Why is my keyboard typing the wrong letters or symbols?

Almost always the keyboard layout or input language is wrong — for example a US layout on a UK keyboard swaps symbols. Switch to the layout that matches your keyboard.

Why does my keyboard type numbers instead of letters?

On many laptops, Num Lock turns part of the letter keys into a number pad. Press Num Lock, or Fn plus Num Lock, to turn it off.

How do I change the keyboard layout?

Press Windows plus Space to cycle layouts, or remove the extra layouts in Settings so only the correct one remains.

Keyboard Typing Wrong Characters? How to Fix It

Quick answer: Typing the wrong characters — like the at sign and quote marks swapped, or letters becoming numbers — is almost always the wrong keyboard layout or an active Num Lock, not a fault. Switch to your correct layout and check Num Lock.

See what each key actually sends: open the keyboard test.

Fix the layout or language

Press Windows plus Space to switch input layouts, and make sure the one that matches your physical keyboard (such as UK rather than US) is selected. Remove any extra layouts in Settings so the right one is not pushed aside.

Letters turning into numbers

On laptops without a separate number pad, Num Lock remaps some letter keys to digits. Press Num Lock, or Fn plus Num Lock, to turn it off.

Stuck modifiers and AltGr

A stuck Ctrl, Alt or AltGr key, or accidental key combinations, can also change what you type. Restart to clear a stuck modifier, and if it persists update the keyboard driver. If whole keys fail, see some keyboard keys not working.

Confirm the fix

On the keyboard test, each key should now report the character printed on it.