How to fix # key not working on your computer

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

The # key, commonly known as hashtag key, or pound, sharp or number key, on your keyboard is widely used today on social media, especially Twitter. Ideally, the # symbol or key is activated by pressing Shift+3, but can also be found from the symbols in Word program on Office.

In this guide, you'll learn how to fix # key not working on your computer.

2. How to fix

1. Try on-screen keyboard

1. Click Start
   
   
2. Select Settings
   
   

1. Click Ease of Access
   
   
2. Choose Keyboard
   
   

1. Toggle the On-Screen keyboard to ON
   
   

1. The keyboard will be displayed, try and check if # key works when using the on-screen keyboard
   
   Does this fix the # key not working problem? If not, go to the next solution.

2. Change language in control panel

• Sometimes when you find # key not working, it may have something to do with your Language settings.  Here’s how to check and change this:

1. Click Start
   
   
2. Select Settings
   
   
3. Click Time and Language
   
   

1. Click Region and Language
   
   

1. Under Country or Region, click on English (United Kingdom), and if not there, you can add it using Add a Language button
   
   

1. Click Windows display language
   
   

1. Select Options
   
   
2. Check what keyboard is selected under the Keyboards option
   
   

1. Change the input language to English for your location
   
   Did this resolve the # key not working problem? If not, try the next solution.

3. Update chipset drivers from the computer manufacturer’s website

• You can find drivers from the manufacturer's website’s support section for your laptop type.
  
  Here’s how to update and install drivers from the manufacturer website:

1. Go to the Software and Drivers sub-section (depending on the laptop brand this name can change), or search for drivers using Google so you can get a direct link to your device’s manufacturer website.
   
   
2. Once you’re on the website, find and download
   
   
3. Install the appropriate drivers missing from your laptop that can cause # key not to work
   
   Check if this fixes the # key not working problem. If not, go to the next solution.

4. Run in Compatibility mode

• You can also run your keyboard in compatibility mode to see if it helps.
  
  Do the following:

1. Right-click Start
   
   
2. Select Device Manager
   
   

1. Find Keyboards and click on it to expand the list
   
   
2. Right-click on the Keyboard driver
   
   
3. Select Uninstall
   
   
4. Go to the Software and Drivers sub-section (depending on the laptop brand this name can change), or search for drivers using Google so you can get a direct link to your device’s manufacturer website.
   
   
5. Once you’re on the website, find and download
   
   
6. Install the appropriate drivers missing from your laptop that can cause # key not working
   
   
7. Right click on the driver
   
   
8. Select Properties
   
   
9. Select the Compatibility tab
   
   
10. Check the box Run this program in Compatibility Mode for
    
    
11. Select the Windows 10 operating system from the drop-down
    
    
12. Click on Apply, then click OK and run the file to install it
    
    Does this fix the # key not working problem? If not, go to the next solution.

5. Use a different keyboard

• You can connect a different keyboard to your laptop and check if the # key works.
  
  Most worthwhile keyboards can be used on multiple operating systems and include keys for all major controls you may need.

6. Run Hardware and Devices troubleshooter

• If you find # key not working, then run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter to resolve the issue.  This checks for commonly occurring issues and ensures any new device or hardware is correctly installed on your computer.
  
  Here’s how to go about it:

1. Right-click Start
   
   
2. Select Control Panel
   
   

1. Go to the “View by” option on the top right corner
   
   
2. Click the drop-down arrow and select Large icons
   
   
3. Click Troubleshooting
   
   
4. Click View all option on the left pane
   
   
5. Click Hardware and Devices
   
   
6. Click Next to run the troubleshooter
   
   Follow the instructions to run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter.
   
   The troubleshooter will begin detecting any issues that may be the cause of # key not working on your computer.

7. Disable Filter keys settings

• Here’s how to do this:

1. Right-click Start
   
   
2. Select Control Panel
   
   
3. Select Ease of Access
   
   
4. Click on Change how your keyboard works
   
   
5. Find the checkbox for Turn on Filter Keys
   
   
6. Uncheck it if it has a mark, and check whether your keyboard works again
   
   Check if this fixes the # key not working problem.