Computer viruses have evolved over the years, becoming more dangerous and complicated. However, what makes them so destructive is that they are set to spread out as much as possible, attacking anything in their path. The question most people ask is whether viruses can cause a keyboard to malfunction?
In general, computer viruses can cause a keyboard to malfunction. Wireless keyboards use software drivers to connect to the computer mainframe, allowing it to input data as it is logged in real-time. When these drivers are affected by malware, they can cause the keyboard to develop errors, locking it up or making it unusable.
A virus can affect any type of keyboard, whether wireless or wired, however, the latter is less affected by viruses due to its nature. All keyboards are susceptible to certain types of attacks, which is why modern-day hackers go for both wireless and wired keyboards.
Some infections will even modify the keyboard keys layout, Keyboard backlighting flickers, computer BIOS, making it impossible to boot the system. It is not advisable to use an infected keyboard because hackers can go beyond any peripheral device to access the inside of the system and make changes that may cost money to repair.
Computer viruses have evolved over the years, becoming more dangerous and complicated. However, what makes them so destructive is that they are set to spread out as much as possible, attacking anything in their path.
Overall, computer viruses can cause a keyboard to malfunction. Wireless keyboards in particular are more vulnerable than wired keyboards. The use of outdated software drivers to connect to the laptop to allow Bluetooth wireless connectivity for data input logging in real-time is often the culprit.
One of the most common ways computer viruses can become extremely harmful is through using e-mail spam tactics.
Chances are that your keyboard, whether you’re using a laptop, desktop, or tablet computer, is one of the most often used pieces of equipment in your life. If you’re wondering, “Can malware cause my keyboard to malfunction?” you’re not alone.
The majority of the time, a keyboard does not get infected with viruses; nonetheless, the viruses that have infected your computer systems may cause your keyboard to become unresponsive. Mistyping, not typing at all, or failing to answer are all examples of issues that might arise. It should also be noted that not every virus will cause a keyboard to malfunction as there are different kinds of computer viruses.
Some incidents of keyboard viruses have also been reported; however, this is exceedingly unusual and should not be taken as a given. Essentially, a virus will interfere with the drivers that are responsible for the functioning of your keyboard, resulting in its malfunction. An infected keyboard will only cause it to malfunction rather than infect it, since a virus is a physical device.
Symptoms of computer keyboard Malfunction due to virus
There are certain symptoms of a keyboard failing as a result of a virus that you should be aware of:
As an example, you may have several difficulties while typing, such as letters that are misaligned, letters that are not functioning, and the language of your keyboard being completely different. Besides that, you can notice that your computer is running too slow or that a fake virus alert is being shown, among other things.
When you detect these indicators, it is critical that you take the required steps to keep your computer and keyboard safe. Viruses may have devastating impacts on your computer and may even cause data loss if you do not take the proper measures.
Instructions on How to Get Rid of a Virus on Your Laptop
Update keyboard software drivers: Computer keyboards run on dedicated keyboard drivers that need updating from time to time. You’ll want to update or outright replace them by loading a clean version of the software onto your computer keyboard in the unlikely event that it becomes infected with a virus.
To find out which firmware version is appropriate for your keyboard, you should go to the website of the keyboard or PCB manufacturer and follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your computer to get things going.
When you have a problem with your computer, the most typical piece of advise you’ll get is to do a system reboot as soon as possible.
A reboot restores your computer to a new state that is free of errors and problems. A simple reboot should restore everything to its previous state.
2. Determine if the problem is due to hardware or software.
It is likely that your keyboard may get stuck for one of two reasons: hardware or software.
To begin, restart your computer then enter the BIOS or UEFI configuration. On earlier Windows computers, you may access the BIOS by hitting the F1, F2, Esc, Del, or any other combination of keys. You’ll have to use a different way for newer PCs, i.e., systems that were created within the previous few years, since the booting speed is too quick, making accessing BIOS problematic (especially if you have Windows 10 fast boot enabled).
3. When working with newer devices, remember the following:
Select Settings > Update & Security > Recovery from the drop-down menu.
Under the Advanced starting option, choose Restart immediately from the drop-down menu.
When you reach the next screen, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > UEFI Firmware Settings (if you’re not seeing this option, pick Startup Settings instead).
When the computer restarts, hit the F1 (or F2) key to enter the BIOS menu. When you’re ready, click the Restart button. Your computer will boot into BIOS or UEFI mode. Whichever technique you used, if your system was able to properly boot into the BIOS or UEFI, the hardware in your computer is most likely in good working order.
3. Install or uninstall the Laptop Keyboard Driver if necessary.
It is also possible to resolve the problem of a laptop keyboard that does not function properly by updating the driver.
Type device manager into the Start menu search field and then choose the most appropriate result. Then you should uninstall the driver and try installing again.
Conclusion
One of the most common side effects of viruses infecting your computer is keyboard malfunctioning, which may involve things like switching between languages, being unable to type, entering strange letters, and other things. The fact that a keyboard will not be infected by a virus does not rule out the possibility of it failing, which may be quite inconvenient. As a consequence, it is essential that you take all required precautions to protect your computer from viruses before using it.