A Guide to Fixing Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working on Windows 10
When you get used to keyboard shortcuts, there is no going back. They are convenient, save time and help maximize productivity. If you are unable to take advantage of these benefits because the keyboard shortcuts are not working (or have stopped working) on your Windows 10 computer, we have compiled some helpful solutions to the problem in this guide.
While there are basic Windows shortcuts that work system-wide, you’ll also find application-specific keyboard shortcuts that vary from program to program. Some Google Chrome shortcuts, for example, may not work on Microsoft Edge. And this is normal. So before you proceed to troubleshoot your PC or keyboard, make sure you are using the correct key combinations.
If the problem persists, try restarting your computer (or the application that does not respond to keyboard shortcuts). Proceed to the solutions in the next section if the situation remains the same when your PC turns on again.
1. Change the configuration of sticky keys
To perform actions using keyboard shortcuts, you can either press key combinations in unison or follow sequentially, that is, one key at a time. Sometimes keyboard shortcuts may not work on your computer if you do not press key combinations simultaneously. In this case, you need to activate Sticky Keys.
Sticky Keys is a feature of Windows 10 that allows you to press one key at a time for keyboard shortcuts. Enable Sticky Keys on your computer if you have difficulty performing actions using keyboard shortcuts.
Step 1: Launch the Windows Settings menu and select “Ease of Access”.
2nd step: Go to the Interaction section in the left menu and select Keyboard.
Step 3: Finally, activate the option “Use stick keys”.
If this option was already enabled on your PC, keyboard shortcuts do not work, disable it and try again. If turning Sticky Keys on and off makes no difference, proceed to the next troubleshooting fix below.
2. Disable special keyboard modes
Some mechanical keyboards have special modes that disable certain keys and shortcuts on your Windows computer. Gaming keyboards, for example, temporarily lock the Windows keys when used in gaming mode. This way, when you accidentally click the Windows key while gaming, the Start menu does not appear on the screen. screen and does not interrupt your game.
If you do not reset the keypad to normal programming after using it in Game Mode, the locked keys will not be usable. This prevents some shortcuts from working. Launch the keyboard software and turn off any special modes that might affect system or application shortcuts.
3. Run the keyboard troubleshooter
If the keyboard shortcut failure persists, you can use the Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter to diagnose and resolve issues with your PC keyboard.
Step 1: Launch the Windows Settings menu and select “Update & Security”.
2nd step: Go to the Troubleshoot tab and click on Keyboard.
Step 3: Then click on the “Run the troubleshooter” button.
Wait for the troubleshooter to finish diagnosing the keyboard. If it detects a problem with your PC keyboard, the troubleshooter will try to resolve them or recommend troubleshooting solutions.
Proceed to the next method if no problem is found.
4. Restart and refresh the UI device service.
Activities that you perform on your Windows PC are hosted in the background by their respective services. In Windows 10, keyboard shortcuts / hotkeys are powered by the “ User Interface (HID) Device Service ”.
You may have difficulty using keyboard shortcuts on your computer if this service is not working properly or has stopped working. Follow the steps below to (re) start and update the
Step 1: Right click on the lower left corner of your PC screen and select Run from the quick access menu.
2nd step: Type services.msc in the Open dialog box and click OK.
Step 3: Right click on “Human Interface Device Service” and select Start from the context menu.
If the service is already running, select Restart.
Step 4: Then right click on the service again and this time select Refresh.
5. Reactivate Windows keyboard shortcuts
Step 1: Right click on the lower left corner of your PC screen and select Run from the quick access menu.
2nd step: Type gpedit.msc in the Open dialog box and click OK.
Step 3: In the left menu of the “Local Group Policy Editor” window, navigate through this path: User Configuration> Administrative Templates> Windows Components> File Explorer.
Double-click on the item titled “Disable Windows Keyboard Shortcuts.”
Step 4: Make sure it is set to Disabled (or Not Configured). Click Apply and OK to continue.
If the keyboard shortcuts still do not work as expected after performing the above operations, restart your computer and try again.
Also clean your keyboard
This is how you solve the problem when keyboard shortcuts stop working on your Windows 10 computer. Often, you will find dirt in the small spaces and crevices on your PC keyboard. These could obstruct the keys and therefore prevent certain shortcuts from working. Clean your computer keyboard and check if this restores non-working shortcuts. Before cleaning the keyboard, you can try to update its driver. It might help solve the problem.
Then:
If your Windows 10 keyboard is in a language other than US English, read the article below on how to change it to your preferred language / layout.
Last updated on Dec 14, 2020
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