Using an USB keyboard with your laptop is extremely simple in most cases, but you probably didn't know that until now.
Well, now you do and today we'll tell you everything you need to know about using an USB keyboard with your laptop. Follow the quick steps below and you'll be all set!
Getting an external keyboard for your laptop is always a good idea if you spend a lot of time in front its screen. Also, if you have special requirements (like needing a keyboard for small hands), getting an external one is the way to go.
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Contents
- 1 How to Install an USB Keyboard to Your Laptop
How to Install an USB Keyboard to Your Laptop
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Most of the keyboards nowadays are fully plug and play. This means that, in most occasions, you only need to plug your keyboard into an USB slot on your laptop and you're ready to go.
Yes, it's that easy in most cases nowadays! But if you want to make sure that you are doing everything right – from the planning phase to the moment you start typing your first words, read the step by step instructions below.
Step 1
First of all, you must make sure that your keyboard has a cable that can fit in one of the ports on your laptop. Even wireless keyboards will still have an USB port that you will need to physically insert into your laptop.
Keyboards usually come with an USB connection, which can be plugged in any USB port on your laptop, no matter if it is USB 2 or 3.
Most laptops nowadays have at least one USB port which would be a great fit for any keyboard. But doublecheck just to make sure – if your laptop only has Thunderbolt (or USB Type-C) ports, you won't be able to plug in the keyboard.
If you're unsure where to find out the specifications of your laptop, here's a photo showing you how an USB ports looks like (including an USB Type-C port which is something keyboards don't normally use):
With a setup similar to the one above, you are ready to connect your external keyboard to your laptop!
IMPORTANT: Make sure that your keyboard connects using an USB cable! Some older models will connect using a different type of cable so make sure yours is not one of those. Probably 99.9% of modern keyboards connect via USB, though.
Step 2
Now simply plug in the cable into your USB port on the laptop. Don't try to force it in – if it doesn't fit, turn it around and try again.
Your laptop doesn't have to be turned off when you do this – it's safe to plug in the keyboard when it is working (but it can be done even if the laptop is shut down).
If you have the option to choose between USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 on your laptop, it's best to choose the former and keep the 3.0 for other connections which might require faster transfers.
Step 3
Usb Keyboard
Now, your laptop will automatically 'see' the external keyboard and within a few seconds (usually instantly), you will be able to use the keyboard on your laptop. Modern warfare always online. Call of duty release today.
No extra steps required – it's that simple to install an external keyboard to your laptop.
Why is my external keyboard not working on laptop?
If you follow the steps above, your external keyboard should work flawlessly. But on some very rare occasions, your keyboard might not work.
If that's the case, you will have to see if the problem is hardware related (aka your Keyboard itself has problems) or software-related (maybe you need to update your driver).
No matter what the problem might be, the first thing you should do is perform a quick restart without trying any other fix. Usually, this will solve the problem and you will be able to use the external keyboard with your laptop.
But if this doesn't work, do this:
Type 'Device Manager' in your taskbar and click it in the search results.
In the new window, click on 'keyboards' to see the devices your laptop has found:
If you only see the 'Standard PS/2 Keyboard' listed, your external keyboard is not yet seen by the laptop. Try unplugging it and plugging it again (try a different USB port).
If this doesn't fix the issue and your keyboard is still not working (very unlikely, though), right click the 'HID Keyboard Device' or whatever name your external keyboard might have and select 'Update driver'.
This will force Windows to search for a new driver and install it, fixing your problem. (You need an active internet connection for this to work).
Wrapping up
No matter if your laptop's keyboard has a broken key or you just want to improve the ergonomics of your laptop and type better, you know now how to easily install an external keyboard to your laptop – and also how to troubleshoot any potential problems.
If you still have any questions related to this – including any problem that might arise, don't hesitate to let us know by commenting below. We'll do our best to help you out ASAP.
Also, if you want your laptop itself to be the best one around, make sure to check out our recommended top laptops with backlit keyboard or make sure you pick the right keyboard – one from our list of the best mechanical keyboards out there.
This is an unusual topic to be discussed in my software-oriented blog, but this morning I was staring at my wireless keyboard and I just thought how it (along with its companion mouse) made my life easier.
I use a wireless keyboard and a wired mighty mouse (broken 3 wireless mice already and I can't afford it anymore) with my laptop. The tiny size of the keyboard allows me to easily use it on the go as well. If you are worried about the battery, the 3 AA Energizer batteries last for weeks (if you turn the keyboard off when you are not using it for a long time).
But a quick review is not why we are here, so let's see why you should get yourself an external keyboard and mouse.
1. Less heat under fingertips
External Usb Keyboard For Laptop Price Lenovo
Boy, my MacBook Pro gets hot when I make her angry. With fans hitting 4000 rpm while working on something resource-intensive you can literally melt cheese on the touchpad. Living in the city of Summer, Dubai, makes it even more unbearable to work. It's not hard to guess that the external companions are the only solution.
Best External Keyboard For Laptop
2. More distance from the screen
They say you should keep your distance from the screen, a minimum of 40 cm. But how is that possible when you are checking the latest tweets of your buddies (or something hotter), leaned toward the screen, like the letter C? Well, you know my answer: Get yourself external input devices.
3. More flexible screen positioning
People who use computers for a long time, tend to sit in weird positions, often in funny postures. That's very wrong, you should sit correctly (no one sees me) all the time.
The point is that it helps a lot if you can put your laptop in a position higher than your hand, say 10-20 cm, to create a much better angle between your eyes and the display. There are many laptop stands that do the job for you, but I use a paper tray (works as a storage too) and I'm happy.
On the other hand, having a keyboard and a mouse, especially wireless, helps big tim in presentations where you don't have access to a big screen. Just put your laptop on the table and let the people watch your jaw-dropping presentation while you are showing a lot of skill using your keyboard across the room.
4. Lowering the risk of CTS
Here comes the enemy of typaholics, CTS (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome). There are ways to avoid CTS, but for the average user, being careful while typing may be the most important thing to consider.
In my experience (suffering from some minor pain in my wrists) the external keyboard could help relieve the pain. You can easily position the keyboard (and the mouse) right, but the laptop itself is less flexible.
5. More hygiene
Did you know that the toilet (a public toilet to make it more disgusting) is more likely cleaner than your laptop? It is in fact 5 times dirtier than a typical toilet.
I'll make it quick by saying that cleaning external peripherals is way easier than cleaning the laptop itself. And if you are obsessive about it, just throw them out and buy new devices. Easy.
6. Increased productivity
For some mysterious reason, I can work faster and type better using my external devices.
7. Better resale value for the laptop
This one has nothing to do with health, but when you make more money reselling your laptop, you automatically feel a lot better.
One of the ugly things about second-hand laptops is the shiny stains on each and every key, especially the space bar. Depending on the quality of the laptop, there can even be a bigger spot on the touchpad. Not nice at all. If you see my laptop (purchased and used passionately since Oct. 2007), there is no spot, stain, or anything like that. It's all on my external keyboard. So a cleaner laptop means an easier sale, and hopefully a better price.
