Complete Guide to Fix Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working on Windows

Keyboard shortcuts are essential for many Windows users to stay productive. However, when they suddenly stop working, it can be disruptive and frustrating. If you’re experiencing this issue, here are some solutions to fix keyboard shortcuts not working issues on Windows.

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Tip: Before carrying out any fixes, it’s good to restart the PC and see if the issue is resolved. If it is not, then follow the methods below to fix this problem.

1. Use a Keyboard Testing Tool

A malfunctioning keyboard or damaged/stuck key can’t be fixed with software solutions. Before we move to fixing software-related issues, let’s ensure it’s not a hardware fault.

First, we will see if the keys are being registered using a keyboard testing tool. Key-Test is a reliable free tool for this purpose. Just go to the website and you’ll see a virtual keyboard. Press each shortcut key to see if they are being registered. If all keys turn green on the press, it means the keys are working fine.

Afterward, press and hold the required keyboard shortcuts to see if they work in combination. All involved keys should stay green when holding.

If the keys don’t register at all, it’s a strong hint that there is an issue with the keyboard. To further confirm, try using the keyboard on another PC or use a different keyboard on your PC.

2. Use Windows On-Screen Keyboard

If the keys do not work in the keyboard testing tool, then you can try using the On-Screen Keyboard to further rule out chances of software issues. Most software issues will persist even when using the On-Screen Keyboard.

In Windows Search, type “osk” and open the On-Screen Keyboard app. Try using the shortcuts by clicking on the required keys to see if it works with the On-Screen Keyboard. If it does, then most probably it’s a hardware issue. You can replace the keyboard or get it repaired.

3. Disable Sticky and Filter Keys Settings

If the shortcuts sometimes work and sometimes don’t, then it’s probably due to Sticky keys or Filter keys. Sticky keys allow you to press one key at a time for shortcuts instead of holding each key. This can sometimes cause issues when you use the regular method of holding shortcut keys.

Filter keys prevent accidental key presses, ignoring key presses that are too fast or repeated. It can cause issues when using keyboard shortcuts too fast. Fortunately, you can easily disable the Sticky keys and Filter keys from Windows Settings.

In Windows Settings, go to Accessibility -> Keyboard and make sure both Sticky keys and Filter keys are toggled off.

4. Turn off the Gaming Mode Feature of the Keyboard

Many gaming keyboards have a Gaming Mode button or Fn key shortcut to enable Gaming Mode. This mode disables the Windows Key and sometimes specific shortcuts, like Alt + Tab or Alt + F4, which can disrupt gameplay.

If you have a gaming keyboard, then check the manual to see if it has Gaming Mode and how to enable/disable it. For example, for Logitech gaming keyboards, you should see a dedicated Gaming Mode button with a gamepad icon on it. On Razer keyboards, you can press the Fn + F10 shortcut to enable/disable Gaming Mode.

Image source:
Wikimedia Commons

5. Run Built-in Keyboard Troubleshooter on Supported Devices

Windows has a built-in Keyboard Troubleshooter that can fix many software-related keyboard problems. Unfortunately, Microsoft is deprecating MSDT with the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. If you are on Windows 11 23H2 or any older versions, you can still use this troubleshooter.

Open Windows Settings, search for “keyboard troubleshooter” in the search bar, and select Find and fix keyboard problems.

Click Next to start the scan. If any problems are found, it will automatically fix them.

6. Restart the Human Interface Device (HID) Service

Human Interface Device (HID) handles input devices that follow HID standards, such as keyboard, mouse, webcam, etc. If the HID service is malfunctioning or disabled, it can cause issues with your keyboard if it uses it.

You can restart the HID service in Windows, which should fix any problems it is causing, including shortcuts not working.

Press the Windows + R keys and type services.msc in the Run dialog to open Windows Services.

Look for the Human Interface Device Service entry. The list is in alphabetical order, so it should be easy to find. Right-click on it and select Restart.

The service will take a few seconds to restart and it should fix shortcut not working issues if it was caused by HID.

7. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers to Fix Keyboard Shortcuts

Outdated keyboard drivers or malfunctioning drivers can also lead to problems like shortcuts or specific keys not working. You can update the driver (if available) or reinstall the current driver to possibly fix the problem.

Search for “device manager” in Windows Search and open the Device Manager.

Under the Keyboards section, right-click on your keyboard driver and select Uninstall. Restart the PC afterward to let Windows reinstall the keyboard driver.

For updating the keyboard driver, you can use an automatic driver updater tool instead.

8. Fix Windows Key Shortcuts Not Working

If you are specifically having issues using shortcuts that involve the Windows key, then there can be many reasons why it’s disabled. We have already talked about Gaming Mode disabling it, but there can be other reasons as well, like software conflict or a GPE policy.

If only the Windows key and associated shortcuts are not working, then see our comprehensive guide on how to fix the Windows key not working.

9. Run the Shortcut in Windows Safe Mode

In Safe Mode, Windows only runs necessary drivers and services with no third-party apps. If a secondary app or service is interfering with shortcuts, then the shortcuts should work in Safe Mode.

Boot into Safe Mode and try the shortcut. If it works, uninstall or disable any apps or features added around when the issue began. You might have to restore or reset the PC if you can’t find the culprit.

10. Use a Different User Profile

A corrupted user profile can also prevent certain keys from working or simultaneous key presses from registering. If you have another user account, try using the shortcut in it. You can also activate the super administrator account to temporarily use it as a secondary user account to check.

If this fixes the problem, then you can try fixing the user account by fixing corrupted system files. Otherwise, you can create a new user account and transfer user data to the new profile.

11. Restore or Reset Windows

If nothing is working, you can restore Windows to a time period when you didn’t have this issue. If you don’t have a restore point, then a reset may be required that will reset all changes while still keeping your data.

Restore Windows

You can restore Windows using System Restore. To access System Restore, press the Win + R keys, type rstrui in the Run dialog, and click OK.

Choose the restore point that was created before the time you faced shortcuts not working issue and follow the steps to restore Windows.

Reset Windows

If there is no restore point before you face the issue, you can reset the PC. Here’s how:

In Windows Settings, go to System -> Recovery, and click on Reset PC.

Select the Keep my files option and follow the steps to reset the PC.

The reset process should fix almost all types of software-related issues, including keyboard shortcuts not working.

Apart from these methods, make sure none of the keys are pressed or stuck. Other keys pressed on the keyboard can also prevent shortcuts from working. If it’s a hardware issue, it should be easy to replace for desktop users, but laptop users should try fixing it first.

Image credit: Freepik. All screenshots by Karrar Haider.

Karrar Haider –
Staff Writer

Karrar is drenched in technology and always fiddles with new tech opportunities. He has a bad habit of calling technology “Killer”, and doesn’t feel bad about spending too much time in front of the PC. If he is not writing about technology, you will find him spending quality time with his little family.

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