Windows 10: keyboard shortcuts have just stopped working

hi. so, for some time now my keyboard shortcuts have just stopped working.I can no longer use the PrtSc option that's on my keyboard. instead of taking a screenshot it just puts it in full screen. the shortcuts to control the volume and brightness on my keyboard no longer works as well F1, F2, F4, F5, F6. i am using windows 11.

:)

 

Keyboard shortcuts not working from external keyboard

I use an external mechanical keyboard, connected via USB.

Recently some keyboard shortcuts stopped working, but they used to work.

• Windows + Tab
  
• Windows+ V
  
• Alt + Tab
  
• Ctrl + Alt + Del
  

Other shortcuts such as Ctrl + P still work.

Anyone have any advice on how to troubleshoot this?

 

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 shortcuts not working from external keyboard

Hello，Suzi Dapo



Thank you for posting in the Microsoft community.



Based on your description, I presume you are only having the problem with some of the shortcuts not working if you are using an external keyboard connected via usb. Please correct me if I'm misunderstanding you in any way.



Open the on-screen keyboard by typing "OSK" in the search bar at the bottom and check if it works using the failed shortcuts. If it works, we believe that this is indeed an issue that only occurs on the standalone keyboard.



Since you mentioned that these shortcuts used to work, but have recently stopped, have you performed any actions such as installing third-party applications, updating the BIOS, system updates, etc. in the process?



Then we also need to go through a step-by-step test to finally deduce the problem:

• Please go to Safe Mode first to check if the problem still exists in Safe Mode.
  
• We recommend you to go to the manufacturer's website of the external keyboard to download the latest version of the driver for the corresponding model and overlay it on the system to check the problem.
  

Give it a try and feel free to contact me in the forums with any developments.



Best Regards，

Rota |Microsoft Community Support Specialist