Keyboard shortcuts are some key combination to start a task on your computer quickly and directly. People prefer to use the keyboard shortcuts to open certain pages, programs, and processes easily. However, some people said their keyboard shortcuts not working (all shortcuts not working or certain keys not working). MiniTool shows you how to fix the problem effectively.

How to Fix Keyboard Shortcuts not Working on Windows 7/8/10

There are mainly two types of keyboard shortcuts: the Windows-based shortcuts (like Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, and Ctrl + X) and manufacturer-based hotkeys (the buttons to control volume/wireless connection). It’s very convenient to open certain programs and windows by pressing corresponding shortcuts. However, the computer doesn’t respond sometimes when you press the keyboard shortcuts.

You may find certain keys not working on Windows 7/8/10:

  • Control key not working
  • Window key not working
  • Alt key not working
  • Etc.

Please don’t worry too much when encountering these problems; several useful ways to troubleshoot keyboard shortcuts not working are introduced one by one. The solutions and steps introduced below are finished in Windows 10 (the troubleshooting process of hotkeys not working in other systems is similar).

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Things to Do First

One: clean the keyboard keys.

The Windows shortcuts not working may be a result of dirt or other corrosion on keyboard. You should try to fix by shutting down the computer -> unplugging the keyboard (if you’re using a desktop) -> clean the buttons with a soft cloth.

Two: change a USB port.

You may as well remove the keyboard of a desktop from current USB port and connect it to another port on the same computer. If this failed, please try to connect the keyboard to another computer.

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Three: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

  1. Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I (there’re also other ways available).
  2. Scroll down to the bottom to select Update & Security (Windows Update, recovery, backup).
  3. Select Troubleshoot from the pane on your left side.
  4. Navigate to the Find and fix other problems section on the right pane.
  5. Select Keyboard under this section.
  6. Click on the Run the troubleshooter button appeared just now.
  7. Follow the on-screen instructions to detect and fix problems.

Run the troubleshooter

Four: Turn Off Sticky keys

  1. Press Windows + S to open Windows search.
  2. Type control panel and hit Enter.
  3. Click on the Ease of Access link.
  4. Select Change how your keyboard works under Ease of Access Center.
  5. Uncheck Turn on Sticky Keys, Turn on Toggle Keys and Turn on Filter Keys under Make it easier to type.
  6. Click Apply and then OK.

Turn off Sticky Keys

Five: Update Keyboard Driver

  1. Press Windows + X to select Device Manager.
  2. Expand Keyboards.
  3. Right click on the current keyboard.
  4. Select Update driver and follow the instructions to finish updating.

What if the WinX menu not working?

Update driver

You can also select Uninstall device in step 4 -> follow the instructions to finish uninstallation -> unplug the keyboard -> reconnect the keyboard and wait for the system to reinstall the driver automatically.

Six: Clean Boot System

  1. Open Windows search.
  2. Type System Configuration and hit Enter.
  3. Navigate to Selective startup under the General tab.
  4. Uncheck Load startup items.
  5. Go to the Services tab.
  6. Check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.

Hide all Microsoft services

Seven: Run DSIM Tool

  1. Open Windows search.
  2. Type cmd.
  3. Right click on Command Prompt.
  4. Choose Run as administrator.
  5. Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and hit Enter.
  6. Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and hit Enter.

Run as administrator

[Solved 2020] DISM Failed On Windows 10/8/7 Computer.

You can also try the following methods to fix keyboard shortcuts not working.

  • Try System Restore
  • Reset your OS
  • Reset keyboard settings
  • Update BIOS to the latest version
  • Turn to system maintenance
  • Disable Gaming mode switch
  • Create a new user account
  • Enable HID Human Interface Service
  • Uninstall previously installed keyboard software
  • Repair install Windows 10
  • linkedin
  • reddit

About The Author

Sarah

Position: Columnist

Sarah has been working as an editor at MiniTool since she graduated from university. Sarah aims at helping users with their computer problems such as disk errors and data loss. She feels a sense of accomplishment to see that users get their issues fixed relying on her articles. Besides, she likes to make friends and listen to music after work.