How to type @ on computer keyboard

Updated: 05/03/2022 by Computer Hope

It can be extremely frustrating when your keyboard doesn't work. The keyboard is the primary mode of input to your computer. If you don't have a working keyboard, you can't perform simple tasks like logging in to your operating system or accessing your computer's BIOS setup.

How to enter and exit the BIOS or CMOS setup.

For this reason, we always recommend having a backup keyboard available. A cabled keyboard with a USB interface is a great option for a laptop or desktop computer. You can usually get a new keyboard at your local office supply or electronics store for about $20 or find used or refurbished keyboards for sale online. Always try to keep a spare keyboard handy!

If you don't have a working keyboard, your troubleshooting options are limited. Some of the following steps require using another keyboard to diagnose the problem. If you don't have one, we recommend you do as many of the following steps as you can.

Note

If you're using a laptop and the keyboard is not working, the issue may be due to a loose or bad connection on the motherboard. Spilled liquid on a laptop keyboard can also cause the keyboard to stop working. If the troubleshooting options on this page don't help you fix the issue, we recommend having your laptop looked at by a computer technician.

Restart the computer

The first troubleshooting step is to restart the computer. Press and hold down the power button until the computer turns off, then release the button. Press the power button again to turn the computer on, and test the keyboard to see if it works.

If that does not work, try draining all power from the computer, which helps reset the motherboard. Follow the steps below for the type of computer you are using.

Desktop computer

Turn off the computer.
Unplug the power cord from the back of the computer.
Press and hold the power button for at least ten seconds to drain any residual power in the computer.
Plug the power cord into the back of the computer.
Turn the computer on and test the keyboard.

Laptop computer

Note

The battery in the laptop must be removable to utilize these steps. If the battery is built-in, skip to the next section.

Turn off the laptop.
Unplug the power adapter from the back or side of the laptop.
Remove the laptop battery.
Press and hold the power button for at least ten seconds to drain any residual power in the laptop.
Insert the battery into the laptop.
Plug the power adapter into the laptop.
Turn the laptop on and test the keyboard.

Check for hardware problems

Check your connection

Sometimes the simplest solution fixes the problem. Verify the keyboard is plugged in securely. Disconnect the keyboard from the computer and reconnect it to the same port. If you have a USB keyboard, you may also want to try a different USB port to isolate the issue.

Check the wireless keyboard power switch

Most, if not all, wireless keyboards have a power switch, allowing you to turn it off when not in use to save battery life. Check the power switch on the keyboard and make sure it is turned on.

Check wireless keyboard batteries and wireless adapters

If you are using a wireless keyboard, make sure the batteries in the keyboard haven't died. Also, check that the wireless receiver (usually USB) is connected properly to the computer and nothing is blocking the signal.

Keyboards with PS/2 ports

If you are using an older PS/2 keyboard, try another PS/2 keyboard (if you have access to one) in the same port. If you connect a known working keyboard to the computer PS/2 port and it doesn't work, the PS/2 hardware on the motherboard is likely defective. Fixing a bad PS/2 port requires a replacement motherboard. If you have USB ports on your computer, try a USB keyboard instead.

USB hub

If you're using a USB keyboard and the keyboard connects to a USB hub, try connecting the keyboard directly to a USB port on the computer. If the keyboard works after doing so, the USB hub is likely defective and needs to be replaced.

Test the keyboard outside Windows

In some situations, a keyboard may not work in Windows because of an issue with software that interacts directly with the keyboard (e.g., ToggleKeys). If the keyboard has illuminated LED indicators for Num Lock, Caps Lock, or Scroll Lock, try rebooting the computer and see if pressing these keys toggles on and off the indicator lights. You can also test your keyboard by trying to press the key to enter the BIOS setup, often the F2, F12, or Delete key. Your computer's boot messages specify the correct key to press.

How to enter and exit the BIOS or CMOS setup.

If the keyboard is working as the computer is booting up, something in Windows is preventing the keyboard from working. Try booting the computer to Safe Mode. In Safe Mode, your operating system loads the bare minimum software and device drivers to reduce potential conflicts. If your keyboard works in Safe Mode, try uninstalling or reinstalling any recently added software.

If uninstalling and reinstalling recently added software does not fix the issue, you can try restoring the operating system to a restore point when the keyboard was working.

How to restore Windows to an earlier copy.

If the Num Lock and Caps Lock keys do not work, and you cannot enter the BIOS setup, all you can do is try another keyboard. If another keyboard doesn't work, the motherboard is defective and needs to be replaced, and it may be time to consider replacing your computer.

Check for the keyboard in Device Manager

Windows has a built-in Device Manager to help identify and resolve issues with hardware devices, including keyboards.

Reinstalling the keyboard through Device Manager

To reinstall the keyboard through Device Manager, follow the steps below.

Open the Device Manager and verify no yellow exclamation marks are visible and that a Keyboards option is listed.
If no errors are seen, and Keyboards is visible, click the arrow next to Keyboards and highlight the keyboard device.
Once highlighted, right-click the device and select Uninstall. Repeat this step until Keyboards is no longer listed in Device Manager.
Once complete, highlight the computer at the top of the Device Manager list, and then click Actions and Scan for hardware changes in the menu bar.
If the keyboard is working and detected, it should be re-detected by Windows and re-appear in the list.
If Windows detects the keyboard and adds it to the list again, test the keyboard and see if it works.

Try updating your drivers

Note

You need a working keyboard to follow these steps. If you cannot get any keyboard to work on your computer, skip this section.

Windows Update

Sometimes devices stop functioning because their software is out of date. If your operating system is Microsoft Windows, Windows Update should automatically keep your drivers up-to-date. To run Windows Update manually, follow these steps.

Press the Windows key, type Windows Update, and then press Enter.
Follow the instructions in the window that appears.

Manually installing drivers

If you suspect that Windows Update was not able to find your keyboard drivers, visit the manufacturer's website to download the latest drivers. Getting keyboard drivers may be necessary if you are using a special or programmable keyboard.

Replace keyboard

If the troubleshooting options above do not resolve the problem, and if you do not have a spare keyboard, we recommend replacing the keyboard. Having the keyboard fixed is usually not cost-effective, because it is often cheaper to buy a new keyboard.

Being able to use a keyboard and mouse is an important part of using a desktop computer or laptop and you'll find helpful tips below to get you started and where to get help.

Using a keyboard

Whenever you use a desktop computer or laptop, you’ll probably use a keyboard. The most common kind is called a ‘QWERTY’ keyboard. QWERTY describes the top row of letters on the keyboard.

What a keyboard looks like

A keyboard is for putting information including letters, words and numbers into your computer. You press the individual buttons on the keyboard when you type.

The number keys across the top of the keyboard are also found on the right of the keyboard.

The letter keys are in the centre of the keyboard.

The symbol keys to the right of the letters include symbols such as the question mark and full stop.

The keys that surround the letters, numbers and symbol keys on the left, right and bottom of the keyboard help you to choose where and how you type.

Using the keys

When you open a document or click in a box to type, you will see a vertical flashing line. This is the cursor, it shows you where you are about to start typing on a page or screen.

Pressing the 'shift' key allows you to type capital letters and the symbols at the top of the keys.

The 'shift' keys are on the left and right of the keyboard, with the arrow pointing upwards.

For capital letters, hold down the 'shift' key and hold and type the letter.

For symbols at the top of a number key, press down the symbol key and then type the symbol. You can use the 'shift' key to type any symbol at the top of a key.

The 'caps lock' key allows you to write in capital letters. To turn it on, press it once and type. To turn it off, press it again.

Putting in spaces, moving your cursor and deleting text

The 'space bar' puts a space between words. Press it once to put in a space.

The 'tab' key puts a bigger space between words. Press it once to put in a space.

The 'enter' key moves your cursor down a line.

The 'arrow' keys allow you to move your cursor in all directions on the page or screen - up, down, left and right.

To delete your typing you need to put your cursor to the right of a word. Press the 'backspace' button to delete your word. The cursor will move to the left and delete as it goes.

Using a mouse

There are lots of different styles of mouse, but most have a left and a right button.

To hold your mouse, rest your hand over it and put your index finger on the left button and your thumb resting on the side. The cable needs to be pointing towards the computer. The mouse needs to always be in contact with a mouse mat, desk or hard surface.

You use your mouse to move the cursor around the screen. The cursor changes, depending on what you are doing on the computer. As an arrow you use it for moving and selecting things, as a hand for clicking on links when you are on the internet and it becomes an hourglass when you are waiting for the computer to do something.

Single clicking

You single click with the left mouse button to select things. Just quickly left click and then let go of the button.

Double clicking

You double click with the left mouse button to open things, such as a folder. You need to double click quickly, think about the ‘knock, knock’ you do on a door.

Drag and drop

Drag and drop is when you move something from one place to another.

First select the item with the left mouse button and keep the button pressed down. Then move the mouse and the item on screen will move with the cursor. When you have the cursor and item in the position you want, release the left mouse button.

The item will now be dropped to where the cursor is positioned on the screen.

You use drag and drop to move things around your computer, such as files between folders.

Right button

If you ever accidently click the right mouse button, a list of computer commands will appear. To remove the list just move the mouse and single click the left button.

Laptop trackpad or touchpad

Laptops can have a built in mouse within the keyboard. This is operated by finger touch. This specialised surface is used instead of a mouse and needs only very short finger movements to move the cursor across the display screen.

Improve your computer skills

Why not develop your computer skills - there are courses for beginners and beyond. These range from free online learning through to training, which can lead to qualifications.