Windows 10: i have an issue with The Alt key

My Laptop started acting very weird because the alt key is constantly pressed i tried to uninstall driver from device manager and press on it several times and tun off sticky keys and the problem is still there

:)

 

Keyboard shortcut Alt key not working

Hi,



Before we proceed, I need more information to help you better.

• 
  Since when are you facing this issue?
  
• 
  Did you make any software or hardware changes on your computer prior to this issue?
  
  
  

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

Step 1: You may check if the ALT key is functioning correctly in on-screen keyboard. It will help us to verify if there is any issue with the keyboard.

Follow the steps below to open On-screen Keyboard.

• 
  Windows + Q, type OSK (on-screen keyboard)
  
• 
  And check if it works
  

Step 2: Run Hardware and device 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 your devices. 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.
  

Keep us posted on this issue so that we can assist you better.

 

Alt + 21 Numpad Key Not Working.

Hi,



Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.



We understand the difficulties you are facing with Alt key shortcuts and
in order to get clarity and to assist you accordingly, please reply with the answers to the questions below.

• Are you aware of any changes in the PC prior to this issue?
  
• How many keyboard layouts are installed on the PC?
  
• Which application you are facing this issue?
  
• Did you check if the Alt key is working in on-screen keyboard?

However, we would suggest you to perform these methods and check if the issue persists.



Method 1: Troubleshoot keyboard.

1. Press Windows + I key from the keyboard to launch
   Windows Settings.
   
2. Select Updates & Security. Click on
   Troubleshoot from the left pane.
   
3. Scroll the list and select Keyboard.
   
4. Click on Run the Troubleshooter.
   
5. Follow the on screen steps.
   

Method 2:
Update the Keyboard driver.

Please update the Keyboard driver from the device manager, refer this article to update or reinstall the driver:

Update drivers in Windows 10



We await your response.



Aditya Roy

Microsoft Community – Moderator

 

ALT key is acting weird

Hi



Welcome to Microsoft community.



The behavior you're experiencing with the ALT key is indeed unusual and not typical functionality for Windows 10. Given the steps you've already taken to troubleshoot, including running antivirus scans and system file checks, it seems you've covered the basic grounds for software-related issues. The fact that this issue is not systematic but very regular suggests it might be more complex than a simple setting or easily identifiable virus.

Considering everything you've tried, here are a few more steps you can take to try and resolve or identify the issue:

• Update/Reinstall Keyboard Drivers: Go to Device Manager (you can search for it in the Start menu), expand the "Keyboards" section, right-click on your keyboard, and select "Update driver" or "Uninstall device." If you choose to uninstall, restart your PC afterward, and Windows will automatically reinstall the driver.
  

• Disable Sticky Keys and Other Accessibility Features: Go to Windows Settings (Win + I) > Ease of Access > Keyboard and ensure features like Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys are turned off.
  

• Hardware Issue: It's possible the keyboard itself is malfunctioning. If you have an external keyboard, try using it instead to see if the problem persists. If the issue stops, the problem might be with the original keyboard's hardware.
  

• Third-Party Software: Sometimes, software installed on your PC can change the behavior of keys or create hotkeys that trigger specific actions. Think back to any software you might have installed before the issue began. This includes software for managing keyboards, especially if using a gaming or specialized keyboard.
  

• Corrupted User Profile: Sometimes, a corrupted user profile can cause strange behavior. Create a new user account (Windows Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC) and see if the issue persists there.
  
• Since you mentioned BackgroundTaskHost appears regularly, it's worth checking Scheduled Tasks for any tasks that might be triggering these actions.
  
• Open Task Scheduler and look through the library for any tasks that are set to trigger on the ALT key or related events.
  
  • Similarly, check the Services app for any services that might be related to keyboard inputs or have been recently added or modified.
    

• Identify Software Conflicts: Performing a clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you identify if background software is causing the issue.
  
  • Type msconfig in the Start menu search bar and select System Configuration.
    
  • In the Services tab, select "Hide all Microsoft services" and then "Disable all."
    
  • In the Startup tab, open Task Manager and disable all startup items. Restart your computer and see if the issue persists.
    
  • Disclaimer: A “clean boot” starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. It helps to determine whether a background service is interfering with your game or program and to isolate the cause of a problem.
    
    These steps of "clean boot" might look complicated at first glance. However, to avoid any trouble for you, please follow them in order and step-by step so that it will help you get back on track.
    

• If the issue started recently, you could use System Restore to return your computer to a previous state before the problem began. This can be found in Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
  

If none of these steps resolve your issue, it might be necessary to consider more drastic measures, such as a Windows reset or consulting a professional for a deeper investigation, especially if it might be a hardware issue with the keyboard or motherboard.

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist