Are you wondering why your laptop keyboard is typing on its own even when you’re not touching it? Emails that write themselves may sound like a dream, but this common keyboard issue can feel like a frustrating nightmare.

No matter the cause, don’t worry. Many laptop users have encountered this issue at some point and fixed their keyboard problems.

Why Is My Laptop Keyboard Typing On Its Own?

1. Software or Driver Issues

This is a common cause of a keyboard typing on its own. Your operating system and software rely on drivers to communicate with the hardware components in your laptop, including the keyboard.

If these drivers are outdated, corrupted, or incompatible with your operating system, they may cause it to behave erratically. Updating or reinstalling your keyboard drivers can often fix this problem.

You can check for updates by using the device manager on your computer or visiting your computer manufacturer’s website.

2. Damaged Hardware

Liquid has been spilled on a laptop's keyboard.

Sometimes, there is a physical problem with your keyboard. Something as simple as a loose or damaged connector can cause it to start typing independently.

This can happen if your keyboard has been dropped, knocked, or exposed to liquids.

In this case, you may need to repair or replace it. You may notice physical symptoms such as missing keys or certain keys sticking if it’s physically damaged.

3. Virus or Malware Infection

Malware and viruses can infect your laptop and cause your keyboard to start typing on its own. This malicious software can run in the background and control your keyboard’s keys.

Several viruses and malware infections have specifically targeted keyboards. Running a virus scan and removing any detected malware can often fix this problem. You can use built-in or third-party antivirus software to perform the scan.

4. Setting or Configuration Problem

Sometimes, the problem can be caused by a misconfigured setting or option in your operating system or keyboard software. For example, a setting that controls the keyboard’s repeat rate or delay can be configured incorrectly, causing the keys to repeat or type on their own. Checking your keyboard settings and configurations can help you identify and fix any issues.

You can check the settings by going to the control panel of your computer or looking for the keyboard software that comes with your computer. The better option is to search for your laptop model in the support area of the manufacturer’s website.

Also, remember that not all keyboards are made the same, and cheaper or faulty keyboards can be more prone to damage or malfunction than others. Even elite manufacturers aren’t safe from design flaws that can cause keyboard malfunctions.

Remember to keep your computer and software updated, scan your computer regularly for malware, and be mindful of physical damage to your keyboard. Being aware of these common causes can help you prevent the problem from happening in the future.

Troubleshooting Your Keyboard That Types on Its Own

Now that we’ve discussed the various causes of the problem, it’s time to take a look at some troubleshooting steps you can take to try to fix your laptop keyboard typing on its own.

These steps are designed to help you identify and fix the problem, regardless of its cause.

Check for Physical Damage to the Keyboard

If you notice any physical damage to your keyboard, such as missing or sticking keys, it could cause a problem.

This is the most common cause of keyboard typing on their own or behaving unexpectedly. It’s important to check for physical damage. If you find any, you may need to repair or replace it. Unfortunately, it may not be fixable if a hardware malfunction or damage causes the problem.

If this is the case, contact the manufacturer or a professional for a repair or replacement. If you’re brave enough or tech-savvy enough to attempt a keyboard repair on your own, iFixit has a plethora of guides to walk you through the steps.

Try a System Restart

While this may seem like simple and obvious advice, it’s a great starting point. A system reboot can handle various computer problems, including a keyboard that types on its own.

Power down your computer, wait a few minutes, then power it back on and see if regular keyboard functionality has returned.

Run a Virus Scan

If you suspect that your laptop may be infected with malware or a virus, the first step you should take is to run a virus scan. This will help you identify and remove any malicious software causing your keyboard to behave erratically.

You can use various antivirus software solutions to perform the scan, from those with your operating system to third-party alternatives.

Uninstall and Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

If you suspect an issue with your keyboard drivers causes the problem, you can try uninstalling and reinstalling them. This will help you fix any issues with outdated or corrupted drivers and can often resolve the problem.

Go to the Device Manager and uninstall the keyboard driver, then restart your computer and let it reinstall the driver automatically or download the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.

Check for Updates and Install Any Available Software Updates

Updating your operating system and software can help you fix any issues causing your keyboard to behave erratically. Go to settings and check for updates. If there are any available, install them.

Check Your Keyboard Settings and Configurations

Sometimes, the problem can be caused by a misconfigured setting or option in your operating system or keyboard software. Checking your keyboard settings and configurations can help you identify and fix any issues. You can check the settings by going to the control panel of your computer or looking for a keyboard software that comes with your computer.

You can use the Online Keyboard Test to check your configuration quickly.

Run a System Restore

If you suspect that a recent software change causes the problem, you can try restoring your computer to an earlier operating system. This will undo any software changes that may have caused the problem. It’s important to note that finding the solution that works for you may take some trial and error.

If the problem persists after these troubleshooting steps, it may be best to consult a professional or the manufacturer’s customer support for further assistance.

How to Prevent Your Keyboard From Typing on Its Own

Now that you’ve weathered the storm and restored your laptop keyboard to normal working order, you’ll want to ensure the problem never happens again. Fortunately, we recommend a few simple preventative measures to keep your keyboard typing only when you want it to.

The following tips will help prevent the issues you may have experienced that affected your keyboard, from viruses to software problems to hardware damage.

Keep Your Laptop and Keyboard Clean

A laptop's keyboard is being cleaned by someone using a brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner.

Dust, debris, and spills can all cause problems. Regularly cleaning your laptop and keyboard can help prevent these issues. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down your keyboard, and use compressed air to blow out any dust or debris that may have accumulated in the keys.

Run Regular Virus and Malware Scans

Running regular virus and malware scans is important to prevent malware or viruses from infecting your laptop and causing keyboard issues. This will help you identify and remove any malicious software that may be present on your computer that’s causing your keyboard to type on its own.

Install Anti-Virus Software

Installing anti-virus software on your computer is one of the best ways to protect it from malware and viruses. Anti-virus software will not only provide an additional layer of protection and help you identify and remove any malicious software that may be present on your computer, but it will also act as a preventative measure to keep your computer and keyboard safe.

Your laptop likely came with anti-virus software preinstalled, but you’ll want to ensure you have the best software for your needs.

Keep Your Laptop and All Its Software Up To Date

Updating your operating system and software can help you fix any issues causing your keyboard to behave erratically. It also ensures that you have the latest security updates and fixes. You can probably set your laptop to update automatically, preventing you from worrying about keeping track of updates.

Use a Keyboard Cover

A keyboard cover can help protect it from spills, dust, and other types of damage. It can also help keep it clean and free of debris. These will vary based on your laptop model, but many options are available online.

Use an External Keyboard

If you are frequently experiencing the problem, you can consider using an external keyboard. This will ensure you can continue working without interruption, even if the internal keyboard malfunctions. Having one on hand will also prevent delays in your work if your built-in keyboard frequently runs into problems.

By implementing the prevention tips outlined above, you can take proactive measures to keep your laptop keyboard functioning properly and maintain the overall health of your computer. Regular cleaning, software updates, and malware scans are simple yet effective ways to avoid typing issues in the future.

Additionally, a cover or external keyboard can provide added protection and peace of mind. Remember, consistent updating, maintenance, and care can significantly reduce the likelihood of keyboard and computer-related problems. While most issues with your keyboard can be easily fixed, a few preventative steps will avoid headaches and potentially expensive repairs.

For this fix to be effective, you will probably have to disable it in the Device Manager or take it to your local computer repair center to be looked at and physically disconnected if the repair on the original laptop keyboard is too costly.