Windows 10: Windows 10 stopped detecting the right Ctrl key mid-session

Hi.


In the middle of a session today, Windows 10 inexplicably stopped handling the right Ctrl key on my keyboard. I did not install any new software or make any changes to my settings. I did not override shortcuts, disable them, or add new ones. I did not interrupt power to my PC while it was running. I did NOT curse the gods and dare them to punish me for my hubris.


Please do not suggest to me that the key is broken, because I have empirical evidence that it works.


My keyboard has the ability to configure macros. In order to use this function, it is necessary to press the right Ctrl key. The keyboard indicates it is in "macro mode" by flashing LEDs. If the right Ctrl key is broken, it would be impossible to enable this mode.


After booting normally today, I left my computer and returned a few hours later to find that I was not able to bring up Task Manager. When using any software inside of Windows, the right Ctrl key is not detected. However, as previously mentioned, when I toggle the "macro mode" on my keyboard, it actuates as expected, which is 100% PROOF THAT THE HARDWARE IS WORKING.


Is there any way to fix this without doing a clean re-install? I ask this because I'm completely burnt out of having to reinstall Windows 10 every month when major things like this fail and no one knows why.


Corollary: does anyone know of a utility that will easily allow me to perform a clean re-install of Windows in the least painful way possible?


Anything that would save me re-installing a large number of apps and having to reconfigure various developer environments which in total take a few hours to complete would be nice, because this whole "just re-install Windows and all of your apps, bro" thing is increasing in frequency and it's making me lose my mind, as well as massively reducing my efficiency when Windows has to be maintained in such a time-consuming and laborious process.

I know Windows 10 has a "Fresh Start" option, but I'm afraid it would work just as well as whatever part of Windows is supposed to handle keyboard events.

:)

 

Both CTRL keys not working

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

• Do you get any error message?
• Did you make any changes in your computer prior to this issue?

I appreciate the troubleshooting steps you have tried to resolve the issue.

Follow the steps below and check if that helps.

Method 1: To check if Ctrl keys work in Onscreen keyboard.

• Press Windows Key + R and type osk and hit Enter.

Try using Ctrl keys and check if that helps.

if you still face the issue, try Method 2.

Method 2: Run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter.

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix issues with hardware and devices. I would suggest you to run this troubleshooter to check if the issue is with the Bluetooth adapter. Refer these steps:

• 
  Press Windows key + X, select
  Control panel.
  
• 
  Change the view by option on the top right to
  Large icons.
  
• 
  Click on troubleshooting and click on the
  view all option on the left panel.
  
• 
  Run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter.
  
• 
  Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.
  

Hope this information is helpful. Please do let us know if you need further assistance, we’ll be glad to assist you.

Thanks

 

right side CTRL key does not work

Thanks for your response. I've tried all the steps you've recommended and my problem has not been resolved.

My computer is a Lenovo Ideapad P400 laptop so its not a stand alone keyboard. Right side ctrl key does not work on the on screen keyboard. Any other suggestions? Thanks.

 

Windows Key + CTRL + Right Doesn't Work (Desktop Switch)

Hi,

I love the new multiple desktops. However, the desktop switch isn't working for me.

It's an odd bug...

Windows Key + (left) CTRL + Right Arrow Key will not work, but Windows Key + (left) CTRL + Left Arrow Key will work.

Both the left and right arrow keys work when I use the right CTRL key, and the left CTRL key works perfectly fine using an external keyboard.

Any suggestions?