Keyboard Does Not Respond, Clicking Heard when Trying to Type in Windows

Summary: The keyboard does not respond, and the keyboard clicks when typing in Windows 11 or Windows 10. This is a result of accidentally enabling Filter Keys.

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Symptoms

The computer keyboard (Internal or attached external keyboard) does not respond to input. The keyboard is heard to click when typing in Windows 11 or Windows 10 over the speakers. The external keyboard is not working either, with the same symptoms. The on-screen keyboard is working.

Cause

The filter keys are enabled.

This happens when holding down the shift key for Eight seconds and enabling Filter Keys. (The default setting is for Filter Keys enabled)

Resolution

Follow these steps in Windows 11 and 10 to turn off Filter Keys:

  1. Open Settings:

    Click the Start button and then the Settings icon (gear icon).

  2. Go to Accessibility:

    In Windows 10, select Ease of Access. In Windows 11, select Accessibility.

  3. Select Keyboard:

    Choose Keyboard from the left-hand menu.

  4. Turn off Filter Keys:

    Locate the Filter Keys and switch it to the Off position.

  5. Optional:

    Disable the keyboard shortcut:

    • When enabling the Filter Keys accidentally, disable the shortcut that activates it.

    • Under Filter Keys, click Setup Filter Keys. 

    • Then clear the box that says; Turn on Filter Keys when the right SHIFT is pressed for 8 seconds.

Affected Products

Alienware Advanced Gaming Keyboard – AW568, Alienware Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | AW310K, Alienware RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard AW410K, Alienware Tenkeyless Gaming Keyboard AW420K, Alienware Low-Profile RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard | AW510K , Alienware Pro Gaming Keyboard – AW768, Alienware, Dell All-in-One, Dell Pro All-in-One, Dell Pro Max Micro, Dell Pro Max Slim, Dell Pro Max Tower, Dell Pro Micro, Dell Pro Slim, Dell Pro Tower, Dell Slim, Dell Tower, Inspiron, OptiPlex, Vostro, XPS, G Series, G Series, Alienware, Dell Laptops, Dell Plus, Dell Pro, Dell Pro Max, Dell Pro Plus, Dell Pro Premium, Inspiron, Latitude, Dell Pro Rugged, Vostro, XPS, Fixed Workstations, Mobile Workstations, Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard, Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Keyboard AW920K, Dell Wireless Chrome Keyboard KB5220W-C, Dell Business Multimedia Keyboard KB522, Dell Wired Keyboard KB216, Dell Bluetooth Keyboard Folio WK415, Dell Pro Plus Compact Keyboard KB740, Dell Pro Silent Wired Collaboration Keyboard KB525C, Dell Pro Premium Collaboration Keyboard KB900, Dell Pro Compact Silent Keyboard and Mouse - KM555, Dell Wireless Keyboard & Mouse Bundle KM632, Dell Pro Premium Collaboration Keyboard and Mouse KM900, Dell Pro Plus Keyboard KB700, Dell Pro Plus Compact Keyboard and Mouse KM7120W, Dell Pro Plus Keyboard and Mouse KM7321W, Dell Premier Wireless Keyboard and Mouse KM717, Dell Premier Wireless Keyboard WK717, Dell Pro Max Micro XE FCM2250, Dell Pro Keyboard and Mouse KM5221W, Dell Pro Smartcard Keyboard KB813, Dell Wireless Keyboard and Mouse - KM117, Dell Keyboard and Mouse KM3322W, Dell Wireless Keyboard and Mouse- KM636 (black), Dell Wireless Keyboard & Mouse KM714, Dell Pro Keyboard KB500 ...
Article Properties
Article Number: 000137690
Article Type: Solution
Last Modified: 19 Nov 2025
Version:  5
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