How to Replace a Laptop Keyboard: Laptops are practical, competent, and small machines that let you access the vast digital universe. However, as there is only so much frame space available to house all of the required hardware and components, dealing with physical hardware damage can be challenging.
Your laptop is made up of numerous functioning parts that must operate together in order for it to function fully. One of the most crucial components of your laptop’s PC is its keyboard.
Accidents do happen, however if your technology is accidentally damaged, the price to restore it to its pre-accident condition might be high. Fortunately, replacing a broken laptop keyboard is a simple, step-by-step procedure that only needs a few simple tools, some time, and technical knowledge.
We’ll show you how to change a laptop keyboard using this instructional manual, saving you the trip to your neighbourhood PC repair shop.
How to replace a laptop keyboard: Step-by-step
STEP ONE: Find Your Pc’s Service/Repair Manual
Manufacturers produce service and repair manuals as how-to manuals for both novice and expert technicians, providing information on how to fix a machine’s various parts.
Traditionally, service/repair manuals include detailed instructions that break down complex technical procedures into easily comprehensible everyday language. Make sure you have a manual on hand before starting any repairs so you can be confident you’re fixing the issue rather than doing more harm than good.
The drawback is that not all machines on the market have these service instructions. It can be either simple or nearly impossible to locate the service manual for your laptop because some manufacturers are better than others at including service manuals with their products. In fact, it can be challenging to get service manuals for modern laptop models.
On the plus side, one may now find all the information they require regarding their specific machine on the internet. Modern manufacturers are considerably more likely to publish PC manuals online in a common PDF format that is freely accessible on their website.
Even a quick Google search might help you find what you’re looking for. The wonderful site Archive.org keeps a huge collection of service manuals in its database. You might also think about using other outside sources, such as ManualsLib, a different archive database that might have the documentation you require.
Once you’ve found the repair guide for your specific laptop model, download it to a different device or print it out so you can easily access it while you’re working.
STEP TWO: Collect the Parts You Need
You should gather the components you need to do the repair before diving in and unscrewing anything. What additional parts you’ll need should be specified in your service manual. Check with the manufacturer first. Are the parts you’re seeking for available there? If not, you might try browsing eBay or online computer parts stores to discover the precise keyboard, screws, or ribbons you require.
Ensure that the components you purchase match the precise model number of your laptop. Despite having a similar appearance, distinct laptop models may have different hardware and structural components. Unsure of where to look for the model number of your laptop? To locate the special code for your PC, look at the bezel around your screen or the label that is affixed to the bottom of the laptop. By contacting the manufacturer’s help line, you may be able to streamline your search if you are unable to locate your laptop’s model number.
If all else fails, you might be able to locate the keyboard you need online, albeit in a damaged form. You can rescue the parts and reuse them into your PC as long as the keyboard and other relevant components are unbroken and in good condition. To disassemble the damaged unit, release the parts, and then insert them into your machine, refer to the guide from Part 1 above.
STEP THREE: Set up Your Workspace
Whether you think this PC fix will be simple and quick for you or complicated and time-consuming, you’ll want your workplace to be entirely devoted to the repair. Look for a place that is tidy, open, and level. To reduce static, we advise avoiding soft or carpeted surfaces. The solution is a clean desk surface, countertop, or hardwood floor.
Take the following tools with you:
- Phillips screwdriver (size dependent upon individual unit)
- Flat-head screwdriver (size dependent upon individual unit)
- Replacement parts (keyboard, screws, ribbons, etc.)
- A container for loose pieces
STEP FOUR: Disassemble Your Pc
Always make sure to first review your PC’s handbook for extremely detailed instructions before doing any physical work. Your laptop can be special and have a completely different keyboard replacement procedure than our typical step-by-step guide. Fortunately, this method applies to the vast majority of contemporary PCs because changing a laptop keyboard is a rather universal process.
- Make sure the laptop is unplugged from all power sources and shut off.
- To gain access to your laptop’s internal components, remove the screws located on the bottom of the device. There are typically three screws on HP laptops—one on each side and one in the centre. To remove them safely, use a screwdriver of the proper size.
- Take out the computer’s battery.
- Look for the locking latches that hold the keyboard in place and are attached to it. At the top of the keyboard, along the Function keys, there should be four latches. You must use your finger to depress each lock in order to remove the keyboard from its mounting.
- To access the ribbon cables, pull the keyboard away from the tab slots and flip it over.
- By pulling the locking tabs upward, you can use your fingers to unplug the ribbon wires. Avoid damaging the connecting ribbons at all costs.
- Pull the cables away from the connectors by releasing them. Now the keyboard ought to be completely free of the PC.
STEP FIVE: Reassemble with The New Part
- Place the new keyboard in the same location as the old one, then connect the data wire to the laptop’s socket.
- To attach the keyboard to the PC’s frame, place it in position and replace any missing screws.
- Restart your laptop after you’ve screwed the bottom back on.
If all goes according to plan, your laptop will be fully repaired to its pre-existing functioning without the need for any professional repair services. If your newly inserted keyboard still does not function after the reboot, you might think about updating the driver or just taking it to a technician who can fix it right away.
How to repair a Windows keyboard driver
Your keyboard issues could be caused by an out-of-date or defective Windows keyboard driver. Let’s go over the procedures you must follow to make sure your drivers are current and that your laptop can quickly resume normal operation.
Examine the Keyboard
Make sure your keyboard doesn’t have any physical damage by giving it a close inspection. It’s usually advisable to confirm that the root cause is not something caused by any unintentional external damage before delving into internal driver issues. Watch out for any indications of water damage or any exposed cords that might be warning you of a different issue.
The procedures below can help you locate a solution if you were unable to find any signs of physical damage to your laptop’s keyboard.
Keyboard Connection
The driver won’t be able to load as usual and will result in a broken keyboard if your laptop’s keyboard has become loose for any reason. Use the procedures outlined in Part 4 to disassemble your PC and confirm that all necessary cables, latches, tabs, and ribbons are firmly fastened.
Check your operating system’s keyboard driver by following the next few steps if everything appears to be securely fastened and in place.
Check Windows Driver Installation
The standard drivers that enable your computer to run without a lot of manual plugging and downloading are included when you buy a Windows machine. Although the Windows operating system includes a standard keyboard driver, you might need to manually update it or reinstall it to get your keyboard working again.
Your integrated Windows Device Manager provides access to your keyboard driver.
How to Update Keyboard Driver
- Right-click the Start icon at the bottom left on your Windows taskbar
- Select Device Manager
- Scroll down and select Keyboard. The drop-down menu should reveal the name of your built-in laptop keyboard Standard PS/2 Keyboard
- Right-click Standard PS/2 Keyboard and select Update driver
- The question “How do you wish to search for drivers?” will appear in a new window. Allow Windows to perform an automatic search if you’re unclear what to do. Do it manually if the driver programme is easily accessible on your PC.
- Windows will set up the necessary programmes. Restarting your computer should fix everything.
How to Reinstall Keyboard Driver
- Right-click the Start icon on your Windows taskbar
- Select Device Manager
- Select and expand the Keyboards category
- Right-click Standard PS/2 Keyboard
- Select Uninstall
- Restart your PC by loading the Start Menu and pressing the Power button. Select Restart
- Upon reboot, Windows will automatically reinstall your built-in keyboard driver
CONCLUSION
Your laptop keyboard should function in no time with these helpful hints, techniques, and how-to guides. You can rely on HP Tech Takes for thorough walkthroughs and qualified help on any of your computer hardware queries.