Buying a used laptop can be stressful. Aside from physical damage, it is essential to verify that there is no software issue and no component needs replacing to avoid extra costs later.

A laptop keyboard is one of the components you should thoroughly inspect. With no physical damage, you must also ensure that all keys are fully functional. Here are four ways to check that all the keyboard keys are working on a used laptop if you are also looking to buy one.

1. How to Test Keyboard by Manually Typing in Word Processor

The first way to test a laptop keyboard is to open any word processor such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or other and begin typing all keys one by one. If all keys register well, your keyboard is fully functional.

Although this method can test most keys, you cannot use it to test specific keys, such as Escape or Function keys. Moreover, it is difficult to determine whether key combinations are registering correctly or not.

To test every key on your keyboard, you can go with the second method, which is to use an online keyboard tester.

2. How to Test Keyboard by Using an Online Keyboard Tester

Testing Keyboard Keys Using Keyboard Tester Online Tool

Unlike the first method, this method allows you to test your entire keyboard. Go to any keyboard tester, such as keyboardtester, and start pressing keys one by one.

When a key is registered, it will turn green or blue. Keys that don't change color when pressed are faulty, and you will have to replace them. However, depending on which online tester you're using, you may not be able to test key combos.

To properly test the key combinations, you can use a third-party virtual keyboard tool.

3. How to Test Keyboard by Using a Third-Party App

We can quickly check if key combinations are registering using third-party apps, which gives this method an edge over the other two.

There are hundreds of apps available, but we'll focus on the best and free keyboard testing tool, Aqua's KeyTest.

Test Your Keyboard With Aqua's KeyTest

Testing Keyboard Keys Using Aqua's KeyTest App in Windows 10

Aqua's KeyTest is a lightweight tool for testing keyboards. Since you won't need to install the tool to test keyboard keys, it won't take up any disk space or time. Just download the tool, and you can run the test immediately.

When you open the software, all keys will appear gray. When you test the keys, they will turn yellow if they are correctly registered. A key combination that works will turn its color from gray to dark gray in one go, confirming that it is working.

Check out the Softpedia tool page for more information about Aqua's KeyTest keyboard testing tool.

Download: Aqua's KeyTest for Windows (Free)

4. Let Device Manager Test Your Keyboard

You can also look for hardware changes in Device Manager. Checking them may help you identify any problem with your keyboard.

Follow the steps below to check for possible hardware changes:

  1. Right-click on the Windows Start button and navigate to the Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Keyboards category.
  3. Right-click on the keyboard device and hit Scan for hardware changes.
    Running Scan for Hardware Changes of Keyboard in Windows 10 Device Manager

Performing the above steps will refresh the device and check for any issues. If you see an exclamation mark or another symbol showing an error, you need to check further since the keyboard likely has a problem.

If nothing happens, right-click the device again and select Properties. Everything is working correctly if you see the message "This device is working correctly" under the General tab.

Checking Device Status in General Tab of Keyboard Properties

Ensure the Keyboard Is Fully Functional Before You Buy

Before buying the laptop, you can now use any above methods to examine the laptop keyboard. That way, you will save money on replacement costs later on.

Moreover, test its RAM, hard drives, battery health, and stress test the CPU and GPU to ensure the laptop is worth your investment.