In this Article, we will see what you should do if the Backspace key only deletes one letter at a time on your Windows 11/10 Machine or Device. The backspace key is used for correction while editing a document. The cursor starts moving backward and deleting the text when you press it, and the cursor keeps moving in the right to left direction and deleting the text until you release the backspace key.
However, for some users, it does not happen that way. According to them, no matter how long they hold the backspace key, it will only delete one letter. You can try the solutions explained in this article if you are experiencing such a problem.
Backspace key only deletes one letter at a time in Windows 11/10
You can follow the suggestions written below to get the problem fixed-
- Run Keyboard Troubleshooter
- Check your keyboard functionality
- Turn off the Filter Keys
- Adjust the Repeat Delay and Repeat Rate for your keyboard
- Update or reinstall your keyboard driver
Ensure that the keys on your keyboard are all working smoothly before you begin.
1] Run Keyboard Troubleshooter
Windows 11/10 devices come with a variety of automated troubleshooting tools. These troubleshooting tools are designed to help users fix issues on their systems (if possible). Run Keyboard Troubleshooter and see if it helps.
The Keyboard Troubleshooter can help you fix the problem if it was caused by a software problem.
2] Check your keyboard functionality
The Keyboard Troubleshooter might not be able to resolve the issue, and the issue could be due to hardware malfunction. Connect another keyboard to your computer to check. You can use free keyboard tester software if an additional keyboard is not available. They will allow you to test the functionality of your keyboard.
3] Turn off the Filter Keys
Microsoft developed Filter Keys to help people with physical disabilities. When it is turned on, your keyboard will ignore repeated strokes. The issue you are currently experiencing might occur due to Filter Keys. Turn off Filter Keys if it is enabled on your system.
The problem should be resolved.
4] Adjust the Repeat Delay and Repeat Rate for your keyboard
You can increase and decrease the delay time for repeated strokes by adjusting the Repeat Delay and Repeat Rate settings on your keyboard. Change this setting and see if it helps. You can do this by following these steps:
- Press the Win + R keys to launch the Run command box.
- When the Run command box appears, type control panel and click OK. This will open the Control Panel.
- Select Large icons in the View by mode.
- Click Keyboard.
- Move the sliders next to the Repeat rate and Repeat delay options to set them at usable limits.
- Click Apply and then OK.
5] Update or reinstall your keyboard driver
Your keyboard driver might have been corrupted if you are still experiencing the issue. You should update or reinstall your keyboard driver to fix such a problem.
You can use any of the following methods to update your keyboard driver:
- Visit the official website of your keyboard manufacturer and download the latest version of the driver. After that, run the installer file to install the keyboard driver manually.
- If an update for your keyboard driver is available, the Windows Options Updates feature will show it. You can download and install the latest version of your keyboard driver by using the Optional Updates feature.
- You can update the keyboard driver via the Device Manager.
See How to Update a Keyboard Drivers Via Device Manager.
- Follow the steps below to reinstall your keyboard driver: Open the Device Manager.
- Expand the Keyboards node.
- Right-click on your keyboard driver and select Uninstall device.
- Click Uninstall in the confirmation box.
- After uninstalling the keyboard driver, restart your system.
After restarting the device, Windows will select the hardware changes and reinstall the missing keyboard driver
Why is holding backspace not deleting?
Holding the backspace key does not delete any letters or only deletes one letter at a time, you should turn off the Filter Keys. We suggest updating or reinstalling your keyboard driver if the Filter Keys are already turned off. You can also use free keyboard tester software to determine whether the issue is hardware-related or software-related. By running the Keyboard Troubleshooter, you can resolve software-related issues for a keyboard.
Why is my backspace key not working?
Backspace does not work if no input is received by your computer when you press it. If dust or dirt accumulates, this might occur. You can check this by connecting another keyboard to your computer. It is recommended that you clean the keyboard with which you are experiencing the problem if the backspace key works fine.
An outdated or corrupted keyboard driver may also be the cause of this issue. If this is the case, updating the keyboard driver will fix the issue. If the problem persists, your keyboard may be defective. In this case, you should purchase a new keyboard.
Hope this helps.