How to Disable Laptop Internal Keyboard on Windows (Step-by-Step Guide)

If your laptop’s internal keyboard is malfunctioning, typing random characters, or you prefer using an external keyboard, disabling the built-in keyboard can save you a lot of frustration.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to disable a laptop internal keyboard on Windows using safe and effective methods that work on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

⚠️ Important: Always connect an external USB or Bluetooth keyboard before disabling the internal one.

Method 1: Disable Laptop Keyboard Using Device Manager (Temporary)

This is the easiest and safest method, but it may reset after a restart.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X

2. Click Device Manager

3. Expand Keyboards

4. Right-click Standard PS/2 Keyboard (or similar)

5. Select Disable device

6. Click Yes to confirm

✅ Your internal keyboard is now disabled
❌ It may re-enable automatically after restarting Windows

Method 2: Uninstall Keyboard Driver (Works Until Restart)

This method removes the keyboard driver temporarily.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager

2. Expand Keyboards

3. Right-click the internal keyboard

4. Click Uninstall device

5. Restart your laptop

Windows may reinstall the driver automatically, so this method is not permanent.

Method 3: Disable Laptop Keyboard Permanently Using Group Policy (Windows Pro)

✔ Works on Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education
❌ Not available on Home edition

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, press Enter

2. Navigate to:
   Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → System → Device Installation → Device Installation Restrictions

3. Open Prevent installation of devices not described by other policy settings

4. Select Enabled

5. Click Apply → OK

6. Restart your system

This prevents Windows from reinstalling the internal keyboard driver.

Method 4: Disable Internal Keyboard Using Third-Party Software

If manual methods feel risky, trusted tools can help.

Popular Options:

• KeyFreeze

• Keyboard Locker

• SharpKeys (for remapping keys)

🔒 Tip: Download software only from official websites to avoid malware.

How to Re-Enable the Internal Keyboard

If you need the keyboard back:

1. Open Device Manager

2. Expand Keyboards

3. Right-click the disabled keyboard

4. Select Enable device

5. Restart Windows

Common Reasons to Disable Laptop Keyboard

• Broken or stuck keys

• Liquid damage

• Keyboard typing automatically

• Using an external mechanical keyboard

• Gaming or workstation setup

FAQs

Can I disable a laptop keyboard permanently on Windows?

Yes, using Group Policy Editor or device installation restrictions.

Is it safe to disable the internal keyboard?

Yes, as long as you have an external keyboard connected.

Does this work on Windows 11?

Yes, all methods work on Windows 10 and Windows 11.