Windows 10: Keyboard keys changing

I am using a Dell XPS-17 laptop with Windows 11. I have started having a strange problem that occurs intermittently. Without any obvious triggering, my keys no longer function as intended. The main thing is that the alphanumeric keys no longer type letters or numbers. They trigger commands in the applications that do not appear to be related to any shortcuts in the applications. This also extends to the arrow keys which, when pressed, move the active window around the screen.As stated, this only occurs intermittently without warning. If I log out of Windows and log back in again the problem is

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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.

 

keyboard keys changed by itself

Hi Hans,



Thank you for posting on Microsoft Community.



Also adding to Frederik Long’s resolution, run the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter by following the steps below and check if the issue is resolved.

• Type Troubleshooting in the search box next to
  Start button and select the top most search result.
• Click on View all from left side panel of the screen.
• Select Hardware and Devices, click on
  Advanced option and check Apply repairs automatically
  option.
• Follow the on screen instructions.

If issue persist, update your keyboard drivers from the device manager by following the steps below:

• Press Windows key + X keys on the keyboard and select
  Device Manager.
• Expand Keyboards option.
• Right click on the keyboard driver and select Update option.
• Restart the computer and check if the changes are effective.

Write back to us with the status of the issue for further assistance. Your reply is important for us to ensure we assist you accordingly.



Thank you.

 

Keyboard problem with the @ key and the " key

Hi,

Keyboard settings and functionality may change due to incompatible or outdated device drivers. For us to properly assist you in rectifying the unusual behavior of your keyboard on any updates installed, we would like to confirm the following information:

• Aside from installing updates, have you made any significant changes to your device prior to this happening?
• How did you acquire the update?
• Are you running into the same difficulty using another profile?
• May we know the troubleshooting steps you have tried to rectify the issue?

As an initial step, we suggest running the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter. This built-in tool will allow you to diagnose and resolve concerns involving your hardware and devices. The steps are as follows:

• Type Troubleshooting using Windows Search.
• Click Troubleshooting.
• Click on View All under the Control Panel Home.
• Choose Hardware and Devices.
• Run the troubleshooter.

Let us know these details so we can work on resolving your query.