Windows 10: Keyboard Shortcuts only work if another program is running

I am using Windows 10, my keyboard shortcuts only work if another program is running, which is inconvenient since I use the shortcuts to launch every program I use regularly. I have tried researching but apparently google and I are having communication problems.

Any guidance would be appreciated, thank you in advance.

submitted by /u/Samsaras
[link] [comments]

:)

 

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.

 

Delay launching programs with keyboard shortcuts

From reading around, my understanding (and I stand to be corrected) is that the 2-3 second delay is a Windows default delay where Windows searches for any other app or program running at the time on your PC which MIGHT have the same shortcut as the program you are running and switch over to it instead of running the program initiated by your shortcut. In case of any unresponsive or misbehaving app or program, Windows waits 2-3 seconds before moving on to the next running program.

see:
Why is there sometimes a long delay between pressing a hotkey for a shortcut and opening the shortcut? The Old New Thing
for this explanation


There are also some trouble shooting steps which you can try listed down the page here:
slow windows desktop keyboard shortcuts - Super User

As regards the store and settings, I would try to reset at least the store app as per instructions here :
Clear and Reset Store Cache in Windows 10 | Windows 10 Tutorials

I would also disable fast startup at least once and do a full shutdown and restart as often times it helps to get rid of some bugs in Windows.



Hope this helps you narrow down the solution. Otherwise, just wait for someone else to chime in.

 

Delay launching programs with keyboard shortcuts

Thx,

I will reply in bits *Wink

I agree and I had already read the articles you linked to, but would you be happy if this was standard behavior and another question does this happen on your own PC's ?? It happened on my OLD PC but after the April 2018 update it magically STOPPED. NO IDEA WHY *Confused

The trouble shooting steps are disabling Superfetch or killing ApplicationFramehost but that is last resort I now Kill store and settings as soon as they re-appear and that seems to solve it but it's cumbersome when checking for updates or browsing through settings.

I will reset the store (thanks for the tip) but this is a brand new install (only been up and running since Saturday) nothing has been added much. Only Running (@ the moment) Virusscanner, Web Browser (Firefox) iTunes and VLC)

Fast Startup has been disabled from DAY 1 *Wink

Thx for the tips, really appreciated.