How to Fix Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working in Windows

Keyboard shortcuts are a set of key combinations that allow users to quickly perform various tasks in Windows. These shortcuts can save time and improve workflow, but they can also be a source of frustration when they stop working. There are several reasons why keyboard shortcuts may not function properly, including software conflicts, hardware issues, or incorrect settings.

Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

One of the easiest ways to fix keyboard shortcut issues is to run the built-in Keyboard Troubleshooter in Windows. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
Select “Update & Security” from the Settings menu.
Click on “Troubleshoot” in the left-hand menu.
Scroll down and select “Keyboard” from the list of troubleshooters.
Click on “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix any issues with your keyboard.

Enable Sticky Keys

If you’re having trouble pressing multiple keys simultaneously for a keyboard shortcut, enabling Sticky Keys may help. Sticky Keys allows you to press one key at a time for a shortcut. Here’s how to enable it:

Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
Select “Ease of Access” from the Settings menu.
Click on “Keyboard” in the left-hand menu.
Toggle the “Use Sticky Keys” option to the “On” position.

Check for Conflicting Shortcuts

Sometimes, keyboard shortcuts may not work because they conflict with other shortcuts or system settings. To check for conflicting shortcuts:

Open the Start menu and click on the Settings icon.
Select “Keyboard” from the Settings menu.
Click on “Keyboard Shortcuts” in the left-hand menu.
Review the list of shortcuts and look for any that may be conflicting with each other.
If you find a conflicting shortcut, you can either change the shortcut or disable the conflicting action.

Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

If you’re using a third-party keyboard, outdated or missing drivers may be causing keyboard shortcut issues. To update or reinstall keyboard drivers:

Open the Start menu and type “Device Manager” in the search bar.
Click on “Device Manager” in the search results.
Expand the “Keyboards” section and right-click on your keyboard device.
Select “Update driver” and follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
If updating the driver doesn’t work, try uninstalling and reinstalling the driver.

Reset Keyboard Settings

If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting your keyboard settings to their default state. Here’s how:

Open the Start menu and type “Control Panel” in the search bar.
Click on “Control Panel” in the search results.
Select “Appearance and Personalization” from the Control Panel menu.
Click on “Personalization” and then select “Change keyboard settings.”
Click on “Reset” to restore your keyboard settings to their default state.

By following these steps, you should be able to fix most keyboard shortcut issues in Windows. If you’re still experiencing problems, it’s possible that there may be a more complex underlying issue that requires further troubleshooting or professional assistance.