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Delete Key Not Working? How to Enable It & Alternatives

Use the built-in keyboard troubleshooter to fish out any issues

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Deleting is the process of removing text from a document icon or file from a folder. Todelete files from your computer, you can use either the keyboard button or the mouse. Most users usually press the Delete key, but sometimes, it’s not working.

According to user reports, this started after a Windows update, so let’s see how to address this issue below.

Why is my keyboard not deleting?

Some of the reasons why your Delete key is not working on your keyboard include:

How do I enable the Delete key on my keyboard?

We recommend you perform these preliminary steps before moving on to the technical solutions:

1. Run the keyboard troubleshooter

2. Update Keyboard drivers

For the less tech-savvy users or anyone who likes things done faster and more accurately, a driver updater utility can be of much help in this situation.

Outbyte is an automatic tool that detects and replaces incompatible, outdated, and missing drivers with the right ones from its vast database.

⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Reinstall keyboard drivers

Keeping the drivers up to date can help you prevent similar issues likeSpace bar, Enter, and Backspace keys not working on Windows 11.

4. Scan for viruses

5. Uninstall recent Windows update

6. Perform a clean boot

What is the alternative to Delete key?

If you’re stuck after trying all the recommended solutions but still need to delete things, you must make do with its alternatives.

The good old method is right-clicking on an item and then selecting the delete icon. However, this mostly works when dealing with folders. For text-related actions, the below Windows shortcuts can be of much assistance:

Hopefully, you’ve been able to reinstate the working of your delete key, but if not, the alternatives should serve you.

You may also run into a similar issue where theWindows key is not working, so don’t hesitate to check out our recommended fixes.

For any additional thoughts, leave your comments down below.

Delete Key Not Working? How to Enable It & Alternatives#

Why is my keyboard not deleting?#

How do I enable the Delete key on my keyboard?#

1. Run the keyboard troubleshooter#

2. Update Keyboard drivers#

3. Reinstall keyboard drivers#

4. Scan for viruses#

5. Uninstall recent Windows update#

6. Perform a clean boot#

What is the alternative to Delete key?#