Can’t Type in Command Prompt? 4 Ways to Quickly Fix it

Note that lack of administrative privileges may trigger this error

4 min. read

Updated onMarch 22, 2024

updated onMarch 22, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Some of our readers have recently reported that they can’t type in Command Prompt to automate a task ortroubleshoot computer problems.

It can seem quite unsettling when you cannot perform certain functions on your PC. Worry less, as we have provided some troubleshooting steps for this problem.

Why can’t I type in Command Prompt?

There can be several reasons why you can’t type in Command Prompt. From errors and complaints gathered from users, we have pointed out some potential causes of why you cannot type in Command Prompt.

Some of the factors responsible for this are:

Now that you know some of the reasons why you can’t type in Command Prompt, let’s proceed to how you can fix this problem.

What can I do if I can’t type in Command Prompt?

The following are a few quick checks you can perform since these have worked for others:

If, after applying all the preliminary checks, the error persists, please move to the next section to apply advanced solutions.

1. Run the SFC Scan

Once done, ensure you restart your computer. IfPowerShell has stopped working in Windows 11, kindly read our recommended fixes here.

Besides following the manual steps, you can also count onspecialized softwareto complete the procedure automatically.

2. Use your On-screen Keyboard

Once you’ve brought up your Windows On-screen Keyboard, you should be able to type in the Command Prompt.

However, if theOn-Screen Keyboard fails to workalso, then you need to troubleshoot that with the fixes in our guide.

3. Run CMD as administrator from the Task Manager

A simple trick is to run CMD as an administrator directly from your Task Manager. By this, you should be able to type in the Command Prompt with the administrative privileges.

If theTask Manager is not workingon your PC, check out the possible fixes in this guide.

4. Use the Legacy mode

This mode should allow you to type in Command Prompt if there are no issues with your PC’s keyboard.

These are the best solutions for this problem. Ensure to follow the steps outlined for each fix for optimal results.

If you have any questions or suggestions, do not hesitate to use the comments section below.

Can’t Type in Command Prompt? 4 Ways to Quickly Fix it#

Why can’t I type in Command Prompt?#

What can I do if I can’t type in Command Prompt?#

1. Run the SFC Scan#

2. Use your On-screen Keyboard#

3. Run CMD as administrator from the Task Manager#

4. Use the Legacy mode#