How Do I Temporarily Disable My Laptop Keyboard?

This will turn off all the functionality of the keyboard, but you canrestart your computerto enable it again.

If your equipment has a touch screen, you should be fine with touch controls and gestures.

Windows 11 Start Menu with Device Manager highlighted in the search bar

Open theStartmenuon your Windows 11 laptop.

You dont need to choose the search bar before typing.

The Start menu will immediately detect anything you punch in once its open.

Windows 11 Start Menu with device manager selected

Next toKeyboards, select thearrow iconto expand the list of connected keyboards and related devices.

Right-click your keyboard’s name and selectUninstall machine.

The name of your Windows 11 laptops keyboard will likely vary depending on your gear model and manufacturer.

Windows 11 Device Manager with keyboard selected and Uninstall Device highlighted

Your laptops keyboard and its trackpad, if it has one, will now stop working.

To enable your keyboard, reset your laptop.

How Do You Lock the Keyboard on a Laptop Permanently?

Windows 11 Start Menu with Device Installation Settings highlighted in the search bar

Fortunately, you could turn off this automatic reinstall preference fairly quickly in Windows 11.

Before continuing with these steps, hey know it’s safer to follow the steps described above.

you might simply useWindows 11s sleep modeto keep your box on and your keyboard disabled.

Windows 11 Start Menu with Change Device Installation Settings highlighted

SelectChange rig installation options.

To undo this change, repeat the above steps and selectYesinstead ofNo.

This method is strongly discouraged and shouldnt be attempted.

Windows 11 device settings with No highlighted in the change device installation settings box

Why Cant I Disable My Laptop Keyboard?

If youre having trouble disabling your keyboard, there are likely a few main reasons behind your frustration.

FAQ

To disable a laptop keyboard in Windows 10, navigate to equipment Manager and then selectKeyboards.

Windows 11 device settings with Save Changes highlighted in the change device installation settings box

Right-clickStandard PS/2 Keyboardand chooseDisable machine, then selectYesto confirm.

SelectRestore All Defaultsto fire up the key again.

SelectKeyboardfrom the menu on the left, then uncheckTurn keyboard access on or off.