XPS 15 Keyboard Issue

Remove the base cover and check the condition of the battery (immediately below the keyboard).  It isn't uncommon to have a battery that's end of life start to swell, which manifests itself in a keyboard or touchpad malfunction -- and if this is the original battery, it's likely at or near the end of its life.

service manual:

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/xps-15-9500-laptop/docs

@ejn63 makes a great point and I would check that first and if it looks fine then start to think about a keyboard replacement.

If some of the keys on your XPS 15's keyboard are intermittently not working, there could be several possible reasons for this issue. Here's what you can do to troubleshoot and potentially resolve the problem:

1. Restart your Laptop: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix minor glitches in hardware and software.

2. Check for Software Issues:

   • Make sure your operating system and drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause keyboard problems.
   • Scan your system for malware or viruses, as these can sometimes interfere with keyboard functionality.

3. External Keyboards: If you have an external keyboard connected to your laptop, disconnect it and check if the issue persists. Sometimes, external devices can cause conflicts.

4. Keyboard Language Settings: Make sure your keyboard language settings are correct. If you've accidentally switched to a different keyboard layout, it could cause some keys to behave differently.

5. Testing in Safe Mode: Boot your laptop into Safe Mode and see if the issue still occurs. Safe Mode loads a minimal set of drivers and can help determine if a third-party application or driver is causing the problem.

6. Hardware Connection:

   • Ensure that the keyboard cable is properly connected to the motherboard. If the connection is loose, it could cause intermittent issues.
   • If you're comfortable doing so, you can carefully remove the keyboard and reseat the keyboard cable. However, this might void your warranty, so proceed with caution.

7. Update or Reinstall Drivers:

   • Go to your laptop manufacturer's website and download the latest keyboard drivers for your specific model.
   • If the issue started after a driver update, consider rolling back to the previous version or uninstalling and reinstalling the keyboard drivers.

8. Keyboard Hardware Issues:

   • If the problem persists, it's possible that the keyboard itself is faulty. In this case, you might need to contact Dell support or take your laptop to an authorized service center for repair.

9. External Factors:

   • Make sure there's no debris or dirt lodged under the keys that could be affecting their functionality.
   • Check if any liquid has been spilled on the keyboard. Liquid spills can damage the keyboard's electrical contacts.

10. System Restore: If the issue started recently, you can try using System Restore to revert your computer to a point in time when the keyboard was working correctly.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, and if your laptop is still under warranty, it's recommended to contact Dell support or visit an authorized service center for professional assistance. They can diagnose the issue more accurately and provide appropriate solutions.

@ejn63​ Thank you for telling me, I've recently opened my laptop to clean the fans, but I didn't exactly inspect my battery. I'll open it up soon to see how it's doing.

@JOcean​ I kind of wrote my question assuming I would have to replace it. Thank you though for linking the part.

@stefan0367​ Happy to help out!