Keyboard on a laptop ASUS VivoBook stopped responding to clicks? This is a common problem that can occur due to driver crashes, random shutdowns in settings, or hardware faults. In most cases, you can solve it yourself - without contacting a service center. In this article we will look at all possible reasons and methods for turning on the keyboard, from basic to advanced.

It is important to understand that the algorithm of actions depends on the model VivoBook (For example, X515, S14 or Flip 14) and operating system version. We will look at universal methods that work for Windows 10/11, and we will also give advice for cases when the keyboard is disabled at the BIOS level or is physically damaged. If you encounter a problem after updating the system or cleaning your laptop, start from the first section. If the keyboard has never worked (for example, after purchasing a used device), go straight to checking the hardware settings.

1. Checking the basic reasons: why the keyboard may not work

Before proceeding with complex manipulations, eliminate the obvious causes of the malfunction:

  • 🔌 External USB accessory connected: some models VivoBook automatically disables the built-in keyboard when an external one is connected. Disconnect all devices (mouse, keyboard, hub) and restart the laptop.
  • 🔄 System hangs: If the keyboard suddenly stops working, try ending processes via Task Manager (call it with the combination Ctrl + Shift + Esc on an external keyboard).
  • 💻 Tablet mode: On touch screen models (such as VivoBook Flip) The keyboard may turn off when the device is turned over. Return the laptop to its standard position.
  • 🔋 Low battery: When the battery level is below 5%, some features are disabled to save power. Connect the charger.

If none of the points apply, move on to the next section. Pay special attention to the model ASUS VivoBook S15 (S533): It often locks the keyboard when connected to the docking station.

⚠️ Attention: If the keyboard does not work after a liquid has been spilled or the laptop has been dropped, immediately turn off the power and do not turn on the device until it has completely dried (at least 24 hours). Attempts to switch on may result in a short circuit!

2. Enabling the keyboard via hotkey combination

Many models ASUS VivoBook support hardware disabling of the keyboard using special combinations. Most often, one of the following combinations is used:

  • 🔑 Fn + F6 - standard combination for enabling/disabling the keyboard (works on VivoBook 14/15/17).
  • 🔑 Fn + Delete - an alternative combination for some models (for example, VivoBook Pro 14).
  • 🔑 Fn + Space - used on ultrabook series S (For example, S14/S15).

If hotkeys don't work:

  1. Connect an external USB keyboard.
  2. Click Win + X and select Mobile center (or Center on the English version of Windows).
  3. Check section Tablet mode - if it is active, disable it.
📊 Which ASUS VivoBook model do you have?
  • VivoBook 14/15
  • VivoBook S14/S15
  • VivoBook Flip
  • VivoBook Pro
  • Other model

On some laptops ASUS The keyboard disabling function is implemented through proprietary software MyASUS. If it is installed:

  1. Open the application MyASUS (tray icon or through Windows search).
  2. Go to section Hardware settings (or Hardware Settings).
  3. Find the option Keyboard Lock and deactivate it.

3. Checking and updating keyboard drivers

A faulty or outdated driver version is one of the most common reasons for a keyboard not working. To check and update the driver:

  1. Connect an external keyboard or use a touch screen (if supported).
  2. Click Win + X and select Device Manager.
  3. Expand the section Keyboards.
  4. Right click on the device Standard PS/2 Keyboard or AT Keyboard and select Update driver.

If automatic updating does not help:

  • 🔍 Download the driver from ASUS official website, indicating the exact laptop model (for example, VivoBook X515MA).
  • 🔄 B Device Manager uninstall the current keyboard driver (right click → Remove device), then restart your laptop - Windows will install the driver automatically.

☑️ Checking keyboard drivers

Done: 0 / 5
⚠️ Attention: On models ASUS VivoBook with processors AMD Ryzen (For example, VivoBook S14 M433) chipset drivers may need to be updated. Download them in the section Chipset on your model's support page!

4. Enabling the keyboard via BIOS/UEFI

If the keyboard does not work even in the BIOS menu, the problem may be with the I/O settings. To check this:

  1. Turn off your laptop.
  2. Press and hold the key F2 (or Del for some models), then turn on the power.
  3. If the keyboard does not respond in the BIOS, connect an external USB keyboard.
  4. Go to section Advanced → Onboard Devices Configuration.
  5. Find the option Internal Keyboard or Keyboard Controller and set the value Enabled.
  6. Save changes (F10) and reboot your laptop.

On some models VivoBook (For example, X415) the option may be called differently:

Laptop model BIOS section Option name
VivoBook S14/S15 Advanced → System Configuration Keyboard Backlight & Function
VivoBook Flip 14 Main → Internal Devices Touchpad/Keyboard
VivoBook X515 Advanced → Onboard Devices PS/2 Keyboard Controller

If there is no option in the BIOS to enable the keyboard, try resetting to factory settings:

  1. In the BIOS menu, find the option Load Default Settings (or Restore Defaults).
  2. Confirm the reset and save the changes.
What to do if the BIOS does not open?

If the laptop does not respond to F2/Del, try:

1. Disable fast boot in Windows (Settings → System → Power → Advanced settings → Power button action → Change unavailable options → Disable Fast Startup).

2. Use an external keyboard to enter the BIOS.

3. On models with Windows 11 try entering BIOS via Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Restart Now (while holding Shift).

5. Diagnosis of hardware faults

If software methods do not help, the problem may be with the physical connection of the keyboard. On models ASUS VivoBook The most common faults encountered are:

  • 🔌 Disconnected cable: The keyboard is connected to the motherboard via a flexible cable that can come off when the laptop is dropped or disassembled.
  • 💧 Liquid ingress: Even a small amount of moisture can cause oxidation of the contacts.
  • 🔋 Keyboard controller problems: The chip responsible for processing clicks may fail.

For self-diagnosis:

  1. Turn off the laptop and disconnect the battery (if it is removable).
  2. Remove the bottom cover (on most VivoBook it is secured with 8–10 screws).
  3. Locate the keyboard cable (usually located under the top panel, next to the touchpad).
  4. Carefully disconnect and reconnect the cable, making sure that it fits tightly into the connector.

Signs of hardware failure:

  • The keyboard doesn't work even in BIOS.
  • Some keys or blocks (for example, the number pad) do not respond.
  • The laptop makes a characteristic squeak when turned on (keyboard error code).
💡

If you are unsure of your disassembly skills, take photographs of the location of all screws and cables before starting work. On models VivoBook Screws of different lengths are often used!

6. Alternative ways to control a laptop without a keyboard

If the keyboard still doesn't work, but you need to use your laptop urgently, use one of the temporary solutions:

  • 🖱️ External USB keyboard: the most reliable solution. Even a wireless (Bluetooth) model will do.
  • 📱 Windows On-Screen Keyboard: call her via Start → Accessibility → On-screen keyboard or click Win + Ctrl + O.
  • 🎮 Gamepad or joystick: if connected to a laptop, its buttons can be configured as a replacement for the keyboard through the program JoyToKey.
  • 🖥️ Remote control: Connect to your laptop via RDP (Remote Desktop) or TeamViewer from another device.

For models ASUS VivoBook with touch screen (eg Flip 14/15) you can use handwriting:

  1. Open Taskbar → Touch Panel.
  2. Select mode Handwriting.
  3. Write text with a stylus or finger - the system converts it into printable characters.
💡

If the keyboard does not work due to damage to the cable, a temporary solution (an external keyboard) may become permanent - the cost of replacing the cable in the service is often comparable to the price of a new USB device.

7. Frequent errors when trying to turn on the keyboard

Users often make mistakes that make it difficult to diagnose the problem. That's what can't do:

  • ❌ Use unofficial drivers: Downloading drivers from third-party sites may result in the installation of viruses or incompatible software.
  • ❌ Disassemble a laptop without disconnecting the battery: Even when turned off, voltage may remain on the board.
  • ❌ Press the keys hard: this may damage the mechanism scissor switch (especially on backlit models).
  • ❌ Ignore BIOS error codes: If the laptop beeps 3-5 times when turned on, this may indicate a critical problem with the keyboard or motherboard.

Typical misconceptionsthat interfere with solving the problem:

  • 🤔 "Keyboard is broken if it doesn't work in BIOS"→ Not always. Sometimes the problem is in the settings Secure Boot or Fast Boot.
  • 🤔 "Reinstalling Windows will help" → Only if the problem is software. For hardware problems, this is useless.
  • 🤔 "All ASUS keyboards are the same" → For models VivoBook Pro And VivoBook Go different controllers and connection schemes.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

The keyboard works, but some keys cannot be pressed. What to do?

If certain keys do not respond (for example, spacebar or Enter), try:

  1. Clean the keyboard with compressed air (holding the laptop at an angle of 75°).
  2. Check the keys for mechanical damage (cracks, play).
  3. Use the program Keyboard Test Utility to check the keyboard matrix.

On models VivoBook with backlight (S14/S15) non-functioning keys may indicate a problem with the LED controller.

After updating Windows, the keyboard stopped working. How to roll back?

If the problem appeared after the update:

  1. Connect an external keyboard.
  2. Go to Settings → Update & Security → Recovery.
  3. Select Go back to a previous version of Windows (available for 10 days after update).

If a rollback is not possible, try manually installing the older version of the driver via Device Manager (right click on keyboard → Properties → Driver → Roll Back).

The keyboard works, but types the wrong characters. How to fix it?

This is a real problem when changing the layout or input language. Solutions:

  • Click Win + Space to switch language.
  • Check the settings in Settings → Time and language → Language and region.
  • If the characters are completely inconsistent with what you type (for example, "Q" is printed instead of "A"), reset your keyboard settings to Control Panel → Regional Options.

On models VivoBook with American layout (For example, VivoBook for USA) may require manual configuration of the Russian layout.

Is it possible to enable the keyboard via the command line?

Yes, but this will only help if the problem is software. Try:

devcon restart "ACPI\PNP0303"

If the command didn't work, run:

pnputil /delete-driver oem*.inf /uninstall /force

Then restart your laptop. Attention: These commands require administrator rights!

How much does it cost to repair a keyboard at an ASUS service center?

The cost depends on the model and type of fault:

Type of repair Cost (₽) Duration (days)
Cleaning the keyboard 1 200–2 500 1–2
Replacing the cable 2 000–4 000 2–3
Replacing the entire keyboard 3 500–7 000 3–5
Controller repair 4 000–10 000 5–7

On models VivoBook Pro with lighting, the cost of repairs may be 20–30% higher due to the complexity of the design.