ASUS's built-in keyboard article covers unresponsive keys, slow response and shortcut-key faults, and it applies to notebooks (a handheld has no keyboard, so it does not apply to the ROG Ally X). It starts, as ASUS's articles do, by updating the BIOS, Windows packages and drivers through MyASUS, then works through specifics. For hotkeys that do not work, ASUS has a separate article about the hotkeys driver (ATKACPI). For gaming notebooks, ASUS notes that if Toggle display mode fails, you should check whether the Win key function is disabled in the System Configuration of Armoury Crate, because disabling the Win key disables Toggle display mode too.
If some or all keys fail, ASUS's steps cover resetting BIOS defaults, reinstalling the keyboard driver and, if you have an external keyboard, whether it works.
Differential
Likely causes of “ASUS laptops keyboard or trackpad is not working correctly”, and how to tell them apart
- 1
A BIOS, driver or Windows fault
What separates it Some or all keys stop working after an update
How to confirm ASUS says to update the BIOS, Windows packages and drivers through MyASUS first
- 2
The hotkeys driver is missing
What separates it Fn shortcuts such as brightness or volume fail because the hotkeys driver is missing
How to confirm ASUS has an article on finding the hotkeys driver (ATKACPI)
- 3
The Win key is disabled in Armoury Crate
What separates it The Windows key and Toggle display mode do nothing on a gaming laptop
How to confirm ASUS says to check the Win key setting in the System Configuration of Armoury Crate
- 4
A BIOS setting
What separates it Keys work in BIOS and not in Windows, or the reverse
How to confirm Reset the BIOS to defaults, as ASUS's steps describe
- 5
A hardware fault or liquid damage
What separates it Rows of keys fail or nothing works because of a hardware fault or liquid damage
How to confirm Test an external keyboard; if it works, the built-in keyboard needs service
Before you touch a setting
Record this first — changing settings destroys the evidence
- Which ASUS laptop you have (Zenbook S14, Vivobook S15, ProArt P16 or Zephyrus G14) and its BIOS version
- Which keys fail and whether Fn shortcuts or the Windows key also fail
- Whether an external keyboard works and whether the laptop was wet or dropped
- Whether Armoury Crate is installed and its Win key setting
Try in this order
0 of 6 completedTest an external keyboard
ReversibleTest an external keyboard, and if it works, the fault is in the built in keyboard.
Check the hotkeys driver
ReversibleCheck the hotkeys driver, by reinstalling the ATKACPI hotkeys driver through MyASUS if Fn shortcuts fail.
Check Armoury Crate
ReversibleOn a gaming laptop, confirm the Win key function is not disabled in System Configuration.
Reset BIOS defaults
ReversibleReset BIOS defaults, by holding F2 and pressing power to enter BIOS, restoring defaults and saving.
Reinstall the keyboard driver
ReversibleReinstall the keyboard driver, in Device Manager, by uninstalling the keyboard device and restarting the laptop.
Book service
ReversibleBook service, and if keys still fail, contact an ASUS service center for the laptop.
Model-specific
What is true of this model and not of its siblings
- Input by model
- Zenbook S14, Vivobook S15, ProArt P16 and Zephyrus G14 have built-in keyboards and touchpads; the ROG Ally X has controller inputs and a touchscreen instead.
- Hotkeys
- ASUS's hotkeys rely on the ATKACPI driver, delivered by MyASUS System Update.
- Tools and supplies
- An external USB keyboard and mouse to test, a flashlight to look between keys and a dry towel. Do not use liquids.
- Repair cost
- A stuck key or a jumpy pointer is often a setting, dirt or a driver. A keyboard repair at an independent shop is $89 to $199, and liquid damage $199 to $399, per BadgerLayer's 2026 laptop repair guide.
- Other models this page answers
- These steps also fit the ProArt P16 H7606, ROG Zephyrus G14 GA403, Vivobook S 15 S5507.
Stop boundary
When this stops being a self-service repair
- !If an external keyboard works and the built-in one does not after driver updates and BIOS defaults, book a service check
- !If rows of keys fail after a spill, switch it off and go to an ASUS service center the same day
- !If only hotkeys fail, reinstall the hotkeys driver through MyASUS before booking service
Evidence ledger
Sources behind this answer
Exact questions
Common questions
How do I turn the touchpad back on with a key?+
Many ASUS laptops put a touchpad toggle on a function key, often marked with a touchpad symbol. If pressing it does nothing, open Settings, Bluetooth & devices, Touchpad and check the switch there instead.
Does backlight brightness affect the fault?+
No. A dim or dead backlight is separate from keys not registering. Test in the ASUS software or BIOS, where the keys work without Windows drivers, to see whether the fault follows Windows or the keyboard itself.
Why do Fn shortcuts not work?+
ASUS has a separate article on the hotkeys driver (ATKACPI). Reinstall it through MyASUS or from the model's support page.
Why does the Windows key not work on my ROG?+
ASUS says the Win key function can be disabled in Armoury Crate's System Configuration; disabling the Win key also disables Toggle display mode.
Does the ROG Ally X have a keyboard?+
No. It is a handheld with an on-screen keyboard and game controls; ASUS's keyboard article applies to notebooks.
What is Armoury Crate?+
ASUS's control app for ROG machines. ASUS's keyboard article refers to its System Configuration for the Win key setting.