Though we do not make use of special characters on our keyboards very often, they are an important part of content formation. However, sometimes users complain that the special characters on the keyboards are not working. Let’s say someone is drafting an email and @ symbol is not working. So, what could be the issues and how can they be fixed.? There can be many reasons for Keyboard Special Characters not working as intended.
In this guide, we will explain various reasons that may cause the special characters to not work. You may have a driver update pending, or there may be some issues that can be dealt with manually. You can try out the various fixes we have put up below if you are facing the issue of Keyboard Special Characters not working.
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How to Fix Windows 10 Keyboard Special Characters if not working?
This trouble fixing guide is basically aiming at the PCs running on Windows 10. Now, if you have any other older Windows OS then also you can try out the guides.
Let’s dive into the list of troubleshooting. You have to do some basic tweaking that should necessarily fix the issue with the characters.
Is the Numlock On.?
Some modern-day PC/laptop does not have the Numlock key. However, the older keyboards did come with a Numlock. If the NumLock key is on, then you cannot type special characters. So, try to see if it’s on. Then tap on the key to turn it off. Also, it’s important to see whether that key itself has some issues then that may, in turn, bring up the non-functioning. So, try to tap the NumLock key a couple of times to see if it’s doing fine or not.? If it has some issues, then you may consider replacing it.
Try Restarting
Maybe your PC just went through a new update and is yet to reboot to integrate the new changes. This may cause the issue with the keyboard special characters. So, try to restart your PC. Then check if the special characters are working fine or not.?
Take help of the Keyboard Troubleshooter
Do you know that your Windows 10 comes with an inbuilt troubleshooter for the keyboard? So, all you need to do is invoke the application and let it handle the issue. This is how you can access it.
- Go the Settings > Update & Security
- Next on the left-hand screen, you can see an option called Troubleshoot. Click on it.
- Under the Troubleshoot section, you will see the fix-up options for various hardware and software attributes.
- Click on Keyboard. It will be the highlight. You will see an option run the troubleshooter. Click on it.
- After the issue is presumably solved, restart your machine.
- Now, try typing the special characters.
Use Character Map
Another quick fix for the issue is to make use of the inbuilt character map on your PC.
- In the Windows search, look for Character Map
- Open the application
- Copy the choice of character and paste it in your text body. That’s it.
Update the Device Driver
Sometimes due to outdated device drivers, many issues may creep into the device including Keyboard special characters not working. So, check whether there is any fresh update pending for the keyboard driver.
- Go to This PC icon on the desktop. Right Click > Properties
- In the next screen, at the left-hand side click on Device Manager
- Now, you will see a list of the attached devices
- Go to the keyboard, expand it.
- Then Right Click on it > update Driver.
Note
Check for the keyboard Layout
Depending upon what keyboard you have, you should set the keyboard layout accordingly. In case you meddle up unintentionally with the keyboard language, then you may end up with some language that your keyboard will not support. To fix these issues,
- Go to the desktop, click Ctrl + I. You will be redirected to the Settings Page
- Click Time and Language
- In the left pane that you see click on Language
- Now under Preferred Languages, you can check. Use Up and Down arrow keys to move from one language to another.
- Click on Option to check for Keyboard Layout
- If the layout of your preferred keyboard matches the physical keyboard then use the Add a Keyboard option.
- Now restart your PC
To check whether you have sorted the issue, after the PC reboots, press Windows key + R. Type OSK to open up the on-screen keyboard. Now check if the symbols match with your input.
So, that’s it, guys. These were some basic troubleshooting guide which you can use to fix the Keyboard Special Characters if they are not working.
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