Is the spacebar on your Windows 11 device malfunctioning, throwing all sorts of tantrums, and refusing to mend its ways? If your answer is in the affirmative, no worries as you are not the only one who is dealing with the issue that has haunted a good many PC folks. There are several reasons why it crops up – ranging from hardware problems to software glitches. In this in-depth guide, I’m going to discuss the 13 most effective solutions to fix the spacebar not working on Windows 11. Keep reading to…
How to Fix Spacebar Not Working in Windows 11 24H2
So, what causes the Windows 11 spacebar to ill-function? Having run into this frustrating issue a few times, I know what sort of roadblocks tend to come in the way of the spacebar and prevent it from functioning with the desired efficiency. Take a look:
- Dust/Debris
- Faulty Keyboard
- Sticky Keys Enabled
- Outdated Drivers
- Incorrect Layout
- Software Conflicts
- Malware Infection
- Hardware Damage
With a clear idea about what could be hurting the performance of the spacebar on your Windows device, let’s look for ways to resolve the issue and restore the full functionality of the spacebar.
1. Check for Physical Keyboard Issues
As dirt, dust, or debris never misses any chance to get stuck under the key, causing it to ill-function, make sure to clean your keyboard. You can make full use of the soft brush or the compressed to remove any dust/particles that have sneaked under the spacebar. If your keyboard has removable keys, pop off the spacebar to gently clean the dirt and debris.
2. Try a Different Keyboard
Should the problem persist, try using your spacebar with another keyboard. If the spacebar comes to life and starts working on the expected lines, your original keyboard is at fault – and not Windows 11. Hence, replace the keyboard. If you are willing to buy a top-notch keyboard for your PC, check out these three notable options:
3. Check Keyboard Layout Settings
Check if the botched-up keyboard layout is in action as the wrongly configured layout tends to cause certain keys to misbehave.
- On your Windows PC, head over to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
- Select the preferred Languages > choose your language and click Options.
- Now, make sure that the correct keyboard layout is set under Keyboards.
4. Restart Your Computer
Many a time, you can sort out the temporary Windows 11 glitches by just rebooting your PC. Dive into the Start menu > Power icon > Restart. Once your PC has restarted, check if the spacebar has begun to function as expected.
5. Update Keyboard Drivers
Be sure to take on the outdated or corrupted drivers as they could be the prime reasons why the spacebar is malfunctioning.
- Simply, right-click on the Start button > Device Manager.
- Now, expand the Keyboards section > right-click your keyboard, and select Update driver > Search automatically for drivers > Update the driver and reboot your device.
6. Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
If the spacebar continues to throw tantrums even after updating the drivers, it’s time to reinstall the keyboard drivers.
- To do so, bring up the Device Manager > Expand the keyboards section > Right-click on your keyboard > Choose Uninstall device and restart your PC.
7. Check for Windows Updates
Bear in mind that the malicious bugs in Windows 11 could be impacting hardware and creating miscellaneous issues.
- On your Windows 11 device, open Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install any available updates.
8. Disable Sticky Keys
Be aware of the fact that the sticky keys have a long history of triggering unusual issues. Therefore, I would recommend you turn off the sticky keys.
- Launch the Settings app on your Windows PC > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
- Now, disable Sticky Keys and check if the spacebar starts working.
9. Disable Filter Keys
It’s worth pointing out that the Filter Keys are also responsible for causing delays or preventing the spacebar from responding properly.
- To get it done, dive straight into the Settings app > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
- Now, turn off the Filter Keys and reboot your device.
10. Test in Safe Mode
Some problematic third-party software or drivers might be gaslighting the spacebar issue on your Windows device.
- Boot your device into Safe Mode by pressing Shift + Restart from the Start menu. If the spacebar is able to function in the Safe Mode, there is a high chance that a third-party application or service might be interfering with your keyboard.
- Now, I would recommend you uninstall or disable recently installed software (via the Settings app > Apps > Installed Apps).
11. Check for Malware or Viruses
Malware or viruses can invoke unpredictable behavior in the system, including keyboard issues. Check for the malware scan to detect and flush out the culprits.
- To run a full scan, go to the Settings app > Privacy & security > Windows security (Alternatively, press Win+S > Search for Windows Security) > Virus & Threat Protection > Full Scan.
- Go ahead with the instructions > get rid of the threats and reboot your computer.
12. Adjust Keyboard Repeat Delay Settings
Be warned that if the keyboard repeat delay is set too short, it may cause the spacebar to register incorrectly or not at all. So, it would be apt to fine-tune the keyboard repeat delay settings to ward off this glitch.
- Open the Settings app > go to Devices > Typing.
- Under Advanced Keyboard Settings, adjust the Repeat Delay and Repeat Rate sliders to see if this helps.
13. Perform a System Restore
It’s also worth noting that a recent software update or system customization might have triggered the issue. Thus, try performing a system restore in order to roll back your computer to a previous state when the spacebar was functioning with the desired speed and efficiency.
- To do so, press the Win+S > input Create a restore point and select it.
- Click System Restore and select a restore point before the issue begins.
Wrapping up…
There you go! I hope the spacebar problem has gone away on your PC. More often than not, you can take control of this issue by checking off the basics like getting rid of the dust, rebooting the device, and updating the drivers.
