Windows 10: Both Ctrl keys randomly stopped working

I've using a Dell laptop for years and out of nowhere, both Ctrl keys stopped working. Sometimes if I mash it repeatedly, it'll start working for a few uses before failing again. I haven't done anything significant that I feel would cause this, it truly came out of nowhere.


I've tried the following:

- Using an antivirus

- Toggling various keyboard settings in Ease of Access

- Reinstalling keyboard drivers

- Windows Updating & Restarting

- Checking under the keys for dust (this can't be the problem considering both Ctrl keys simultaneously stopped working)

- Alt + Ctrl + Fn (using on-screen keyboard)

- Just about any solution I've already seen online, I've tried; none have worked


The on-screen keyboard only sometimes shows the key working, other times nothing happens.


It's quite an inconvenience not having the Ctrl keys, so I would really appreciate a fix. I really hope I won't have to resort to sending out the laptop to get the keyboard replaced, but I simply don't see what the cause of this issue could be.


Thanks!

:)

 

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

 

CTRL Keys not working.

I tried all the above methods, but still it is not working. I noticed that the onscreen keyboard is working with the CTRL and also I tried connecting an external keyboard. That worked too. I don't understand how both the CTRL stopped working suddenly as
I don't even use the right CTRL much.

 

Randomly activating CTRL key.

Hi Benjamin,

Thank you for taking time to post in our Microsoft Community.

Since you have done all the troubleshooting steps provided and the issue still persist, if you have the latest version and build of Windows installed on your computer we suggest to follow the steps provided below:

• Press Windows Key the select
  Settings.
• On Windows Settings select Update & Security, then select
  Troubleshoot
• Under Troubleshoot select Keyboard >
  Run troubleshooter.
• Follow the on-screen instruction until its done troubleshooting the device.

If the suggested step above still doesn’t fix the problem, try rebooting your computer then enter safe mode.

Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. It can help you troubleshoot problems on your PC. For example, if the problem doesn't happen in safe mode, you'll know
default settings and basic device drivers aren't causing the issue.

1. Restart your PC. When you get to the sign-in screen, hold the
Shift key down while you select Power >
Restart.

2. After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select
Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings >
Restart.

3. After your PC restarts, you'll see a list of options. Select
4 or F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode. Or if you'll need to use the Internet, select
5 or F5 for Safe Mode with
Networking.

Once you’re in safe mode try using
CTRL key, and check if the issue still occurs

Your response to the solution will be highly appreciated.