Windows 10: Using any type of keyboard even on screen keyboard causes random windows or desktops to open

I haven't used my laptop in a day and when I turned it back on, my keyboard opens random applications or desktops. I just reset the computer recently due to this issue, which was today, and it's still ongoing. I'm not sure what to do at this point. Even my external keyboard is acting up as well. All drivers are up to date. Please help.

:)

 

On-Screen Keyboard bug changes foreground window

This On-Screen Keyboard bug changes the current foreground window.

Steps:

1. Open Edge and notepad and maximize them (never minimize them)
2. Select notepad by clicking on it in taskbar (it's now on top)
3. Open the On-Screen Keyboard (in Windows Ease of access)
4. Type a few characters into notepad with the On-Screen Keyboard
5. Minimize the On-Screen Keyboard
6. Select Edge by clicking on it in taskbar (it's now on top)
7. Restore the On-Screen Keyboard by clicking on it in taskbar and use it to type into Edge

Result:

Notepad is now on top

Expected result:

Edge remains on top i.e. the On-Screen Keyboard maintains the current foreground window in which you intended to type.

History:

This superuser Q&A contains links to this bug being reported in windows 8, windows 7 and claims it goes back 17 years to Windows XP.

Workarounds:

Kill the On-Screen Keyboard every time instead of minimizing it. The bug occurs because the On-Screen Keyboard fails to keep track of the current foreground window while minimized.

Patch out the SetForegroundWindow call from the On-Screen Keyboard binary as described in the superuser link above.

Wait 17 more years for Microsoft to fix it.

Tell user to stop being disabled.

 

Emoji keyboard causes random typing.

From what I understand and how I have seen it work on other machines, when I bring up the emoji keyboard (Win+. or Win+ it should allow me to type normally, and suggest emoji that match what I type.

However, when I type with the emoji keyboard up on this machine, it produces random input. Like, literally random. For example, if I type "asdfasdfasdfasdf" while Win+. is up: qmoypana8bi5rwn0, and while Win+; is up wj21ja912oipp9d1.

I guess this could be good for generating passwords quickly, but what the heck?

 

random keyboard input without typing

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

This could be caused by a number of things, including a faulty keyboard, a software problem, or potentially malware.

Here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

1. Check Your Keyboard: If possible, try using another keyboard with your computer and see if the issue persists. This can help determine whether the problem is with your keyboard itself.
   
2. Use On-Screen Keyboard: You can use the on-screen keyboard to bypass any potential hardware issues with your physical keyboard:
   
   • On the Windows login screen, there should be an "Ease of Access" icon in the bottom-right corner (it looks like a clock). Click it and select "On-Screen Keyboard".
     
   • Use this on-screen keyboard to enter your password and log into Windows.
     
3. Clean Boot: If you're able to log in using the on-screen keyboard, try performing a clean boot to eliminate software conflicts:
   
   • Press Win + R , type msconfig and hit Enter.
     
   • Go to Services tab > check 'Hide all Microsoft services' > click 'Disable all'.
     
   • Now go to Startup tab > Open Task Manager.
     
   • Disable all startup items one by one.
     
   • Restart your PC.
     
     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.
     
4. Scan for Malware: If you're able to access Windows after doing a clean boot or using the on-screen keyboard, run a full system scan with an antivirus program.
   
5. System Restore/Reset: If none of these solutions work or if you're unable to even log into Windows due to this issue, you may need to consider doing a system restore or reset from the advanced startup options screen (which can be accessed during boot).
   

Always back up important data before making major changes like system restore or reset.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance. Thank you.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist