5 Ways to Fix a Keyboard That Types the Wrong Characters in Windows 10 (2024)

Are you typing something on your PC but noticing strange characters on the screen? This issue might arise if you unknowingly configure the wrong system or keyboard settings. It could also be a result of corrupted keyboard drivers. If you’re using a desktop device, the keyboard itself could be problematic.

Here are the best ways to fix that keyboard so you can continue typing without issue.

1. Quick Keyboard Fixes for a Desktop Device

Before trying detailed troubleshooting fixes, it’s best to start with a few quick solutions. Let’s explore a few easy keyboard fixes you could try on your desktop device.

1. Unplug your keyboard, wait a while, and then plug it back on. If the issue persists, try plugging the keyboard into a different USB port.
2. Try plugging the keyboard on another computer. This will help you determine whether this is a software or hardware problem. If the issue persists on another PC, then you might consider replacing the keyboard.

2. Configure Your Language Settings

This issue might arise if you unknowingly change the language settings for your keyboard. In this case, here’s how you can configure your language settings to resolve this issue:

1. Type Edit language and keyboard options in the Windows Search bar and select the Best match.
2. Press the Windows display language drop-down menu and select your preferred language.
3. If you can’t find your preferred language, click the Add a language button under the Preferred languages option and choose your language pack. From here, select your language as per the previous steps.
4. Next, scroll down on the same window and select the Advanced keyboard settings option.
5. Click the drop-down menu under the Override for default input method option and select your preferred language.

3. Configure Your Language Settings Via the Registry Editor

Another way to resolve this issue is by modifying your keyboard settings in the Registry Editor. Here’s how you can do this:

1. Click the Windows Search bar, type regedit, and select the Best match.
2. On the left-hand side window of the Registry Editor, navigate to Computer > HKEY_USERS > .DEFAULT > Keyboard Layout > Preload.
3. On the right-hand side, double-click the string labeled 1 (one) to modify it.

In the next window, you'll input a value in the Value databox to configureyour language settings. To do this, choose a value from the following options below:

• 00000409 - English (United States)
• 00000809 - English (United Kingdom)
• 00001009 - English (Canada)
• 00001409 - English (New Zealand)
• 00000c09 - English (Australian)

These are the values for commonly used English language regions.The Microsoft Default Input Profilesdocumentation holds the full list of values you can use. Copy the eight-character string following the colon, and paste it into the Value data box.

Press OK, close the Registry Editor, and restart your PC.

4. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

The Windows Keyboard troubleshooter could also help resolve this issue. Here’s how you can use this tool:

1. Type Troubleshoot in the Windows Search bar and select the Best match.
2. Click Keyboard and press the Run the Troubleshooter button.
3. Restart your PC when the process is complete.

5. Update or Reinstall Your Keyboard Drivers

This issue might be caused by corrupted network drivers. In this case, you’ll need to update or reinstall these drivers to resolve the issue.

Here’s how you can update your keyboard drivers:

1. Press the Windows Key + X and select Device Manager in the pop-up menu.
2. Double-click the Keyboards option to expand it.
3. Right-click the Keyboard driver and select Update driver. Restart your PC when the process is complete.

If the issue persists, try reinstalling the Keyboard drivers instead. Here’s how you can do this:

1. Open the Device Manager and the Keyboarddrivers as per the previous steps.
2. Right-click the Keyboard driver and select Uninstall device.
3. Finally, navigate to the Action tab and press Scan for hardware changes.

Restart your PC. This should automatically reinstall the Keyboard drivers.

Fix Your Keyboard and Start Typing Once More

Without a functional keyboard, you'll find work, assignments, or anything else a difficult experience. Tofix a problematic keyboard, apply any of the methods in this article. If all else fails, you might consider updating your Windows 10 PC, or even replacing your keyboard entirely.