Keyboard Typing Wrong Characters: The Complete Fix

Published 2026 - 3 min read

Wrong characters usually mean the wrong language layout is active - not a broken keyboard. The @ and " swap is the classic clue.

1. Check the layout

If @ and " are swapped (or you get accents instead of normal letters), the keyboard layout is set to UK or another language. Press Win+Space to cycle layouts, or remove the extra one in Settings > Time & language > Language & region > Keyboard.

2. Turn off Sticky and Filter Keys

Open Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and turn off Sticky Keys, Filter Keys and Toggle Keys. Filter Keys can cause delayed or repeated characters.

3. Check Num Lock and keypad

If letters type as numbers, the Num Lock behavior or Fn lock is on. Look for an Fn + NumLk combination on a laptop and toggle it.

4. Test the keyboard elsewhere

Plug the keyboard into another PC (or use the on-screen keyboard to compare). If it is correct there, the issue is a Windows setting on this machine.

5. Reinstall the driver

In Device Manager > Keyboards, uninstall the keyboard device and scan for hardware changes. Reboot and retest.

Hardware note: A quick test: type @ and ". If they produce the wrong symbols, it is a US vs UK layout problem 9 times out of 10.

Prevention: Layout problems sneak back in when an app or game changes the language bar, or when Windows Update adds an extra layout. Removing unused layouts in Settings > Time & language keeps Win+Space from ever switching you accidentally.

Still stuck? If characters are wrong only in one program - like a game or remote desktop session - the app has its own layout setting. Check the program's keyboard or language options before touching Windows-wide settings.