Why is my keyboard typing the wrong characters?

Common Causes of Keyboard Keys Typing Wrong Characters

1. Incorrect Keyboard Layout: The keyboard may be set to the wrong language or layout, causing the keys to input characters that do not match the key caps.
2. Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Outdated, incompatible, or corrupted keyboard drivers can cause the keys to input incorrect characters.
3. Software Issues: Malware, viruses, or other software conflicts can interfere with the keyboard's normal functioning, causing keys to type wrong characters.
4. Hardware Problems: Faulty keyboard circuitry, damaged key switches, or other hardware issues can cause keys to input incorrect characters.
5. Physical Damage: Damage to the keyboard, such as liquid spills or impact, can cause keys to malfunction and type wrong characters.

Troubleshooting and Solutions

1. Check Keyboard Language and Layout: Verify that the correct keyboard language and layout are selected in your operating system's settings. See instructions on how to do this at the bottom of this page.
2. Update Keyboard Drivers: Check for the latest keyboard drivers for your device and install any available updates. If recently installed drivers caused the issue, try rolling back to the previous version.
3. Scan for Malware: Run a full system scan with an up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware program to detect and remove any potential threats that may be interfering with the keyboard.
4. Clean the Keyboard: Carefully clean the keyboard using compressed air, a soft brush, or a specialised keyboard cleaning tool to remove any debris that may be causing keys to malfunction.
5. Check for Physical Damage: Inspect the keyboard for any signs of physical damage, such as liquid spills or broken keys, that may be causing the issue.
6. Hardware Repair or Replacement: If the issue persists and appears to be caused by faulty hardware, you may need to have the keyboard repaired or replaced by a professional technician.

Important Notes

• If the wrong characters issue is happening with specific software or applications, check the program's settings to ensure that the correct keyboard layout is selected.
• For laptop keyboards or other devices with integrated keyboards, replacing the keyboard may require disassembling the device. In these cases, it is best to have the repair done by a qualified professional to avoid damaging other components.

How to change the language settings in Windows or MacOS

Windows:

1. Click on the Start menu and go to Settings (gear icon).
2. Click on "Time & Language."
3. In the left sidebar, click on "Language."
4. Under "Preferred languages," click on "English (United States)" or any other default language.
5. Click on "Options."
6. Click on "Add a language."
7. Scroll down and select "English (United Kingdom)" from the list.
8. Click on "Next."
9. Select any additional language features you want to install (e.g., text-to-speech), then click "Install."
10. Once the installation is complete, go back to the "Language" settings.
11. Click and drag "English (United Kingdom)" to the top of the "Preferred languages" list.
12. Log out of your Windows account and log back in for the changes to take effect.

macOS:

1. Click on the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen.
2. Click on "System Preferences."
3. Click on "Language & Region."
4. Click on the "+" button at the bottom of the "Preferred languages" list.
5. Scroll down and select "English (UK)" from the list.
6. Click on "Add."
7. Click and drag "English (UK)" to the top of the "Preferred languages" list.
8. Close the "Language & Region" preferences window.
9. You will be prompted to log out of your macOS account. Click "Log Out Now."
10. Log back into your macOS account, and the language will be set to English (UK).

Note: Changing the system language may not affect the language within individual applications. Some apps may have their own language settings that need to be changed separately.

After following these steps, your Windows or macOS system language should be set to English (UK).

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