Repair or reattach a broken laptop key (2024)

Sometimes a key on a laptop keyboard can become loose or fall off. Try the following suggestions to secure the key and click it into place on the keyboard.

Attaching a loose key case

Unlike a desktop key, each key on a portable keyboard can consist of three components: the keyboard, the keyboard, and the key holder, as shown in the figure.

If the keyboard is loose but still attached to the laptop, pressing the keyboard often resolves this. When the keyboard is replaced, you will hear a click when you press the key. If this does not solve the problem, we recommend that you remove the key so that it can be reattached. The reconnection process is described below.

• How to remove and replace a laptop key or keyboard.

Repair a broken key box

If you are having trouble replacing a key on the laptop keyboard, follow the steps below. If you are trying to fix the space bar, go tospace bar step.

1. Start by first inserting the key holder into the laptop. If you have a keyboard, we recommend that you install it after the holder is in place to make it easier for you. When the holder is placed, it should lie flat and be able to bend (see image below).

2. Place the keyboard in the holder.
3. After the above two steps are completed, place the key cover over the holder in the correct direction and press it down slightly. The key must click into the holder. If the key doesn't look right, try pressing down on all corners of the key to make sure all the clips click into place. Once the key clicks into place, test the key and see if it works again.

Spacebar important step

Unlike the other keys on the keyboard, the space bar requires additional steps to reactivate properly. The image below shows the space bar removed from a laptop. Before you put the spacebar back on the laptop, remove one bar (shown below) by inserting your flat-head screwdriver under it and gently pulling it up.

Once the bar is removed, place the new space bar on the laptop. Make sure it is oriented correctly over the holders and press down to snap it back into place.

The key still does not work after repair or replacement

If the key still does not work after you reattach or replace the keyboard cover, keyboard, or key holder, the keyboard circuit board may not be working. If there is a problem with the circuit board, you will need to replace the entire keyboard, including the circuit board, to resolve the problem.

If you want to replace the entire keyboard, contact the laptop manufacturer and try purchasing one directly from them. If the manufacturer does not sell replacement keyboards directly to end users, you will need to take your laptop to a computer repair shop.