Peripherals

Keyboard types the wrong characters or symbols

Wrong characters usually mean the keyboard language or layout setting doesn't match your physical keyboard, not a hardware fault. Switching the layout fixes this almost every time.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
5–15 minutes
DIY cost
$0–$40

Symptoms

  • Symbols appear instead of expected letters (like @ instead of ")
  • Numbers on the top row type symbols
  • Punctuation is swapped with a different key
  • Issue started after a Windows update or region change

Likely causes

  • CommonWrong keyboard layout selected in the OSWindows and Mac can be set to a different language/layout (like UK vs US) than your physical keyboard.
  • CommonAccidental keyboard shortcut switched the input languageShortcuts like Windows+Space or Alt+Shift can cycle through installed languages unintentionally.
  • PossibleMultiple keyboard layouts installed and cycling accidentallyExtra installed languages make it easy to switch layouts by mistake.
  • PossiblePhysical keyboard region mismatchUsing a UK keyboard on a system set to US layout (or vice versa) causes several keys to be mismatched.
  • Less commonSticky or Filter Keys accessibility feature altering inputCertain accessibility settings can change how key presses register.

What to do

  1. Check the language/keyboard indicator in the taskbar (Windows) or menu bar (Mac) and confirm it matches your keyboard's actual layout.
  2. Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & region (Windows) or System Settings > Keyboard (Mac) and remove extra layouts you don't use.
  3. If you have a UK, international, or non-US physical keyboard, make sure the matching layout is added and selected, not just 'English (US)'.
  4. Try the keyboard shortcut for switching layouts (Windows+Space) to see if a second layout is active and switch back.
  5. Turn off Sticky Keys and Filter Keys in accessibility settings if they're enabled.
  6. Test the keyboard on another computer to rule out a hardware issue.
  7. Restart the computer after changing language settings.

Tools and parts

  • None
Correct regional keyboard (if hardware mismatch)Search: “US layout keyboard”

When to call a pro

If character mismatches continue on a fresh, correctly-set layout and on another computer with the same keyboard, the keyboard's internal key mapping may be faulty and it should be replaced.

Safety

Generally low risk

Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.

Related guides

Operator provides AI-generated troubleshooting information. It can be wrong. For safety-critical, electrical, gas, structural, medical, automotive safety, or other high-risk problems, consult a qualified professional.