Troubleshooting Guide for A20 Errors

An A20 error means that there's a keyboard-related issue

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Updated on February 8, 2023

The "A20" error is reported by the POST when it detects a problem with the keyboard or the keyboard controller located on the motherboard.

While it's possible that an A20 error could apply to something else, it's very unlikely.

This issue applies to any PC keyboard hardware. The operating system isn't involved in generating this error message, so you could receive it no matter what OS you might be using.

A20 Errors

The A20 error displays during the Power On Self Test (POST) process very soon after the computer is first started. The operating system has not yet loaded when this error message appears.

The error message may appear in many ways, but these are the most common:

A20
Error A20
A20 Error

Some software programs may use an A20 error for something completely unrelated to a keyboard or keyboard controller issue. There are also hardware companies that use A20 as part of their model numbers. See the bottom of this page for more on that.

How to Fix the A20 Error

Follow these steps in the order they're given here:

Turn off the computer if it's on.
Disconnect the keyboard from the PC.
Verify that the pins on the keyboard connector aren't bent. If they are, you can attempt to straighten the keyboard connector pins yourself and try the keyboard again.

To do this, first remove any dust or debris from the end where you see the pins. Then, with a paperclip or something else, like a pen, bend the connector pins to the point that they look straight again.
Verify that the pins on the keyboard connector don't appear broken or burned. If any do, replace the keyboard.
Also, verify that the keyboard connection on the computer doesn't appear burned or damaged. If so, the port may no longer be usable.

Since the keyboard connection is located on the motherboard, you may have to replace the motherboard to resolve this issue. Alternatively, you could purchase a new USB keyboard.
Plug the keyboard back in, making sure it is plugged firmly into the correct port.

If you're still having troubles at this point, make sure the PS/2 port is clean and wiggle the connection around as you press it in. It's possible you may end up bending a pin just right so that the cable will connect correctly.
If the A20 error persists, replace the keyboard with a keyboard that you know works. If the error disappears, the cause of the problem was with the original keyboard.
Finally, if all else fails, there may be a hardware issue with the keyboard controller on the motherboard. If this is the case, replacing the motherboard should solve this problem.

Buyer's Guide to PC Motherboards
You might also be able to check that the controller chip is firmly in place. If it's socketed, it's possible it just needs to be pushed in further.

More Information on the A20 Error

Some computers may let out a sequence of noises to indicate an error. These are called beep codes. See How to Troubleshoot Beep Codes if you need help finding the BIOS manufacturer and/or help to understand what the beep codes mean.

It's also possible to identify the A20 error through a POST code using a POST test card.

Other Unrelated A20 Errors

"A20" is used by a number of companies that are completely unrelated to keyboards. In those instances, you need to contact the manufacturer or developer involved with that hardware or software for help troubleshooting a problem.

The Stan streaming service is one example, where an "Error A20" means a video can't play. If you've landed here because of an error with your A20 series 3D printer, contact Geeetech for help with that. Problems installing firmware or using your A20 wireless headset can be addressed by reaching out to ASTRO Gaming or Bose (whichever made your headset).

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