How to test what key on a keyboard is being pressed

Updated: 05/01/2023 by Computer Hope
Windows Key

When troubleshooting keyboard problems, you may need to determine if, when keys on the keyboard are being pressed, the computer is recognizing those keys. Below are some web pages and programs that help test the keys on a computer keyboard.

Note

If no keys on your keyboard are working, see: Why don't any keys on my keyboard work?

JavaScript key event test script

The JavaScript key event test script is a script that tests keypress events. This test can include all keyup and keydown events, and can include modifier keys.

Windows on-screen keyboard

The Windows on-screen keyboard is a program included in Windows that shows an on-screen keyboard to test modifier keys and other special keys. For example, when pressing the Alt, Ctrl, or Shift key, the On-Screen Keyboard highlights the keys as pressed. Unfortunately, this program does not highlight any of the letter keys as they are pressed.

Passmark KeyboardTest

The Passkmark KeyboardTest is a Windows program that tests the keys pressed on the keyboard with different keyboard layouts.