Windows 10: Random keys stop working on laptop keyboard

Hello all


I am at my wits end with an issue on my Dell XPS 13 7390 2 in 1 running Windows 10 Home 20H2.


From time to time the { key/symbol stops working. Unfortunately I notice this very quickly as I do a lot of programming and the curly bracket symbol is a very common one I use.


It's a strange one - as it's not the key itself that's an issue. The left square bracket [ that also lives on that key is absolutely fine.


The shift key I press to get the curly bracket is fine because it works with every other key.


So it's neither key that's the issue.


The hash # symbol key also has a problem where it either won't work, or it gets stuck. Occasionally the laptop starts to behave funny and if I focus on a text box in any application, I'll notice that the hash key is repeating itself over and over again, like this:


#######################################################################

I don't think the key itself is stuck, because any other key press will stop it from repeating itself.


Initially I thought it might have been the touch screen causing some problems but I've disabled that and it's still happening.

This problem existed about 6 months ago and magically it stopped one day. Thinking back, Ithink I did an update in the Dell update application which updated BIOS firmware amongst other things. But it has started again and makes it very difficult to use from a programming perspective, to the point that I'm very much ready to buy a new laptop. But it cost me £2,000 so I'd rather not!!


Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

:)

 

random keyboard keys stop working?

i went out today and everything was fine, i come home and three random keys stopped working, maybe more i havent noticed yet. the three key on the left side of the keyboard not working, the left shift stopped working, and the enter key stopped working, but the one on the numpad works fine. no one was home to use it, nothing spilled on it, i tried it on another computer and same deal. im gonna go buy a new one tomorrow but it makes me sad cause i loved this keyboard lol, microsoft ergonomic 4000. ill probably buy the same exact one if its in stock tomorrow, this one lasted or 4 years about. im just confused why three random keys spread out stopped working at the same time...seems very weird

 

Some keyboard keys stopped working after windows 10 upgrade

Has the Notebook been worked on? Do any of those keys work if holding down the Shift key? Have you used compressed air to blow out any crud that may be blocking the keys?

It's not expensive nor hard to replace the keyboard, usually can find a video or step-by-step articles on the 'net.
Amazon shows a new keyboard:
Amazon.com: Dell Inspiron 15 (3521 / 5521) Laptop Keyboard - YH3FC - Genuine Dell Part: Computers Accessories

 

Some keyboard keys stopped working after windows 10 upgrade

It hasn't been worked on and it was working fine just before the upgrade