How to disable the notebook keyboard |  Practical guide

How to disable the notebook keyboard | Practical guide


Find out step by step how to disable the integrated notebook keyboard on Windows and macOS; The feature is useful for those who want to avoid unwanted key presses

It is important to know how to disable the notebook keyboard in some situations: if you connect an external device, this avoids hitting the keys and typing something by mistake; Also, if a button is stuck and the computer is typing on its own, it’s worth turning it off on macOS and Windows.



Before proceeding with the instructions, it is worth underlining that it is advisable to carry out this operation with another keyboard connected to the computer. Otherwise you will only have the mouse to navigate the system, and this can make it difficult to perform some tasks.

How to disable the Windows keyboard

Follow these steps on Windows notebooks:

  1. Open the Start menu;
  2. Search for “Device Manager”;
  3. Locate the “Keyboard” tab;
  4. Find the notebook keyboard;
  5. Click the X icon to turn it off.

To reactivate it, just follow the same path and click on the green arrow icon.




Open Device Manager to disable the notebook keyboard (Image: Screenshot/André Magalhães/Canaltech)

How to disable the MacBook keyboard

macOS does not offer a native solution to completely turn off the keyboard, but it is possible to do so with the help of third-party apps. Carabiner Elements is a Software aimed at customizing all the keys on the device and includes an option that disables the keyboard when another external component is connected to the computer.

Follow these steps to use it:

  1. Download Carabiner Elements (MacOS);
  2. Install and open the application;
  3. Click on “Settings”;
  4. Access the “Devices” tab;
  5. Locate the connected keyboard;
  6. Select the “Disable built-in keyboard while this device is connected” option.

To regain access to the native keyboard, simply return to the same setup and uncheck the option.



Use the application to disable the MacBook keyboard (Image: Screenshot/André Magalhães/Canaltech)

How to disable the touchpad

If you have a mouse connected, the alternative is to disable the touchpad to avoid unwanted touches. Windows allows you to perform the action via system settings or via keyboard shortcut: OR Canaltech explains each.

Trends on Canaltech:

Source: Terra

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