Individual replacement keys can be purchased online. There are a variety of laptop keyboards available, which means the reattachment steps may differ slightly than what you see here. If your laptop keys are different from what you find in this method, you may be able to find a video example of key replacement at https://laptopkey. com. Search for your laptop model using the search bar at the top, scroll down to the bottom of your model’s page, and then click View Videos to watch a video of a technician repairing a keyboard similar to yours.

The nub is in the center where the key will sit. The metal hooks will fit into the latch on the underside of the key. If the hooks are metal and are bent in such a way that you can’t replace the retainer clip, you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers to gently pry them back into place. Make sure you disconnect the laptop or keyboard from a power source before doing this.

First, if the retainer clip has separated into two pieces, you’ll need to fit the smaller piece back inside of the larger piece by aligning the hooks. The inner piece should easily snap into place once the clips are properly aligned. Line up the assembled retainer bracket with the key base on the keyboard. Look at the keyboard base to see how the retainer bracket matches up to the base, and then click the retainer bracket back into place. If you’re having a hard time fitting the retainer back onto the keyboard, you may be able to remove the round pad at the center. [3] X Research source Lift it gently from the base, attach the retainer, and then press it back into the center of the key once the retainer is fitted.

If your laptop has plastic hooks, slide your key on however you need to so that the key latches onto the hook first.

If the key will not reattach, you may need to take it into a computer repair shop. If it’s a Mac, you can take it to an Apple Store.

If your key is damaged, then you will need to find a replacement from an old keyboard or an online retailer that offers replacement keys.

Each key has its own plunger. When you press down on the key, the plunger registers that you are pressing down that letter. If the plunger is broken or missing, repairing it is more complicated. If your keyboard is easy to take apart, you can simply remove the switch and replace it with another one. You will typically need to desolder the switch from the base and solder on the replacement switch, an easy job if you know how to solder. If you’re not willing to do this, your best bet is to try a local computer repair shop or buy a new keyboard.

If the key doesn’t move smoothly, detach it and try to line it up again. It’s possible that the key or the plunger is damaged. If you cannot get the key to move smoothly after several attempts, then you may have to replace the keyboard.