[5 Solutions] Quotation Marks on Keyboard Not Working in Windows 10

Ever tried to type a quotation mark on your Windows 10 keyboard, only to have nothing happen? It’s a frustrating problem, but it’s one that’s surprisingly common. There are a few different reasons why your quotation marks might not be working, and there are also a few different ways to fix the problem.

The most common reason for quotation marks not working on a Windows 10 keyboard is a damaged key. If the key itself is broken, or if the switch underneath it is faulty, then it won’t be able to register your presses. However, they are different issues too. 

No matter what the cause of the problem is, there are a few simple things you can do to fix it. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to fix quotation marks not working on Windows 10!

Why Are the Quotation Marks on the Keyboard Not Working on Windows 10

There are different reasons that can be found that prevent not only the quotation key but also any other specific keys from functioning properly. Here, we have shared the different reasons that are to blame for the issue you are facing right now. 

Damaged Key

One of the most common reasons for malfunctioning quotation marks is a damaged key. Over time, keys on your keyboard can wear out or get stuck, leading to issues like missing or unresponsive quotation marks.

Keyboard Layout Changed

Another potential culprit is an unintentional change in your keyboard layout settings. Windows 10 allows you to switch between different keyboard layouts, and if you’ve accidentally switched to a layout that doesn’t support quotation marks, you’ll face this issue.

Dust and Debris

Another culprit is dust and debris that accumulate beneath your keyboard keys over time. These tiny particles can interfere with the key’s mechanism, preventing it from registering your presses.

Key Is Disabled

Finally, it’s also possible that the quotation mark key has been disabled. This can happen if you’ve accidentally pressed a combination of keys, or if you’ve installed a third-party keyboard program. If you think that the quotation mark key might be disabled, you can try enabling it.

Solution for Fixing the Quotation Marks Not Working Issue

Now that we’ve identified the potential causes, let’s delve into the solutions to get those elusive quotation marks back on your Windows 10 keyboard.

Solution 1: Set the Keyboard Layout to QWERTY or Install US English Keyboard

If you think that your keyboard layout has been changed, you can try setting it back to the QWERTY layout. To do this, follow these steps:

• Open the Settings app.
• Click on Time & Language.
• Click on Language.
• Click on the Add a Language button.
• Select English (United States) and click on the Add button.
• Once the language has been added, click on it and then click on the Options button.
• Click on the Add a Keyboard button.
• Select the US English keyboard and click on the Add button.

Solution 2: Enable the Quotation Key

Some software keyboard mapping programs allow you to disable individual keys. If you’re using one of these programs, and you’re having trouble with your K key, make sure that the K key is enabled.

To check if the K key is enabled in your software keyboard mapping program, follow these steps:

• Open your software keyboard mapping program.
• Find the list of keys that you can map.
• Look for the Quotation key in the list.
• If the Quotation key is grayed out, it means that it is disabled.
• To enable the Quotation key, click on it to select it.
• Click on the Enable button.

Solution 3: Replace the Quotation Switch

If you’ve tried the above solutions and your quotation marks are still not working, then you may need to replace the quotation switch. If you are using a mechanical keyboard that has hot-swappable switches, then you can change the faulty switch and replace it with a newer one.

Solution 4: Update the Keyboard Driver

Another possibility is that your keyboard driver is outdated. If this is the case, you can try updating the driver to the latest version. To do this, follow these steps:

• Open Device Manager.
• Expand the Keyboards category.
• Right-click on your keyboard and select Update driver.
• Windows will automatically search for the latest driver software and install it.

Solution 5: Clean the Quotation-Switch

If there is a house party of your leftover pieces of chips, cookies, and dust, then they will prevent the keycap from interfering with their party. In this case, you will need to get them out. 

• Unplug your keyboard.
• Carefully remove the Quotation keycap using a keycap puller or a flat tool.
• Clean the area beneath the keycap using compressed air or a soft brush.
• Reattach the keycap, ensuring it clicks back into place.

Bonus Tips

If none of them work and you are using a membrane keyboard then you can use some alternative ways to use the quotation mark on your computer. 

Use Alternate Shortcuts

While you’re troubleshooting the quotation mark issue, consider using alternative shortcuts to insert quotation marks. For example, you can use the Alt key plus specific codes to insert them; Alt + 34 for double quotes and Alt + 39 for single quotes.

Remap the Key to a Different Key

If all else fails, you can remap the quotation mark key to a different key that’s working correctly. There are third-party software tools such as Sharpkeys, PowerToys, etc. available that allow you to customize your keyboard mappings.

Final Thoughts

In the realm of technology, even something as seemingly simple as quotation marks on a keyboard can throw us a curveball now and then. However, armed with the knowledge of why they might not be working and the solutions provided in this article, you can swiftly resolve the issue and get back to your typing tasks with confidence. Remember, troubleshooting keyboard issues is often easier than it seems.

If you have any further questions or if you’ve encountered a unique situation regarding your keyboard’s quotation marks, feel free to leave a comment in the section below. Your input is invaluable, and we’re here to help you with any additional queries or concerns. Thanks for reading, and here’s to a future of smoothly functioning quotation marks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a virtual keyboard as a temporary solution if my physical keyboard’s quotation marks are not working

Yes, you can use the on-screen virtual keyboard that comes with Windows as a temporary solution to input quotation marks until you resolve the issue with your physical keyboard.

Are there any software tools to diagnose keyboard issues on Windows 10?

Yes, windows 10 has the feature built-in. You can find it inside the troubleshooting option. By using the keyboard troubleshooting feature, the system will detect the issue and will solve it by itself.

Why do some keys on my keyboard work, while others like quotation marks don’t?

Different keys on your keyboard can have varying lifespans and susceptibility to wear and tear. Quotation marks may be less responsive if the key is physically damaged or if there’s a software-related issue.

Is it possible to fix a damaged keyboard key on my own, or should I seek professional help?

Fixing a damaged keyboard key can be done by individuals with some technical expertise. If you are using a mechanical keyboard then you can fix it by yourself and if you are using a membrane keyboard, then replacing it with a new one will be a better choice.

Can a malware infection cause keyboard issues like quotation marks not working?

Yes, malware or software conflicts can potentially disrupt keyboard functionality, including the quotation mark key. Ensuring your system is free from malware through regular scans is important for overall system health.