A lot of PC and laptop users periodically encounter a problem when the arrows do not work on the keyboard. The reasons why this happens can be different, from clogging up to hardware failure. In today's article, we will talk about the most common problems that can cause arrows to not work, and also share ways to fix them.
Dust and debris
The first and most common reason why the arrows on the keyboard do not work is the presence of a lot of dust and debris under the buttons. This is a fairly common occurrence, so there is no need to be particularly surprised. Even if a person never eats anything at the computer, the dust will still fall inside the case and accumulate there.
As a rule, a large amount of dust inside the keyboard leads to the fact that the buttons become less sensitive to clicks or even completely stop responding to them.
What can be done in this situation? There are few options, or rather, only one - a complete cleaning of the periphery. You should not be afraid because the keyboard is easy to clean.
First you need to take a picture of the keyboard on a phone or camera in order to remember the location of all the buttons. After that, you need to pull out all the buttons using a special device or a small screwdriver. Once all the keys have been removed, you need to unscrew the screws on the back and disassemble the case.
Particular care and accuracy should be shown when disassembling and cleaning a special flexible film, on which all the tracks for the buttons are applied.
As for the washing and cleaning process itself, the buttons, membranes and body can be cleaned in water with dissolved shampoo. The film with the tracks should be gently wiped with a damp cloth if there are traces of dirt on it.
As soon as everything is washed, you need to wait until the parts have completely dried out and after that assemble the keyboard back.
Liquid
The second reason why the arrows on the keyboard do not work is spilled liquid on the keyboard. Fans of a snack near the computer often encounter a problem when a drink accidentally spills on the keyboard. And although now most of the periphery has waterproof properties, still, such cases can adversely affect its work.
For example, a person spills water on the keyboard, for some time the device continues to work, but soon they stop responding to the touch of a button, and not all, it may be a certain group of keys. So, if the arrows suddenly stopped working on the keyboard, you need to think carefully and remember if any liquid was spilled on the device.
The way to solve this problem is also one - a complete analysis of the keyboard, cleaning and reassembling. It often happens that cleaning and washing is enough for the device to work again. If nothing helps, then you can try to take the keyboard for repair, but the cost of repair is not always justified, it is sometimes easier to buy a new one.
Sticky keys
The next reason why the arrows on the keyboard do not work is sticky buttons. Many have heard of sticky keys, but there are two definitions of this condition. The first is when, when you repeatedly press a key on a computer monitor, a warning about sticking keys pops up. The second concept involves directly sticking the keyboard buttons themselves, or rather their membranes.
The fact is that in each keyboard there are membranes, when pressed, this or that button is triggered. If after pressing, the membrane does not return to its original position - this is called sticking. The main reason for sticking is because something is stopping the membrane from returning. It can be anything: dust, dirt, spilled liquid, something sweet, wear on the membrane itself, etc.
What can be done in this situation? There are two options. If dirt has got under the membranes that do not respond to button presses, it is necessary to clean. If the membrane is worn, then it must be replaced. An old inoperative device may come in handy here. If there is none at hand, then you can take the membrane, for example, from the button that you practically do not use.
Membrane displacement
Another reason why the arrows on the keyboard do not work is membrane problems. It has already been said above that the membrane can stick, but problems with it are not limited to this. In addition to sticking, membranes can often move from their place, thereby ceasing to respond to touch. Especially often shifts occur on those keys that are constantly very actively used.
All that can be advised in this situation is to disassemble the keyboard and put the membrane in place.
The arrows on the laptop keyboard do not work
Owners of laptops also often face a problem when the arrows on their devices stop working or don't work at all. The fact is that on many laptops some additional functions are assigned to arrows, for example, turning off the screen or changing the volume, brightness, etc. To use additional functions, just press the buttons, but to use the arrows that are assigned these functions, you need to press the Fn key, and then the arrow itself. This was done to exclude accidental keystrokes, but using the keys is completely inconvenient.
This problem is also easy to treat. You need to go into the laptop BIOS and disable the corresponding option. Above is a video showing how this is all done.