Keyboard typing wrong characters in Windows 10? Here are 10 proven fixes to stop incorrect, mixed, or random keyboard inputs instantly.

When your keyboard types the wrong characters in Windows 10, it can feel incredibly frustrating — especially when even simple tasks like logging in or writing an email become a struggle. The good news? This issue is extremely common, and you can fix it in a few minutes.

In this guide, you’ll learn why your keyboard is typing incorrect characters, quick solutions for an instant fix, and full step-by-step methods to permanently resolve the problem.

Quick Fixes (Try These First)

If you want a fast solution before diving into deeper settings, try these:

1. Restart your PC (temporary glitches disappear often)
2. Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard
3. Try another USB port (for wired keyboards)
4. Turn off Num Lock (press Num Lock once)
5. Check input language — press Win + Space
6. Restart Windows Explorer
7. Boot into Safe Mode (to confirm if it’s software-related)

If these don’t fix it, follow the detailed troubleshooting steps below.

Why Is My Keyboard Typing the Wrong Characters on Windows 10?

Several things can cause the keyboard to send incorrect characters, symbols, or random inputs.
Here are the most common reasons:

1. Wrong Keyboard Layout Selected

Windows may have automatically switched to another language (e.g., UK English instead of US English).

2. Num Lock Enabled

Num Lock can change several letter keys into numbers/symbols on compact or laptop keyboards.

3. Autocorrect & Text Services Interference

Windows “text prediction,” IME settings, or speech services may alter keystrokes.

4. Corrupt or Outdated Keyboard Drivers

Drivers can break after updates or sudden shutdowns.

5. Sticky Keys or Accessibility Features Enabled

These modify how keys behave.

6. Malware Interference

Keyloggers or infected scripts may hijack keyboard input.

7. Hardware Fault

Loose cable, damaged membrane, faulty switches, or moisture issues.

Don’t worry — most issues are software-based and easy to fix without replacing the keyboard.

Fix: Keyboard Typing Wrong Characters Windows 10 (Step-by-Step Solutions)

Below are 10 proven fixes to resolve the issue completely.
Our main target keyword — keyboard typing wrong characters Windows 10 fix — is naturally used throughout the steps.

Fix 1: Change the Keyboard Layout (Most Common Solution)

Incorrect keyboard layout is the #1 cause of incorrect typing.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings
2. Go to Time & Language
3. Select Language
4. Under Preferred languages, click English (United States)
5. Click Options
6. Make sure US QWERTY is the default keyboard

If you see multiple layouts (e.g., US, UK, Dvorak, Canada), remove the ones you don’t use.

Quick Toggle:

Press Win + Space
→ It switches between installed layouts.

Fix 2: Disable Autocorrect, IME, and Text Prediction

Windows sometimes automatically corrects or converts characters, especially with multilingual setups.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Devices > Typing
3. Turn off:
   • Autocorrect misspelled words
   • Show text suggestions
   • Multilingual text prediction

If you use IME (Hindi, Japanese, Chinese), switch to ENG US for normal typing.

Fix 3: Turn Off Num Lock, Scroll Lock, and Function Lock

Num Lock often causes:

• M → 0
• J → 1
• K → 2
• L → 3

Steps:

• Press Num Lock once
• If no reaction, try Fn + Num Lock

Also try toggling:

• Fn + Esc
• Fn + F11
• Fn + Shift

Fix 4: Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Corrupt drivers cause incorrect input mapping.

Steps:

1. Right-click Start
2. Choose Device Manager
3. Expand Keyboards
4. Right-click your keyboard → Uninstall device
5. Restart your computer
   (Windows installs a fresh driver automatically)

Optional:

Right-click again → Update driver

Fix 5: Remove All Additional Languages You Don’t Need

Even if a layout isn’t selected, Windows sometimes activates alternate ones in the background.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Time & Language → Language
2. Remove everything except:
   • English (United States)
   • Or your primary language

This stops Windows from switching layouts accidentally.

Fix 6: Check Region Format (Fixes Currency or Symbol Typos)

If your keyboard types:

• @ instead of “
• £ instead of #

Your region may be set incorrectly.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Select Time & Language
3. Click Region
4. Set Country/Region to:
   • United States (for US keyboard)
   • Or your correct region

Fix 7: Disable Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys

These accessibility features sometimes interfere with typing.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Ease of Access → Keyboard
3. Turn off:
   • Sticky Keys
   • Filter Keys
   • Toggle Keys

Fix 8: Run the Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool to fix broken keyboard mapping.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Update & Security
3. Select Troubleshoot
4. Click Additional troubleshooters
5. Run Keyboard troubleshooter

Let Windows apply fixes automatically.

Fix 9: Scan for Malware (Keyloggers Often Cause Mis-typed Characters)

If your keyboard types random symbols, characters, or gibberish, malware might be involved.

Steps:

1. Open Windows Security
2. Go to Virus & threat protection
3. Click Quick scan
4. For better results → Full scan

You can also use tools like:

• Malwarebytes Free
• Microsoft Safety Scanner

Fix 10: Check the Keyboard Hardware

If nothing has worked, the issue may be physical.

Steps to test:

• Try the keyboard on another computer
• Use an on-screen keyboard
  → Press Win + R → type osk
• For laptops, connect an external keyboard

If the external keyboard works properly, the built-in one may need repair or replacement.

Advanced Fixes (For Persistent Issues)

If your keyboard still types wrong characters, try these deeper troubleshooting steps.

Advanced Fix 1: Reset Keyboard Settings in Windows

Run this command to re-register keyboard components:

sfc /scannow

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
2. Paste the command
3. Let the scan repair system files

Advanced Fix 2: Reset Input Method via PowerShell

Get-WinUserLanguageList

Get-WinUserLanguageList

Review languages. Remove unwanted ones:

$LangList = New-WinUserLanguageList en-US
Set-WinUserLanguageList $LangList -Force

This force-resets Windows to only US English.

Advanced Fix 3: Create a New User Profile

Corrupted profiles often cause keyboard mapping issues.

Steps:

1. Press Win + I
2. Go to Accounts → Family & other users
3. Add a new user
4. Log into the new account

If typing works normally — your old profile was corrupted.

FAQ

1. Why is my keyboard typing symbols instead of letters?

Because Num Lock or the wrong keyboard layout is enabled. Switch layouts using Win + Space.

2. Why is my laptop typing numbers instead of letters?

Your Num Lock is turned on, especially on compact keyboards. Press Fn + Num Lock.

3. Why does Windows switch keyboard layout automatically?

Multiple layouts installed allow Windows to switch automatically. Remove unused layouts from Settings.

4. Can a virus cause wrong keyboard characters?

Yes. Malware and keyloggers can hijack input. Run a full antivirus scan.

5. How do I reset keyboard settings in Windows 10?

Use Settings → Time & Language → Language and remove all extra layouts. Or run sfc /scannow.