky Keys feature again.
Update the BIOS drivers
The BIOS, or Basic Input/Output System, can be described as firmware that helps the computer initiate communication with the connected hardware during the start-up process.
It’s not entirely unlikely that outdated BIOS drivers could be the cause of your problems.
See what your current version is and compare it to the most recent update available. I’ll show you how.
- In the Search Bar, search for “System Information” and hit Enter.
- Under “System Model” or “BaseBoard Product” you should be able to find the name of the motherboard or the computer model. Laptops will show a model name (e.g “HP EliteBook 840 G3) while stationary computers often show the name of the motherboard.
- Browse the manufacturer’s website for the product name we find in the earlier step. When you get to the product, you should be able to find drivers for that specific model.
- Find the drivers for BIOS and download them.
- Launch the installation file and follow the instructions. If you’re on a laptop, it’s imperative that you’ve got the power source connected throughout the entire process.
Connect an external keyboard
Connect an external keyboard to your computer. If the issue persists with a new device connected, then it’s most likely caused by software. Continue troubleshooting.
Update the touchpad’s drivers (If you’re on a laptop)
Even though your touchpad may be working as intended, updating the touchpad’s drivers can still fix some of the problems associated with the keyboard, such as the keyboard typing automatically, for instance.
- In the Search Bar, search for “System Information”.
- Find the computer model’s name under System Model.
- Visit the manufacturer’s website and browse for drivers for that model.
- Download drivers for the Touchpad
- Launch the installation file and follow instructions.
You can also try uninstalling the drivers and rebooting the computer. To do so:
- Press Windows + R and type “Devmgmt.msc”
- Search for Mice & other pointing devices and expand it.
- All pointing devices connected to your device will now show. Find the touchpad and right-click on it. In the menu that appears, choose “Uninstall Device”.
- Reboot computer. The computer should reinstall the drivers upon start-up.
Scan your computer for malware
Malware can cause your computer to act strange in numerous ways. Their intentions will also vary, some are there to gather information, some to display ads, and some are simply created to be annoying.
“Some people just want to watch the world burn”
If your computer is infected by malware the characters written will seem like they’re written by a human, whereas a keyboard malfunction will seem less natural and more chaotic. Total gibberish is often generated by the keyboard, and not a human.
Regardless of the characteristics of the problem, it doesn’t hurt to run a malware scan just to be on the safe side.
- If you already own anti-virus software, open it up and start scanning your computer.
- Remove any infected files found on your computer.
- If you don’t own an anti-virus, download one of the free ones. I’ve been using Avast with great success.
Disconnect all USB devices
Having multiple USB-devices connected to the same computer can cause disruption. Of course, computers are designed to handle as many devices as they’ve got slots for – but there can be compatibility issues.
Disconnect one device at a time to see if your keyboard continues to type on its own. If you can establish that there are compatibility problems between two devices, try updating their drivers or reinstalling them entirely.
Clean your keyboard
Your keyboard will start collecting dust and scraps from the day you unbox it, and it doesn’t take too long until the keyboard has more dirt than you would imagine underneath the keys.
Food, dust, and other junk can cause the keyboard’s keys to stick when they’re being pressed. This will cause the same key to repeat itself over and over again.
Clean your keyboard using one of these methods.
- Clean the keyboard using Canned Air.
- Clean the keyboard using a vacuum cleaner.
- Remove the keys one by one and clean the keyboard thoroughly using a cloth. Vacuum cleaning the keyboard is a good addition.
Look for liquid spill
Has the keyboard been exposed to liquids? Depending on the amount of liquid spill, and whether or not the liquid could make its way inside the keyboard, it may very well have damaged the keyboard to the point where it’s either rendered useless or malfunctioning.
If the keyboard has been damaged by liquid spill recently;
- Unplug the keyboard
- Flip the keyboard over
- Clean it using a cloth
If the damage has already been done, there’s a risk you may have to replace your keyboard.
Read: How To Tell If Your Keyboard Has Been Damaged By Liquid
Why Is My Keyboard Spamming a Letter?
While it can be caused by malware, it’s rare since there’s nothing to gain for the creator of the virus in infecting your computer with a virus that causes the keyboard to repeat letters.
But it’s still smart to perform a scan for malicious viruses. Check the keyboard for physical damage to the keys, or keys being stuck, as this definitely will result in the keyboard repeating characters.