Windows 10: Weird keyboard problem - keys getting swapped

This has happened a few times since I upgraded to Windows 10 at the end of October

I will suddenly find that the @ key and the " key have swapped places. To get an ampersand I have to press Shift+quote (next to Enter key) and to get a double quote I have to press Shift+2.

If I logoff and logon the ampersand and double quote will be back where they belong..

I suspect I must occasionally hit a 'magic key sequence' that re-configures the keyboard somehow, but I've no idea what it would be, or what to look for and where to look for evidence of that. The KB is US English.

TIA

:)

 

keyboard keys are swapped

Hi Brian,

Welcome to Microsoft Community and thank you for your interest in Windows 10.

I understand the inconvenience that you are experiencing. I will definitely assist you.

Based on the description, this issue may occur due to the keyboard driver is outdated. Let’s try simple troubleshooting methods and check if it helps to resolve the issue.

Method 1.

I would suggest you to run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter to diagnose the exact issue. Follow the below steps:

• 
  Press Windows + X keys on the keyboard and select Control Panel.
  
• 
  Type Troubleshooting in the search bar on the Control Panel.
  
• 
  Click on Hardware and sound under Troubleshoot computer problems.
  
• 
  Click on Hardware and devices under Devices.
  
• 
  Click on Advanced on the Hardware and devices dialog box and click on Run as administrator (Enter the credentials if required).
  
• 
  Click on Next and follow onscreen instruction complete the Hardware and devices troubleshooter.
  

If the issue still persist try the below method steps.

Method 2.

I would recommend you to update the keyboard driver manually from device manager and let us know the status.

• 
  Press Windows Key + X and click on
  Device Manager.
  
• 
  Locate for the Keyboard and expand it.
  
• 
  Right click on the keyboard and click on
  updates.
  

Hope this helps. Post us with the status we will be glad to help you.

 

keyboard keys are swapped

y
\'@\' key (number 2) and the double quote key is swapped
My @ key is on my number 2 key and the double quotes are on my @ key,

although the number 2 is in the correct place as is the single quote.

How can I change them without changing the 2 as well?

The language and regional settings etc are all correct.

 

Do you have the language icon showing at the bottom right in the taskbar? You should be able to select this to quickly change from one keyboard type to another, the behaviour you are seeing is the difference between a US and a UK keyboard layout. Also have a look at your region and language settings, it maybe that you have more than one region/language installed - just remove the one you don't want.

One possible key combination which is doing this is Windows Key + space.

 

It's a bit of a long shot, but if you go to Control Panel > Language > Options does it list more than one input method?

If so, maybe it's switching between them, such as between English UK Keyboard and English US keyboard. I use the US keyboard when typing in a different language in order to use accents ( , á, etc.) and I find that it changes between keyboards on its own accord for reasons unknown (Usually you click Win Key + Spacebar to toggle between different keyboard input languages).





Edit: Beaten too it by above poster.

 

Hi. I had this problem this morning on a PC and I've had it on others. It will be either Region or Language setting or both. In Control Panel check that Region settings are correct. Then go to 'Settings' then 'Time & Language'. Select 'Region & Language' and you may need to Add the correct Language and then move the right one up and possibly delete the wrong one.

 

Ah-ah, I have two keyboards selected -- 1. English Australia (US keyboard), 2. English (UK) -- unfortunately they both show as "EN" on the taskbar irrespective of which one is enabled - typical arrogance we get from the Far East *Wink

I'll try removing the UK one, main thing I'm concerned about is spelling hopefully that won't be effected, I can always put it back now that I know it's toggled by Win+Space.

I frequently use Alt+Space to get at the top-left corner context menu (can't remember what its called). That's when I'd be mis-keying Win+Space.

Added : I discovered this, if I display the "Desktop Language Bar" then that disables the Winkey+Space toggle, so I have to use the Bar to change the Input layout - that will suit me best.

Thanks to everyone for your help