Are a few of the keys on your laptop faulty, making typing a complete nightmare? Then, it might be advisable to connect your computer to an external keyboard and disable the built-in keyboard.
We’re going to show you how to disable a laptop keyboard, either permanently or temporarily, in this article. Whether it’s a Macbook, a laptop running Windows 10 or 11, etc.
How to turn off a Windows laptop’s keyboard
It won’t take long to switch off the keyboard on a laptop running Windows 10 or 11. And you can accomplish it in a few different ways.
Use Device Manager to temporarily disable
- The simplest and safest way to turn off a laptop keyboard is to use Device Manager.
- Enter “device manager” into your Windows search bar to locate and launch the application. Alternatively, you could use Windows + R and enter “devmgmt.msc” into the Run dialog box.
- You’ll see a device list. Select ‘Keyboards’ from the drop-down menu to view all of the attached keyboards.
- Select the ‘Disable device’ or ‘Uninstall device’ option by performing a right-click on the keyboard on your laptop, which should read ‘Standard PS/2 Keyboard’ or such.
- Click ‘Yes’ in the pop-up window to confirm your selection.
- At this point, your laptop’s keyboard ought to be turned off. However, if you restart your computer, the integrated keyboard will work once more. However, you can always open Device Manager again, right-click on your laptop’s keyboard, and select “Enable device” to turn it back on without having to restart.
Permanently deactivate using the Command Prompt
- Do you want to turn off the keyboard on your Windows laptop forever? Instead, take these actions:
- First, disable the keyboard on your laptop by using Device Manager (for further instructions, refer to the section above).
- In the Windows search box, type “cmd” and select “Run as administrator” from the list of app alternatives.
- Choose ‘Yes’ to grant the Command Prompt application permission to modify your machine.
- In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command line: sc config start= disabled for i8042prt
- After pressing the enter key, exit the application and restart your computer.
- After completing this procedure, your laptop should no longer restart its keyboard on its own. Simply follow the previous instructions and enter the following command into the Command Prompt program to undo this: sc config start= auto i8042prt
Choosing the incorrect driver
You should only attempt this unusual laptop keyboard disabler method as a last resort. Here’s how to pair your Windows laptop keyboard with an incompatible driver in order to disable it:
- Enter “devmgmt.msc” into the Run dialog box that displays when you press Windows + R, or type the program name into the Windows search bar to open Device Manager.
- Right-click on the built-in keyboard on your laptop after selecting the ‘Keyboards’ dropdown menu.
- Select the ‘Update driver’ menu item.
- Select ‘Browse my computer for drivers’ from the popup that appears.
- There will be another window open. ‘Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer’ should be selected.
- Now, a list of possibilities will appear. Press ‘Next’ after selecting a brand and model that differs from the built-in keyboard on your laptop.
- When the Windows pop-up window displays, click “Yes.” You will receive a warning regarding the driver’s incompatibility with your system.
- Simply shut the window and restart your laptop after completing that. The keyboard won’t function once it boots up.
- To undo this and resume using the keyboard on your laptop, simply repeat steps 1 through 3, but select ‘Search automatically for drivers’.
How to turn off a MacBook’s keyboard
Many people are unsure about how to turn off the keyboard on a MacBook. It seems that different versions of macOS have an impact on previously discovered fixes, so it would be best to acquire a third-party tool that will let you simply take control of the keyboard on your Apple laptop.
KeyRemap4MacBook, KeyboardCleanTool, and Karabiner-Elements are well-liked software programs. Most Mac users acquire this software in order to rearrange the keys on their keyboards to suit their preferences. However, they can also be used to disable every key on your keyboard at once, effectively turning it off.
FAQs for how to disable a laptop keyboard
Why should I turn off the keyboard on my laptop?
There are a number of possible justifications for wanting to turn off your laptop’s keyboard. However, damage is the most frequent reason for a laptop keyboard to be disabled. Like any other piece of technology, laptops can get worn out. Therefore, the keyboard won’t be very functional if a few crucial keys break off or eventually quit operating.
The expense of having the integrated keyboard on your laptop serviced may be high. Furthermore, it can require missing it for a few days. Therefore, it would probably be less expensive to just get a wireless keyboard that you can connect wirelessly or an external USB keyboard that you can plug in. In order to avoid any unintentional inputs, it’s advisable to turn off your laptop’s keyboard if you decide to go that path.
How can the keyboard on a laptop be momentarily disabled?
The best approach to temporarily disabling the keyboard on a Windows 10 or 11 laptop is to use Device Manager. Simply use the Start menu to search for Device Manager, open the application, click the ‘Keyboards’ drop-down menu, right-click on the built-in keyboard on your laptop, and choose ‘Disable device’ from the context menu.
The keyboard on your laptop will now be deactivated. But if you restart your computer, it will automatically reactivate.
How do I turn off the keyboard on the screen of my laptop?
On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) is a built-in accessibility solution for Windows systems. This function, which can be utilized in place of a real keyboard, is mainly intended for users who might have trouble typing. All the normal keys are displayed on your screen as a visual keyboard, so all you have to do to pick keys is use your mouse. Alternatively, you can use a laptop that has a touchscreen in place of this.
On a Windows laptop, turn the OSK on and off by going to the Start menu, selecting “Settings,” clicking “Ease of Access” (on Windows 10) or “Accessibility” (on Windows 11), selecting “Keyboard,” and then turning on and off the on-screen keyboard. To turn off the on-screen keyboard, you may also just click the ‘X’ in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Can a laptop keyboard’s keys be disabled?
On a laptop keyboard, turning off keys might be helpful, particularly if a key is stuck or accidentally pressed repeatedly. KeyTweak and AutoHotkey are two excellent free downloads that can assist you in disabling one or more keys on your Windows laptop. Alternatively, if you’re using a MacBook, consider KeyRemap4MacBook or Karabiner-Elements.