Keyboard typing wrong letters / characters [Full Fix]

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3. Check your language settings

1. In the taskbar, type Language to open the Settings menu for Language options.
2. Go to Spelling, typing & keyboard settings.
3. Scroll down and select Advanced keyboard settings.
4. Set the Override for default input method to the same language as the default language (which can be found in the firs step), and close the window.

If you use a different language, you need to first download the corresponding language pack by following these steps:

1. Go to Start, type region and language, then select Add a language
2. You now need to change your language settings and set the new language as default. You can follow the same steps listed above.

Some users who used different language settings confirmed they fixed the problem by using US English. 

If your keyboard keeps on typing the wrong characters, go to the next solution.

Your language pack doesn’t work? We’ve got the right solution for you.

4. Check AutoCorrect settings

1. Open Word, go to File and select Options.
2. Navigate to Proofing and select AutoCorrect Options.
3. Select and delete that entry AutoCorrect entry that converts the letters and function keys into numbers and special characters

Making sure that AutoCorrect is properly set up is a workaround that applies especially if your keyboard types the wrong letters in Word, but works fine in other apps and programs.

5. Make sure NumLock is off

Sometimes, there is nothing wrong with your keyboard. The only ‘problem’ is that you forgot to turn off the NumLock key.

So, simply press the NumLock key once and check if your keyboard now types the correct characters.

6. Run the keyboard troubleshooter

Windows 10 features a dedicated troubleshooting tool that allows users to quickly fix common issues affecting your computer.

Since you’re experiencing a keyboard bug, go to Settings, then to Update & Security and select Troubleshoot. Scroll down,  locate the keyboard troubleshooter and run it.

Wait until the tool completes the scanning process and follow the troubleshooting instructions that may appear on the screen.

You can then restart your Windows 10 computer and check if the problem persists.

If the Troubleshooter stops before completing the process, see this guide.

7. Scan your system for malware

Your keyboard may type the wrong characters due to malware infections. Let us not forget that keyloggers are quite common and they may sometimes even change your keyboard settings.

Use your antivirus of choice to run a full system scan. If you don’t know what antivirus to install on your computer, check out this list of the best antivirus tools for Windows 10.

We also recommend you to use an additional anti-malware tool, such as Malwarebytes.

Perform a full system scan directly from Windows Defender. Find out how it’s done right here!

8. Buy a new keyboard

Well, if nothing worked, then maybe there is something wrong with your keyboard. If you’re using a USB or wireless keyboard, disconnect it and try another one.

Also, don’t forget to use a different port as well. If the second keyboard works perfectly fine, then buy a new keyboard.

There you go, we hope that these workarounds helped you fix the problem and your keyboard now types the correct characters.

If you’ve got additional tips and suggestions on how to fix this issue, let us know in the comments below.

FAQ: Read more about keyboard issues

• Why does my keyboard type the wrong letters?

It is very possible the wrong language settings may be responsible for the issue. We recommend checking the advanced language settings option, as well as making sure that the keyboard driver is up to date.

• Where is my Number Lock key?

The numeric lock or number lock key, also known as Num key, Num Lock, or Num Lk key, is located on the top left corner of a keyboard.

• Is there a button that locks the keyboard?

We rather recommend using a keyboard locker software; some of the apps can also be used to lock the mouse, as well.

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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in June 2020 and was revamped and updated in December 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.