How to Disable or Turn Off the Keyboard in Windows?
Windows treats the keyboard as a hardware device connected to your system through drivers. To disable it, you must either remove or deactivate the driver that allows the keyboard to function. This can be done using Device Manager, which is a built-in Windows tool that manages all hardware devices.
When you disable or uninstall the keyboard driver, Windows stops receiving input from the keyboard. This can be helpful if you are using an external keyboard and want to disable the laptop keyboard, or if a key is stuck and causing issues.
However, before disabling the keyboard, make sure you have an alternative input device like a USB keyboard or on screen keyboard available. This ensures you can still control your computer if needed.
How to Disable or Turn Off the Keyboard in Windows?
To disable or turn off the keyboard in Windows, open Device Manager, locate the keyboard driver, and uninstall or disable it. Restart your computer if needed. You can also use third-party software or group policy settings to block keyboard input temporarily or permanently.
Below are the safest and most effective methods to turn off the keyboard in Windows.
Step 1: Open Device Manager
The first step is to access Device Manager, where all hardware connected to your computer is listed.
Press the Windows key and type Device Manager into the search bar. Click on Device Manager from the search results to open it. You can also press Windows and X together and choose Device Manager from the menu that appears.
Once Device Manager opens, you will see a list of hardware categories such as display adapters, network adapters, and keyboards. This tool allows you to manage drivers and disable hardware components.
Step 2: Locate the Keyboard Section
In Device Manager, scroll down and find the category labeled Keyboards. Click the small arrow next to it to expand the section. You will now see the keyboard devices connected to your computer.
If you are using a laptop, you will usually see an option called Standard PS/2 Keyboard. If you are using an external keyboard, it may appear as a HID Keyboard Device.
Identifying the correct keyboard is important. If you want to disable the built-in laptop keyboard while using an external keyboard, make sure you select the internal keyboard driver.
Step 3: Disable or Uninstall the Keyboard Driver
Right-click on the keyboard device you want to turn off. A menu will appear with several options.
Choose Uninstall device to disable the keyboard. A confirmation box will appear asking if you want to uninstall the driver. Click Uninstall to proceed. Once the driver is removed, the keyboard will stop working.
In some systems, you may also see an option called Disable device. If this option is available, selecting it will turn off the keyboard without uninstalling the driver. This method is safer because you can easily re-enable it later.
After uninstalling or disabling the driver, your keyboard will stop responding immediately. If Windows automatically reinstalls the driver after a restart, you may need to use additional methods to keep it disabled.
Step 4: Prevent Automatic Driver Reinstallation
Windows sometimes reinstalls keyboard drivers automatically after a restart. To keep the keyboard disabled, you must prevent automatic driver installation.
Open the Control Panel and search for Advanced System Settings. Click on it and go to the Hardware tab. Select Device Installation Settings.
Choose the option that says No, let me choose what to do, and then select Never install driver software from Windows Update. Save the changes.
This prevents Windows from reinstalling the keyboard driver automatically and keeps the keyboard turned off.
Step 5: Use the On-Screen Keyboard if Needed
Once your physical keyboard is disabled, you may need another way to type. Windows provides a built-in On-Screen Keyboard that allows you to type using the mouse.
Press Windows, Ctrl, and O together to open the On-Screen Keyboard. You can also search for the On-Screen Keyboard in the Start menu.
This virtual keyboard appears on your screen and lets you click keys using your mouse. It is useful when your physical keyboard is turned off or not working.
Disable Laptop Keyboard Using Group Policy
If you are using Windows Pro or Enterprise editions, you can disable the keyboard using the Group Policy Editor.
Press Windows and R together to open the Run dialog. Type gpedit.msc and press Enter. This will open the Group Policy Editor.
Navigate to Computer Configuration, then Administrative Templates, then System, and finally Device Installation. Look for a setting called Prevent installation of devices not described by other policy settings.
Enable this setting and apply the changes. This prevents Windows from reinstalling the keyboard driver and keeps the keyboard disabled permanently.
Use Third-Party Software to Disable the Keyboard
Another simple method is using third-party software designed to disable keyboard input. These tools allow you to lock or turn off the keyboard with a single click.
Programs such as Keyboard Locker or KeyFreeze can temporarily disable the keyboard while allowing mouse input. These tools are useful when cleaning your keyboard or preventing accidental typing.
After installing the software, open it and follow the instructions to disable the keyboard. Most tools allow you to re-enable the keyboard using a key combination or password.
Always download third-party tools from trusted sources to ensure system safety.
Re-enable the Keyboard When Needed
If you want to turn the keyboard back on, you can easily re-enable it through Device Manager.
Open Device Manager again and locate the keyboard section. If you disabled the device, right-click on it and select Enable device. If you uninstalled the driver, click on Action at the top and select Scan for hardware changes. Windows will detect and reinstall the keyboard driver.
Once the driver is restored, your keyboard will start working again.
Faqs
Is it safe to turn off the keyboard in Windows?
Yes, it is safe to disable the keyboard if you follow proper steps. Using Device Manager or trusted software will not harm your computer. Always keep a backup input method, like a mouse or external keyboard, available.
Can I disable only the laptop keyboard and use an external keyboard?
Yes, you can disable the built-in laptop keyboard through Device Manager while using an external USB or wireless keyboard. Make sure to select the correct device when disabling.
Why does my keyboard turn back on after restarting?
Windows may automatically reinstall keyboard drivers after a restart. To stop this, disable automatic driver installation in system settings or use Group Policy to block driver updates.
How do I type without a keyboard after disabling it?
You can use the On-Screen Keyboard in Windows. It allows you to type using your mouse or touchscreen. Simply search for On-Screen Keyboard in the Start menu and open it.
Can I temporarily disable the keyboard?
Yes, you can temporarily disable the keyboard using third-party tools like Keyboard Locker. These programs allow you to lock and unlock the keyboard quickly without uninstalling drivers.
Summary
- Open Device Manager from the Start menu or Windows search.
- Expand the Keyboards section to view connected keyboard devices.
- Right-click the keyboard device and choose Disable or Uninstall.
- Confirm the action to turn off the keyboard.
- Prevent Windows from reinstalling drivers automatically.
- Use On Screen Keyboard or an external keyboard for input.
- Re-enable the keyboard anytime through Device Manager.