Why are keys on my computer keyboard repeating?

Updated: 08/02/2020 by Computer Promise

Computer keyboard

If your keyboard repeats one or more characters when you press keys, typing multiple letters on the screen, information technology could be due to ane of the post-obit reasons.

Spilled liquid or food

If food or liquid has e'er been spilled into the keyboard, it can crusade the keys to stick and be repeated. Spilled liquid tin can also cause the circuit board in the keyboard to short out, causing keys to be repeated. It could exist worth trying to utilise canned air and blowing out whatsoever nutrient material and dry out any spilled liquid to run into if that fixes the repeating keys consequence.

Nutrient and some liquids may also get out behind a mucilaginous residue, which could cause the keys to continue sticking and repeating. The sticky residue can exist very difficult to remove and may require you to pull keys off the keyboard and make clean underneath them with rubbing alcohol.

  • See our reckoner cleaning page for boosted steps in cleaning your keyboard and other hardware.

Loose or bad connectedness

Brand sure the connection between the keyboard and computer is not loose by disconnecting and reconnecting the keyboard. When disconnecting, go on these suggestions in heed.

  • When disconnecting, make sure goose egg connects between the keyboard and the calculator. Keyloggers and other devices may cause keys to echo.
  • If your keyboard is a PS/2 connectedness keyboard, make sure to close downwardly the computer earlier disconnecting and reconnecting.
  • If you're using a USB keyboard, make sure it is straight connected to the computer and not a USB hub.

Sticking keys

As keyboards get used and wear downwardly over fourth dimension, some of the keys tin brainstorm to stick during a keystroke. Sometimes information technology's a concrete sticking, where the keys don't release back to their normal position after you printing them, causing the keyboard to repeat those keys.

Other times the keys may release back to their normal position, but the circuit board in the keyboard may be sticking, causing the keys to be repeated. When this occurs, it usually is a sign that you need to replace the keyboard.

Software bug or glitch

A software program may have a bug or glitch that is causing ane or more keys to repeat. It may not be a fault of the keyboard, simply rather the software'due south receiving and estimation of the inputs from the keyboard. Restarting the computer may resolve this issue. If you continue to experience the trouble in the same programme, make sure you have all the latest updates for that programme.

It is also possible for a virus or malware infection to cause keys to echo. Viruses and malware can interfere with a software's ability to receive and interpret inputs from the keyboard, resulting in the software thinking a key was pressed multiple times. Ensure you take an updated antivirus and anti-malware programme installed in case a virus or malware infection is causing bug.

While information technology's uncommon, there's too a possibility the keyboard requires software to be installed. This software may be necessary for the figurer to accurately interpret inputs from the keyboard, particularly if it's a keyboard with programmable function keys. In most cases, this type of software comes with the keyboard when purchased and is available on the keyboard manufacturer's website.

The reasons above are the well-nigh common causes of keys existence repeated. Information technology's also possible an older keyboard may no longer functioning correctly. If the suggestions above did not resolve the outcome or the sticking keys are acquired by spilled food or liquid, nosotros suggest replacing the keyboard. Keyboards are rather inexpensive and considered a throwaway device, and so it's not likely worth trying to find a computer repair store to prepare it.