Short, direct answer: if Caps Lock doesn’t work in Windows 10, the cause is usually one of eight things — from a faulty key or connection to a remapped key, accessibility settings, language/input changes, driver or firmware problems, or app-level overrides. This article explains the common causes and shows clear, step‑by‑step fixes so you can get Caps Lock working again.
You’ll learn how to test the keyboard, change settings in Settings and Device Manager, undo registry remaps, disable interfering accessibility features, and isolate application or IME issues.
Key Takeaway
Most Caps Lock problems are fixed by testing the keyboard (hardware), disabling accessibility filters or remaps, and updating/reinstalling keyboard drivers; if those don’t work, check language/IME settings and manufacturer firmware or utility software.
Quick Fix Guide
| Reason for the Problem | Quick Solution |
|---|---|
| 1. Physical key damage or dirt | Clean, test, or replace the keyboard; try another keyboard. |
| 2. USB/Bluetooth connection issue | Reconnect, try another port, replace batteries or re-pair device. |
| 3. Keyboard driver or Windows update issue | Update or reinstall the keyboard driver and run sfc /scannow. |
| 4. Wrong input language or keyboard layout | Switch to the correct keyboard layout in Settings > Time & Language. |
| 5. Sticky Keys / Filter Keys / Toggle Keys enabled | Turn off Sticky Keys and Filter Keys in Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard. |
| 6. Caps Lock remapped by registry or third‑party app | Remove remap (delete Scancode Map) or close/uninstall remapping software. |
| 7. BIOS/firmware or manufacturer utility interfering | Check BIOS/UEFI keyboard settings or disable the vendor keyboard utility. |
| 8. App or IME overrides Caps Lock | Test in Notepad; change IME or application settings, or use global hotkeys setting. |
Detailed Fixes for “Caps Lock doesn’t work in Windows 10”
1. Physical key damage or dirt
Why it happens:
Keys can fail from debris, spills, or mechanical wear; on low-cost keyboards a single key can stop registering.
Step-by-step fix:
- Test the key in a simple app: open Notepad and press Caps Lock — try typing letters. If nothing changes, continue.
- Use the On‑Screen Keyboard: press Windows + R, type osk, press Enter. Toggle Caps there — if it works on screen, the physical key is likely faulty.
- Clean the key: gently remove the keycap (if removable) and clean around the switch with compressed air and isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab.
- Try another keyboard: plug in a known-good USB keyboard or pair another Bluetooth keyboard; if Caps Lock works, replace the old keyboard.
Notes:
- For laptops where keys aren’t removable, use compressed air and a small brush. If the key is physically broken, keyboard replacement or professional repair may be necessary.
2. USB/Bluetooth connection issue
Why it happens:
Intermittent connections, low batteries, or faulty USB ports can prevent key signals from reaching Windows.
Step-by-step fix:
- For wired keyboards: unplug and plug into a different USB port (preferably a port directly on the PC, not a hub).
- For Bluetooth keyboards: open Settings > Devices > Bluetooth & other devices, remove the device (Remove device) and re-pair it.
- Replace batteries or charge the keyboard if wireless.
- Test the keyboard on another PC/ laptop to isolate the issue.
Tip:
- For USB keyboards, try a USB 2.0 port if USB 3.0 behaves oddly; sometimes front-panel ports or powered hubs are problematic.
3. Keyboard driver or Windows update issue
Why it happens:
Driver corruption or a Windows update can break keyboard behavior.
Step-by-step fix:
- Open Device Manager: right-click Start and choose Device Manager.
- Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard device, and choose Update driver > Search automatically for drivers.
- If updating fails, right‑click and choose Uninstall device, then restart Windows — Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
- If problems persist, download the latest driver from the keyboard or PC manufacturer’s website and install it.
- Run System File Checker: open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow to fix possible system file issues.
Note:
- After major Windows updates, reinstalling manufacturer keyboard software (for gaming or multimedia keyboards) can resolve compatibility issues.
4. Wrong input language or keyboard layout
Why it happens:
Different keyboard layouts or IMEs can change Caps Lock behavior (for example, some layouts toggle other behavior or IME may ignore Caps Lock).
Step-by-step fix:
- Open Settings > Time & Language > Language.
- Under Preferred languages, click your language and choose Options. Under Keyboards, ensure the correct layout (e.g., US QWERTY) is installed.
- Switch layouts quickly using Windows + Space or via the language icon in the taskbar and test Caps Lock again.
- Prevent accidental switches: open Control Panel > Clock and Region > Language > Advanced settings, click Change language bar hot keys, and disable or change hotkeys if necessary.
Tip:
- If you use multiple languages, press Ctrl + Shift or Alt + Shift keys by accident—check and change the hotkeys to avoid unintentional layout switches.
5. Sticky Keys / Filter Keys / Toggle Keys enabled
Why it happens:
Accessibility features in Windows may alter how modifier keys behave and can interfere with Caps Lock.
Step-by-step fix:
- Open Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
- Turn off Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys (ensure each switch is set to Off).
- Under Sticky Keys, click the link to learn hotkey settings and uncheck the option Allow the shortcut key to start Sticky Keys to avoid accidentally enabling it.
Note:
- Filter Keys can cause keystrokes to be ignored if it thinks you’re holding a key; turning it off often restores normal behavior.
6. Caps Lock remapped by registry or third‑party app
Why it happens:
Utilities like AutoHotkey, SharpKeys, or deliberate registry edits (via Scancode Map) can change Caps Lock to another function.
Step-by-step fix:
- Check for running remapping software: open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and look for known remappers (AutoHotkey, SharpKeys, Microsoft PowerToys, etc.). End task or uninstall to test.
- Check registry remap:
- Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter.
- Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout.
- If there is a value named Scancode Map, right-click it, Export (to back up), then Delete it.
- Restart Windows.
- If you want to intentionally remap Caps Lock back to Ctrl, consider using PowerToys Keyboard Manager, which provides a safe UI for mapping.
Warning:
- Always export the registry key before deleting or editing it.
7. BIOS/firmware or manufacturer utility interfering
Why it happens:
Some laptops use an Fn or action key mode that changes key behavior; vendor keyboard utilities can overwrite Windows settings.
Step-by-step fix:
- Restart and enter BIOS/UEFI: reboot and press the BIOS key (often F2, Del, Esc, or F10) shown at startup.
- Look for keyboard-related options such as Action Keys Mode, Keyboard Backlight, or “CapsLock behavior.” Reset to defaults if suspicious.
- In Windows, check for manufacturer utilities (e.g., Lenovo Vantage, Dell Quickset). Open those apps and look for keyboard configuration options; disable any reassignments or restore defaults.
- Update keyboard firmware if your manufacturer provides a firmware update tool.
Note:
- Be careful changing BIOS settings; if unsure, choose to restore defaults or consult your device manual.
8. Application or IME overrides Caps Lock
Why it happens:
Some applications (games, remote desktop sessions, language IMEs) capture or change the behavior of Caps Lock — for example, Remote Desktop may forward or ignore Caps Lock depending on settings.
Step-by-step fix:
- Test Caps Lock in multiple apps: open Notepad, Word, and a web browser input field. If it works in Notepad but not in one app, the app likely controls it.
- For Remote Desktop:
- Open Remote Desktop Connection > Show Options > Local Resources.
- Under Keyboard, set Apply Windows key combinations to On the remote computer or Only when using the full screen, as needed.
- For IMEs (Chinese/Japanese): check the IME toolbar icon in the taskbar and adjust its Caps Lock or input mode settings.
- For games or full-screen apps: check their control options for keyboard capture or remap settings; try running the app in windowed mode to test.
Tip:
- If a single app is the culprit, look for plugin extensions, hotkeys, or accessibility features within that app.
Additional diagnostics and prevention
- Use an online keyboard tester (search “keyboard tester”) to see scan codes when keys are pressed.
- Create a restore point before editing the registry or installing system-level utilities.
- Keep Windows updated: Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- For laptops, clean and maintain the keyboard; consider a USB external keyboard if you often need reliable Caps Lock behavior.
- If you prefer visible feedback when Caps Lock toggles, enable Toggle Keys sounds in Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard, or use a third‑party indicator like TrayStatus.
FAQ
What if Caps Lock works only intermittently?
Intermittent behavior points to hardware (loose connection, failing switch) or power issues (wireless). Test on another machine and replace batteries or the keyboard if intermittent persists.
Can I remap Caps Lock to another key and then restore it?
Yes. If you used a tool (SharpKeys, PowerToys) or registry to remap, undo the change in that same tool or delete the Scancode Map in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout then restart.
How do I test if it’s a Windows problem or a hardware problem?
Use the On‑Screen Keyboard (osk) — if it toggles Caps when clicked, the OS responds correctly and the physical key/hardware is suspect. Also test the keyboard on another PC.
Is there a way to permanently disable Caps Lock?
Yes — use PowerToys Keyboard Manager to remap Caps Lock to Disabled, or add a Scancode Map registry entry to block it. Back up settings before making permanent changes.
Does Safe Mode affect Caps Lock?
Safe Mode loads minimal drivers and no third‑party apps. If Caps Lock works in Safe Mode but not normal mode, a third‑party app or service is likely interfering.
Conclusion
When Caps Lock doesn’t work in Windows 10, check hardware and connections first, then rule out accessibility settings, language/layout changes, driver problems, and remapping tools. Following the steps above will resolve most cases quickly; if all else fails, test with another keyboard and check BIOS/firmware or contact the device manufacturer for support.
