Alternate key for backspace in laptop

Alternate key for backspace in laptop

Backspace is a vital keyboard key. Using it, you move the cursor backward to fix an erroneous typo in MS Word or return to the page browsed last in Chrome. However, what if the backspace key itself stops functioning or triggers another error instead of fixing the existing one?

If this happens, it becomes tough to write or work on a laptop or PC. It is truly a frustrating experience. However, there is no need to panic.

Commonly, users encounter the problem of being unable to remove the typed letters or delete text in Chrome, especially on Windows 10 in which the Backspace key usually stops working. More often than not, this issue comes along with malfunctioning Delete or Enter key on Windows 10.

Thus, it has become common for most of us to think, “Why is my backspace not working on laptop or PC running Windows 10?” If it is happening with you, you may have started looking for a shortcut key for Backspace or a solution to restore the functionality of the key.  In this post, let’s check out the reasons as well as the solutions.

Here’s what you can expect:

Causes of Backspace Not Working in Chrome

The Backspace key is a popular shortcut in Chrome. However, after an update, you may have noticed that the shortcut does not work anymore. Now, you may have thought that something is wrong with Chrome or some malware has done its wicked job.

Well, in reality, this is not the reason. Google has wittingly removed this shortcut, beginning from version 52. The reason why Google did so was several complaints of losing data unintentionally as a result of pressing Backspace while not typing.

Now, in Chrome, you need to use the backspace key alternative, meaning a new set of keys to navigate. You can now navigate webpages in Chrome by pressing Alt + left arrow to open a previous page and Alt + right arrow to move forward

Causes of Backspace Not Working on Windows 10

Alternate key for backspace in laptop

If you have a complaint of Microsoft Word Backspace doesn’t delete on Windows 10 or the same does not happen in Skype, it means that something is wrong with the keyboard driver or keyboard settings. The common reason why this happens is the reckless behavior of flipping the water or any other liquid down to the keyboard. However, in this case, other keys shall also not work on Windows 10.

Fixes for Fixing the Backspace Key on Laptop or PC Running Windows 10

When it comes to how to fix Backspace key on laptop, there are a few solutions to execute. They are easy to follow and have both basic and advanced measures. Thus, you should try one or all of them to get the key working again.

Fix 1: Clean Keyboard Keys

Alternate key for backspace in laptop

It is wise to try easy and basic solutions first. One of them is to clean the keyboard such that all dust and dirt go away. You can even remove the Backspace key to know whether it is damp or covered with dust and clean it completely.

This solution is likely to work for most users. However, it may not work for all users, as the underlying cause could be related to hardware. So, if this does not work, it is worth trying out other below solutions.

Fix 2: Check the Backspace Functionality on Another Laptop or PC

Alternate key for backspace in laptop

This is another easy solution to try and find where the problem lies. Is it with the keyboard or with the laptop? Simply, plug in another functional keyboard to your existing laptop or PC and see whether its Backspace key is working or not.

If it is working, it means that the issue is in the existing keyboard, not in the operating system. Something must have gone wrong with the keyboard software or the keyboard has undergone some damage. 

Similarly, try using the same problematic keyboard with another laptop or PC. If the problem is with the keyboard, it will not work even in this scenario. Thus, you need to replace the keyboard. If there is a hardware error, the problematic keyboard will work on another PC or laptop.

Fix 3: Disable Sticky or Filter Keys

If the issue is only with the Backspace key, you can try and disable the filter or sticky keys. Turning off the filter keys will discard the risk of all probable interruptions to the keyboard’s overall functionality, which may fix the Backspace issue.

Filter keys are useful for easier typing than normal by deterring the keyboard from focusing on repeated or brief strokes. At times, your keyboard is greatly influenced by these keys. This also the case with the Sticky key. Thus, it is wise to switch off these keys when it comes to how to get the Backspace key functioning back normally. Following are the steps of disabling these keys on Windows 10:

  1. Click Start and type ease in the search text box.
  2. Click Ease of Access keyboard settings from the search results.
  3. Ensure that the settings, Use Sticky Keys and Use Filter Keys are turned off.

Fix 4: Check the Keyboard Hardware

Alternate key for backspace in laptop

Most of us are aware of the on-screen keyboard or the virtual keyboard that Windows operating system provides. It is useful when the physical keyboard has stopped working well. In short, it is available for use when your keyboard is not available.

The virtual keyboard works as the physical one and is likely to aid you in finding out why is the backspace not working on Windows 10. The latter is possible when you use the virtual keyboard’s Backspace key.

To open the virtual keyboard, go to Ease of Access keyboard settings and click Keyboard in the left panel. In the right panel, you will see the Onscreen Keyboard option. Now, on it, just press the Backspace key using your mouse.

If the key works, it means that your physical keyboard is somewhat damaged or broken. This is also the inference to draw when other keys do not work. If the Backspace key on the virtual keyboard is not working, it indicates that you need to update the keyboard driver or get rid of the windows 10 system error, if any.

Fix 5: Reinstall the Keyboard Driver

Alternate key for backspace in laptop

This is the solution to try if the Backspace key of the on-screen keyboard does not function. This malfunctioning means the issue lies in the keyboard driver. The corrupted association between windows 10 and your physical keyboard is the reason why your Backspace key has stopped working.

To get rid of the corrupted keyboard driver, simply uninstall the keyboard. To do so:

  1. Press the Windows logo key and the R key at once on your keyboard. The Run dialog box is displayed.
  2. Enter devmgmt.msc in the text box. The Device Manager window is displayed.
  3. Expand Keyboards.
  4. Right-click your keyboard driver or software and select Uninstall device from the context menu.
  5. Reboot your laptop or PC so that Windows can reinstall the keyboard automatically.

Now, check whether the key is working or not. If you do not want to uninstall the driver, you can even try updating the driver by selecting Update driver from the context menu.

Fix 6: Troubleshoot Your Keyboard

Alternate key for backspace in laptop

Did you know that windows 7, 8, and 10 can troubleshoot your keyboard? Well, the operating system comes with an integrated keyboard troubleshooter. To use this utility in Windows 10, perform the following steps:

  1. Click the Search icon on the taskbar and enter Settings.
  2. Select the Update & Security option.
  3. Select Troubleshoot from the left bar menu.
  4. Scroll until you find Keyboard in the right panel.
  5. Select Keyboard and click Run the Troubleshooter. Troubleshooting will start.
  6. Allow the utility to complete the scan and then follow the instructions.
  7. Reboot your computer and see if the problem is fixed or not.

Fix 7: Scan for Virus and Other Malware

Alternate key for backspace in laptop

If your computer is facing a malware attack, the probability of it restricting the use of keyboard keys such as Backspace and Enter up to some extent is high. Thus, it is wise to use a tool such as Windows Defender for detecting the malware intrusion. If this is the reason, you will have to run your antivirus or antimalware software to get rid of the malware.

Alternate key for backspace in laptop

If you have checked your keyboard and is physically good, have checked and updated the keyboard drivers, and have detected no malware attack, it is time to update Windows 10 if the Backspace key is still not working. This is a big hope to restore the key’s functionality to Chrome and other applications.

To update Windows 10, you should check for Windows Update in Settings. If there are any new updates, Windows 10 will be installing them.

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Conclusion

When it comes to why my Backspace is not working in Chrome, MS Word, or Windows 10; it is required to troubleshoot the issue by scanning the related hardware as well as software.