Windows 11 is the latest operating system released by Microsoft, and many users have already upgraded to it. However, some users have reported issues with their space bar not working in Windows 11. This problem can be frustrating, as the space bar is a vital component of any keyboard. In this article, we will discuss how to fix space bar not working in Windows 11.
1. Restart Your Computer
The first and easiest solution to try when your space bar is not working in Windows 11 is to restart your computer. This may seem like a simple solution, but it can sometimes fix the problem. To restart your computer follow the below steps:
- Click on the “Start” menu button in the bottom left corner of the screen
- Click on the “Power” button in the bottom left corner of the screen
- Select “Restart“
- Wait for your computer to restart and see if the space bar is working properly
2. Check Keyboard Connections
If restarting your computer doesn’t work, the next step is to check your keyboard connections.
- For a wired keyboard, check that the cable is securely plugged into both the keyboard and the computer
- For a wireless keyboard, check that the USB receiver is plugged into the computer and that the keyboard is turned on
- If using a Bluetooth keyboard, make sure it’s paired with your computer properly
3. Update Windows 11
If your space bar is still not working, it may be due to an outdated operating system. Microsoft releases updates for Windows 11 regularly, and updating your system may solve the problem. To update Windows 11 checks the below steps:
- Click on the “Start” menu button in the bottom left corner of the screen
- Click on the “Settings” gear icon
- Click on “Windows Update” in the left-hand menu
- Click on “Check for updates“
- If updates are available, click “Install” and wait for the installation process to complete
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4. Check Keyboard Settings
Another solution to try is to check your keyboard settings. Windows 11 has a feature called Filter Keys, which can slow down your keyboard and cause the space bar not to work. To disable Filter Keys follow the below steps:
- Click on the “Start” menu button in the bottom left corner of the screen
- Click on the “Settings” gear icon
- Click on “Accessibility” in the left-hand menu
- Scroll down and click on “Keyboard“
- Check that “Filter Keys” is turned off, and adjust other settings as needed
5. Use Windows Repair
If none of the above solutions work, you can try using Windows Repair to fix the issue. Windows Repair is a built-in tool in Windows 11 that can fix common problems. To use Windows Repair, go to the below steps:
- Click on the “Start” menu button in the bottom left corner of the screen
- Click on the “Settings” gear icon
- Click on “System” in the left-hand menu
- Click on “Troubleshoot“
- Select “Keyboard” from the list of troubleshooters and follow the on-screen instructions
6. Update Keyboard Drivers
If your space bar is still not working, it may be due to outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers. To update your keyboard drivers follow the below steps:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Device Manager“
- Expand the “Keyboards” category
- Right-click on your keyboard and select “Update driver“
- Choose to automatically search for updated drivers or download them from the manufacturer’s website
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7. Contact Microsoft Support
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and still unable to fix the issue of your space bar not working in Microsoft Windows 11, you can contact Microsoft support for further assistance. So, follow the below steps:
- Click on the “Start” menu button in the bottom left corner of the screen
- Click on the “Settings” gear icon
- Click on “Support” in the left-hand menu
- Click on “Contact support“
- Follow the on-screen instructions to speak with a Microsoft support representative
8. Replace Your Keyboard
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps for fixing a non-working space bar in Windows 11 and it still isn’t working, it may be time to consider replacing your keyboard. A new keyboard can be purchased online or at an electronics store and is generally a simple plug-and-play process.
- Purchase a new keyboard that’s compatible with Windows 11
- Unplug your old keyboard and plug in the new one
- Install any necessary drivers or software for the new keyboard
9. Try an External Keyboard
If the space bar on your laptop or desktop keyboard is not working in Windows 11, you can try using an external keyboard. Simply plug in the external keyboard to your computer’s USB port and test if the space bar works properly. If it does, the issue may be with your laptop or desktop keyboard and you may need to replace it.
- Purchase an external keyboard that’s compatible with Windows 11
- Connect the external keyboard to your computer via USB or Bluetooth
- Test the space bar on the external keyboard to see if it works properly
10. Run a Virus Scan
Running a virus scan is a crucial step in protecting your computer from malware and viruses. It involves using antivirus software to scan your system for any malicious software and remove it. so, follow the below steps to fix space bar issue:
- Open your antivirus software and run a full system scan
- Follow any on-screen instructions to remove any viruses or malware found
11. Disable Third-Party Keyboard Software
Disabling third-party keyboard software can help resolve issues related to keyboard functionality, as well as improve the overall performance of your system. Follow the below steps to fix the issue:
- Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select “Apps and features“
- Scroll down and locate any third-party keyboard software installed on your computer
- Select the software and click “Uninstall“
12. Check for Physical Damage
If your space bar is not working in Windows 11, one of the possible reasons could be physical damage to your keyboard.
- Inspect your keyboard for any physical damage, such as cracks or broken keys
- If damage is found, consider replacing the keyboard or having it repaired
13. Test Your Keyboard in Safe Mode
Testing your keyboard in Safe Mode is a useful troubleshooting step if you’re experiencing issues with your keyboard in Windows 11. So, check the following steps:
- Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open the Settings app
- Click on “Update & Security“
- Click on “Recovery“
- Under “Advanced startup“, click “Restart now“
- After your computer restarts, select “Troubleshoot“
- Select “Advanced options“
- Select “Startup Settings“
- Click “Restart“
- After your computer restarts again, press the F4 key on your keyboard to start your computer in Safe Mode
- Test the space bar to see if it’s working properly
14. Check for Windows 11 Updates
“Check for Windows 11 Updates” is an essential task to keep your system running smoothly and protect it from security vulnerabilities. Fix the space bar issue with the following methods:
- Click on the “Start” menu button in the bottom left corner of the screen
- Click on the “Settings” gear icon
- Click on “Update & Security” in the left-hand menu
- Click on “Windows Update“
- Click on “Check for updates“
- If updates are available, click “Install” and wait for the installation process to complete
15. Perform a System Restore
Performing a System Restore can help fix issues with your Windows 11 computer, including problems with your keyboard. This process allows you to revert your system back to a previous state when it was working properly.
- Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box
- Type “rstrui.exe” and press Enter
- Click on “Next“
- Select a restore point from a time when the space bar was working properly
- Click on “Next“
- Click on “Finish” to start the system restore process
- Wait for the process to complete and test the space bar to see if it’s working properly
By following these steps, you should be able to troubleshoot and fix the issue of your space bar not working in Windows 11. If none of these solutions work, it may be time to contact Microsoft support or consider replacing your keyboard.
16. FAQs
Why isn’t my spacebar working on Windows 11?
To turn off Sticky Keys in Windows 11, first, open the Settings menu by pressing the Windows + I shortcut key. Then, click on “Accessibility” and choose the “Keyboard” option under Interaction. Finally, turn off the toggle for “Sticky Keys.” This will disable the feature and may help resolve any issues with your keyboard.
How do I fix an unresponsive spacebar?
To resolve an unresponsive spacebar issue, there are several steps you can take.
1. First, try cleaning your keyboard or updating your drivers.
2. You can also restart your computer or run a keyboard troubleshooter.
3. If these options do not work, consider checking for Windows updates or performing a system restore.
4. If the problem persists, it may be necessary to contact Microsoft support or replace your keyboard.
What is the alternative key for spacebar in Windows 11?
In Windows 11, there is no specific alternative key for the spacebar. However, you can try using the on-screen keyboard or an external keyboard to input spaces if your spacebar is not working properly. Additionally, you can also try some troubleshooting steps like checking for updates or performing a system restore to fix the issue.
17. Conclusion
In conclusion, the space bar not working in Windows 11 can be a frustrating problem, but there are several solutions you can try. These include restarting your computer, checking keyboard connections, updating Windows 11, checking keyboard settings, using Windows Repair, and updating keyboard drivers. If none of these solutions work, you may need to contact Microsoft support or replace your keyboard. By following these steps, you can fix the problem and get back to using your computer without any issues.