14 Effective Solutions to Fix Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working on Windows

If you're experiencing issues with keyboard shortcuts on your Windows PC, there could be various reasons behind it. It might be due to hardware problems, driver issues, shortcut changes, or Windows settings. But worry not, as we will explore every possible solution to help you fix keyboard shortcuts not working on your Windows PC.

1. Check if Keyboard Hardware is Working

Start with simple troubleshooting steps. Plug your keyboard into another USB port if certain keys are not functioning. If only specific keys are causing problems, try using another keyboard with your PC to confirm whether the issue lies with your keyboard. Similarly, test your keyboard on another PC to determine if the problem is with your keyboard or the software on your PC.

If the issue is with your keyboard, clean it to remove any dirt or debris that might be affecting its performance. If cleaning doesn't help, consider replacing the keyboard. In the meantime, you can also explore tips to use a PC with a broken keyboard.

2. Restart the PC

Before making any changes to Windows settings, a simple restart might resolve the issue. Restarting your PC can clear any temporary bugs or glitches that may be interfering with the keyboard shortcuts. To restart, click on the Windows icon in the bottom bar, select the Power icon, and then choose the Restart option.

3. Troubleshoot the Keyboard

Windows provides built-in troubleshooting tools that can help identify and fix common errors. Running the keyboard troubleshooter might resolve the keyboard shortcuts issue.

1. On Windows 11, open the Settings app, go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. On Windows 10, open the Settings app, go to Update and security > Additional troubleshooters.

2. Click on the Run button next to the Keyboard option to run the Keyboard Troubleshooter.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions. The process may take up to 5 minutes.

4. Update/Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Updating or reinstalling the keyboard drivers can often resolve keyboard shortcut issues. Drivers are software that connects the keyboard hardware to the operating system. Keeping them up to date ensures a smooth connection without any bugs.

1. Right-click on the Windows icon and select Device Manager.

2. In the Device Manager window, expand the Keyboards option to view the attached keyboards.

3. Right-click on the keyboard where shortcuts are not working and select the Update driver option.

4. In the pop-up window, select “Search automatically for drivers” and let Windows install any available updates.

5. If updating the driver doesn't solve the issue, try uninstalling the driver. Right-click on the keyboard and select the Uninstall driver option. Restart your PC for Windows to reinstall the driver.

5. Update to the Latest Windows Version

Windows updates often include driver updates. Updating your Windows to the latest version can also update the keyboard drivers and fix various bugs.

1. On Windows 11, open the Settings app, go to Windows update. On Windows 10, open the Settings app, go to Updates and security > Windows updates.

2. Click on Check for updates. If any updates are available, click on Download & install all.

Are your keyboard shortcuts now working on your Windows PC? If not, it's worth checking if your keyboard has a gaming mode enabled.

6. Disable Special Keyboard Modes

Some keyboards come with special modes, such as gaming mode, which disable specific keyboard shortcuts to prevent accidental presses while gaming. If you have a gaming keyboard, try disabling these modes to ensure your keyboard shortcuts work properly.

7. Turn Off Sticky Keys

Sticky keys are a Windows feature that alters the behavior of certain shortcuts. For example, instead of pressing Windows Key + I together to open Settings, you would need to press the Windows key and then the I key separately. Sticky keys can be useful for users with difficulty using keyboard shortcuts, but if enabled, they can override the default Windows shortcuts.

1. On Windows 11, open the Settings app, go to Accessibility > Keyboard. On Windows 10, open the Settings app, go to Ease of Access and select Keyboard.

2. In the Keyboard settings, make sure the Sticky Keys toggle is turned off.

8. Reset Keyboard Settings

If none of the above options work, you can try resetting the keyboard settings. Although there is no specific option to reset keyboard settings in Windows, changing the language settings can achieve a similar effect. Changing the language and then changing it back to your preferred language will reset all keyboard settings, including layout, themes, text correction, and auto-suggestions.

1. Open the Settings app, go to Time and language > Language and region.

2. Under the Preferred Languages section, you will find a list of installed language packs.

3. Click on the menu icon next to the language name and select the Remove option to remove it.

4. To remove the primary language, click on the Add a language button and add any language. Drag the added language to the top to make it the primary language. Now you can remove the added language and add your preferred languages back.

9. Disable NoWinKeys from Registry Editor

The Registry Editor allows you to modify system files and settings. In the Registry Editor, there is an option to toggle off Windows keyboard shortcuts. If only shortcuts involving the Windows key are not working, the Registry Editor might be the cause.

Please note that making changes in the Registry Editor can potentially damage your device, so it's essential to take a backup before proceeding.

1. Search for the Registry Editor app and open it. Click Yes when prompted for permission to make changes.

2. Paste the following path into the address bar: HKEY_CURRENT_USERSoftwareMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionPoliciesExplorer

3. If you can't find the Explorer option, it means NoWinKeys is set to default, indicating that the shortcuts issue is not related to the Registry Editor.

4. In the right pane, right-click on the NoWinKeys option and select Modify. Make sure the value is set to 0 and click OK.

10. Turn on Shortcuts from Group Policy Editor

Group Policy Editor is a tool that allows you to configure system files and settings. Unlike the Registry Editor, which can disable Windows keyboard shortcuts, the Group Policy Editor can disable all shortcuts. However, please note that the Group Policy Editor is not available in the Windows Home edition.

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and enter gpedit.msc and press Enter.

2. In the Group Policy Editor, navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.

3. Double-click on Turn off Windows keys hotkeys.

4. In the pop-up window, select the Disabled option and click OK, then Apply.

11. Run DISM

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can fix any defects in the Windows image. Running DISM can restore certain settings, including those related to the Registry Editor, to their default state.

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Enter the following command and press Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

3. Once the scanning process is complete, enter the following command and press Enter: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4. The tool will fix any defects in the Windows image.

12. Run System File Checker

The System File Checker (SFC) tool scans for corrupted system files and replaces them with their original versions.

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow

3. The tool will scan for and repair any corrupted system files.

13. Restart Human Interface Device Service

The Human Interface Device (HID) Services control various human interface devices, including keyboards. Restarting the HID Service might help resolve keyboard shortcut issues.

1. Search for the Services app and open it.

2. Scroll down and right-click on the Human Interface Device Services option.

3. Click on Start or Restart if the service is already running.

4. Double-click on the Human Interface Device Services option. In the pop-up window, change the Startup type to Automatic. Click OK and Apply.

14. Check Third-Party Apps

Third-party apps installed on your PC can modify system features, including keyboard shortcuts. Check if any installed apps have disabled or remapped Windows keyboard shortcuts. If necessary, disable or uninstall those apps.

By following these solutions, you should be able to fix keyboard shortcuts not working on your Windows PC. If none of the above methods resolve the issue, consider resetting your device or performing a system restore to revert to a working state.