I was having this issue for a very long time. In my case, just sharing a probable reason that helped me, it was a (lock symbol) button that was on the top right corner of my MSI keyboard that didn't allow my window button to work. I found out b y using a keyboard tester online, and checked that each button sent a working signal.

Hope this helps some of you out there in the future.

Answer from samjrdiaz on learn.microsoft.com
๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/techsupport โ€บ ctrl, shift, and windows key shortcuts not working on windows 10 laptop
r/techsupport on Reddit: CTRL, Shift, and Windows key shortcuts not working on Windows 10 Laptop
January 10, 2022 -

The individual keys seem to work, but not in conjunction with another key. For example, the Windows key pulls up the Windows menu, but nothing happens if I press Win + E or Win + [left arrow]. CTRL + C and CTRL + V work, but CTRL + P, CTRL + F, CTRL + J do not. And I can't capitalize or use upper-row symbols with the Shift key. Alt + Tab doesn't seem to work either.

So far I made sure Sticky Keys was disabled and uninstalled/reinstalled keyboard drivers, verified correct region/language, booted in safe mode, and ran Keyboard Troubleshooter.

I do not have the same issue with an external keyboard. There's been no damage to the laptop, I just woke it up one day and those key combos has stopped working. Running Windows 10 Home.

TIA

๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/windows10techsupport โ€บ left control key not working for shortcuts
r/Windows10TechSupport on Reddit: left control key not working for shortcuts
October 20, 2025 -

i use keyboard shortcuts involving the control key pretty often on my desktop. i recently got a laptop (it's a thinkpad. no idea the model. uses windows 10), and for some reason the left control key specifically doesn't work for shortcuts. i used a keyboard tester online and it IS pressing, but only the right key works when i'm trying to copy, paste, cut, undo, etc.

how do i fix this? is there an option in settings? i tried looking up stuff related to "default control key" but nothing came up since i don't know the terminology. the right control key is really uncomfortable and weird for me to use

๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/windows10techsupport โ€บ ctrl, windows and alt keys not working.
r/Windows10TechSupport on Reddit: Ctrl, Windows and alt keys not working.
September 24, 2023 -

So my issue is basically as the title says, at first I thought it was an issue with my keyboard but I tested it on another computer were it worked normally. When looking at a keyboard tester website Ctrl, alt and the windows key are read as Left Click, but they don't work as a left click. I tried repairing Windows, updating and reinstalling drivers, I looked through every Windows keyboard setting, and changed the language and keyboard layout. I looked everywhere on Google but no one seems to be having the same issue as myself. If you have any ideas help would be appreciated.

๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/computerhelp โ€บ ctrl, shift, and windows key shortcuts not working on windows 10 laptop
r/computerhelp on Reddit: CTRL, Shift, and Windows key shortcuts not working on Windows 10 Laptop
January 10, 2022 -

The individual keys seem to work, but not in conjunction with another key. For example, the Windows key pulls up the Windows menu, but nothing happens if I press Win + E or Win + [left arrow]. CTRL + C and CTRL + V work, but CTRL + P, CTRL + F, CTRL + J do not. And I can't capitalize or use upper-row symbols with the Shift key. Alt + Tab doesn't seem to work either.

So far I made sure Sticky Keys was disabled and uninstalled/reinstalled keyboard drivers, verified correct region/language, booted in safe mode, and ran Keyboard Troubleshooter.

I do not have the same issue with an external keyboard. There's been no damage to the laptop, I just woke it up one day and those key combos has stopped working. Running Windows 10 Home.

TIA

๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/windowshelp โ€บ certain keyboard shortcuts not working
r/WindowsHelp on Reddit: Certain keyboard shortcuts not working
October 27, 2024 -

Hi all. I am currently unable to use certain keyboard short cuts, specifically Ctrl+Shift+M and Ctrl+Shift+S. This issued happened before and I remember finding a post here saying that it was due to some other software was running in the background that was blocking it. Amd control centre or something, maybe one of those dumb game overlays. I can't find the post anymore and its driving me nuts. Any Suggestions?

Specs

Windows 10
RTX 3060
Ryzen 7950x
Aorus B650 Mobo

Im trying to use these shortcuts in Ableton if thats relevant. If I remember the post correctly, it seemed to be a fairly common issue.

My keyboard is working fine, other commands like Ctrl+Shift+T work just fine.

Top answer
1 of 3
1
Hi u/Danksquatch , thanks for posting to r/WindowsHelp ! Don't worry, your post has not been removed. To let us help you better, try to include as much of the following information as possible! Posts with insufficient details might be removed at the moderator's discretion. Model of your computer - For example: "HP Spectre X360 14-EA0023DX" Your Windows and device specifications - You can find them by going to go to Settings > "System" > "About" What troubleshooting steps you have performed - Even sharing little things you tried (like rebooting) can help us find a better solution! Any error messages you have encountered - Those long error codes are not gibberish to us! Any screenshots or logs of the issue - You can upload screenshots other useful information in your post or comment, and use Pastebin for text (such as logs). You can learn how to take screenshots here . All posts must be help/support related. If everything is working without issue, then this probably is not the subreddit for you, so you should also post on a discussion focused subreddit like r/Windows . As a reminder, this is a help subreddit, all comments must be a sincere attempt to help the OP or otherwise positively contribute. This is not a subreddit for jokes and satirical advice. These comments may be removed and can result in a ban. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
2 of 3
1
I think I may know the issue. I ran into this issue about a month ago or so. I'm on W11 so it may be different depending on how old your laptop model is, but it's worth a shot. I'm not sure what exactly it does, but my f12 button, when used with fn, disables certain shortcuts for me. Including win+shift+s. I Believe it's meant to block windows button commands. The icon on it is the windows icon with a lock next to it. Try this, let me know if it works.
๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/windowshelp โ€บ windows shortcuts do not work all of the sudden
r/WindowsHelp on Reddit: Windows shortcuts do not work all of the sudden
March 17, 2025 -

Hello, i have a problem that started recently. My windows shortcuts sometimes work and then they stop (in browser ctrl+t doesnt work, or ctrl+r, ctrl+f4, ctrl+tab). Also in office (ctrl+c, ctrl+v, ctrl+b etc). I did a fresh install 2 days ago, did the windows update and it is the same thing. Anyone please help.

Windows 10 pro vers. 22H2.

Laptop HP pavilion 15-cb013nm

I tried to reset keyboard, fresh windows install and nothing works

Top answer
1 of 2
1
Hi all, so a while back i posted a question that i had with ctrl shortcuts (they stopped working all of the sudden). I finally found out what is it - it is the stupid windows update. What it did is, since it is a laptop and have just 1 ctrl key, stupid update made it like i have 2 keys - left and right. So with the external keyboard all works, but not with the laptop keyboard. What i did is i put fresh windows and turned off the updates. Hope it helps someone
2 of 2
1
Hi u/Milamber_Pi , thanks for posting to r/WindowsHelp ! Don't worry, your post has not been removed. To let us help you better, try to include as much of the following information as possible! Posts with insufficient details might be removed at the moderator's discretion. Model of your computer - For example: "HP Spectre X360 14-EA0023DX" Your Windows and device specifications - You can find them by going to go to Settings > "System" > "About" What troubleshooting steps you have performed - Even sharing little things you tried (like rebooting) can help us find a better solution! Any error messages you have encountered - Those long error codes are not gibberish to us! Any screenshots or logs of the issue - You can upload screenshots other useful information in your post or comment, and use Pastebin for text (such as logs). You can learn how to take screenshots here . All posts must be help/support related. If everything is working without issue, then this probably is not the subreddit for you, so you should also post on a discussion focused subreddit like r/Windows . Lastly, if someone does help and resolves your issue, please don't delete your post! Someone in the future with the same issue may stumble upon this thread, and same solution may help! Good luck! As a reminder, this is a help subreddit, all comments must be a sincere attempt to help the OP or otherwise positively contribute. This is not a subreddit for jokes and satirical advice. These comments may be removed and can result in a ban. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
Find elsewhere
๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/techsupport โ€บ ctrl shortcuts stopped working for no reason
r/techsupport on Reddit: Ctrl shortcuts stopped working for no reason
June 4, 2024 - My keyboard is opening random shortcuts instead of typing ... This subreddit is for general discussion of computers. ... CTRL keys stopped working suddenly. ... Stumped on a tech problem? Ask the community and try to help others with their problems as well. Note: Reddit is dying due to terrible leadership from CEO /u/spez. Please use our Discord server instead of supporting a company that acts against its users and unpaid moderators. ... Ask any questions about Windows and get help here!
๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/windowshelp โ€บ certain shortcuts not working(windows)
r/WindowsHelp on Reddit: Certain shortcuts not working(windows)
March 20, 2025 -

So I've been using a windows 11 laptop , all updates installed. But since past week I haven't been able to use certain windows shortcuts . Normal shortcuts like ctrl+c ,ctrl+v,alt+f4 are working fine. But some other shortcuts like

Win + x Ctrl + shift + esc Ctrl + v (can't access clipboard) Win + .

And some other shortcuts that can't quite recall at this moment.

I have tried various fixed I found online , installed all new updates , ran keyboard troubleshoot , restarted keyboard drivers but the problem still persists.

If anyone got any fix/ need more info on this please write it below. Appreciate your response here. Thanks in advance!

Top answer
1 of 2
1
Hi u/over-estimator , thanks for posting to r/WindowsHelp ! Don't worry, your post has not been removed. To let us help you better, try to include as much of the following information as possible! Posts with insufficient details might be removed at the moderator's discretion. Model of your computer - For example: "HP Spectre X360 14-EA0023DX" Your Windows and device specifications - You can find them by going to go to Settings > "System" > "About" What troubleshooting steps you have performed - Even sharing little things you tried (like rebooting) can help us find a better solution! Any error messages you have encountered - Those long error codes are not gibberish to us! Any screenshots or logs of the issue - You can upload screenshots other useful information in your post or comment, and use Pastebin for text (such as logs). You can learn how to take screenshots here . All posts must be help/support related. If everything is working without issue, then this probably is not the subreddit for you, so you should also post on a discussion focused subreddit like r/Windows . Lastly, if someone does help and resolves your issue, please don't delete your post! Someone in the future with the same issue may stumble upon this thread, and same solution may help! Good luck! As a reminder, this is a help subreddit, all comments must be a sincere attempt to help the OP or otherwise positively contribute. This is not a subreddit for jokes and satirical advice. These comments may be removed and can result in a ban. I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
2 of 2
1
Did you try a clean boot?
๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/windowshelp โ€บ desktop shortcuts arent working
r/WindowsHelp on Reddit: Desktop shortcuts arent working
July 22, 2024 -

Hello guys, I cant figure this out I badly need your help. My 16month old kid button mashed my keyboard then all of my desktop shortcuts arent working. When you double click it its like right clicking and opening the properties tab. Any idea how to undo this? ๐Ÿ˜ญ๐Ÿ˜ญ

Thanks in advance

๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/computerhelp โ€บ i can't figure out how to get my shortcut keys to work again (ctrl, shift, alt)
r/computerhelp on Reddit: I can't figure out how to get my shortcut keys to work again (ctrl, shift, alt)
April 19, 2026 -

For the life of me I can't figure out how to get my shortcut keys to work again (ctrl, shift, alt) yet my windows key still works for shortcuts. I think I may have fallen asleep with my arm across the keyboard a few weeks ago which may be causing this issue. Also, I'm using a Lenovo Duet 5i 12IAU7 running windows 11 Home. Most of the time I use the keyboard in Bluetooth mode. This is what I've done so far in an attempt to correct:

  1. toggle sticky keys and filter keys on and off

  2. restarted the clipboard through task manager

  3. reset the keyboard as a new keyboard through Bluetooth

  4. uninstalled the keyboard completely through device manager then reinstalled.

  5. checked multiple times to make sure there's nothing stuck which would keep the keys from being pressed

I really use ctrl+v and ctrl+c a lot along with shift or ctrl when selecting multiple items. It's really starting to slow me down having to do it a different way. Any help on this would be much appreciated. Thanks

๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/windowshelp โ€บ all windows 'ctrl' shortcuts all stopped working. ctrl c, ctrl v, ctrl g, ctrl +-, etc.
r/WindowsHelp on Reddit: All windows 'ctrl' shortcuts all stopped working. Ctrl C, Ctrl V, Ctrl G, Ctrl +-, etc.
February 1, 2026 -

Hello!

I am looking for help on Windows 11 to fix my keyboard shortcuts. None of them work with the ctrl button. Fn key, scroll lock, caps lock, all work.

What could be causing the issue?

About 3 weeks ago, I ran a github program to delete bloatware from windows. It is popular and safe according to my research.

I manually selected things I never used - like windows games, xbox gamebar, xbox live, power automate, and numerous other programs and tools that I do not use. I left everything that I did not know the function of. I am not sure if it related but the shortcuts stopped working about 1 week ago - so 2 weeks after clearing programs.

This is a 7 year old Asus zenbook (2019) with a touch screen.

What have I tried?
- MalwareBytes and windows defender scan.
- Disabling touch screen.
- Reinstalling drivers (they are up to date according to windows)
- Reboot / turn off and on again.
- FN + K. This worked the first time and the keyboard shortcuts started working again for about an hour. They stopped working again. Now it does nothing.
- Reinstalling Microsoft gamebar and fiddling with settings because this causes issues sometimes.
- Uninstalling and changing keyboard languages.
- Testing if buttons work, and also trying the shortcuts with onscreen keyboard (they don't work).
- Checked filter keys, sticky keys, and all other keyboard settings, nothing jumped out at me as being the problem, tried toggling everything anyway, no success.
- Updated windows. Will try the BIOS soon.

I created a restore point but it has been deleted automatically by windows.

Specs:

Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-10510U CPU @ 1.80GHz (2.30 GHz)
64-bit operating system, x64-based processor
Zenbook UX4364FL - Q4247FL
Latest windows updates.

Anyone got any solutions? It has made excel a super pain to use. I am at wits end here.

Top answer
1 of 4
1
Hey, your post might be about the caps lock indicator that recently appeared on your PC. This is not part of Windows, it is likely due to a recent update to the HP System Event Utility that is installed on your PC. For more information, see this thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/WindowsHelp/comments/1cbgwdl/how_do_i_turn_off_this_caps_lock_screen_indicator/ I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
2 of 4
1
Hi u/TomGnabry , thanks for posting to r/WindowsHelp ! If your post is listed as removed it may still be pending moderation, try to include as much of the following information as possible (in text or in a screenshot) to improve the likelihood of approval: Your Windows and device specifications โ€” You can find them by pressing Win + X then clicking on โ€œSystemโ€ Any messages and error codes encountered โ€” They're actually not gibberish or anything catastrophic. It may even hint the solution! Previous troubleshooting steps โ€” It might prevent you headaches from getting the same solution that didn't work As a reminder, we would also like to say that if someone manages to solve your issue, DON'T DELETE YOUR POST! Someone else (in the future) might have the same issue as you, and the received support may also help their case. Good luck, and I hope you have a nice day! I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/windows10 โ€บ custom keyboard shortcuts not working
r/Windows10 on Reddit: custom keyboard shortcuts not working
March 28, 2019 -

Hello,

I have made few custom keyboard shortcuts to run applications. I have defined them in shortcut properties, but none of them is working :/

For example, I have defined shortcut for firefox like on the image below, but when I press Ctrl + Alt + F nothing happens!

Could you please help me resolve this issue?

๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/techsupport โ€บ certain shortcuts not working
r/techsupport on Reddit: Certain shortcuts not working
March 20, 2025 -

So I've been using a windows 11 laptop , all updates installed. But since past week I haven't been able to use certain windows shortcuts . Normal shortcuts like ctrl+c ,ctrl+v,alt+f4 are working fine.
But some other shortcuts like Win + x ,
Ctrl + shift + esc ,
Ctrl + v (can't access clipboard),
Win + . , And some other shortcuts that I can't quite recall at this moment.

I have tried various fixed I found online , installed all new updates , ran keyboard troubleshoot , restarted keyboard drivers but the problem still persists.

If anyone got any fix/ need more info on this please write it below. Appreciate your response here. Thanks in advance!

๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/windows10howto โ€บ keyboard shortcuts not working in windows 11
r/Windows10HowTo on Reddit: Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working in Windows 11
August 4, 2022 - This place is a collection of Windows 11/10 how-to guides, latest feature updates and tips, and a variety of useful downloads. ... This guide will show you several workarounds and solutions on how to fix keyboard shortcuts not working in Windows 11, and how to enable or disable sticky keys feature.
๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/indesign โ€บ some keyboard shortcuts not working in windows 10
r/indesign on Reddit: SOME keyboard shortcuts not working in Windows 10
June 6, 2020 -

So I'm a longtime Mac user switching back to Windows. < This may be the root of the problem.

Anyhow, almost everything is working as expected in InDesign except for certain keyboard shortcuts. The first example I noticed was that the shift-ctrl-g command to ungroup objects was not working but ctrl-g works properly to group objects. So I went into my preferences and confirmed that the shift-ctrl-g keyboard shortcut command was indeed assigned to Ungroup. This is particularly annoying because it's part of my everyday workflow. For now, I reassigned shift-ctrl-u to ungroup but because I switch between computers regularly, I would really like the default ungroup command to work properly.

Has anyone else run into this problem or does anyone have a suggestion to fix it?

๐ŸŒ
Reddit
reddit.com โ€บ r/askcomputerscience โ€บ windows keyboard shortcuts not working
r/AskComputerScience on Reddit: Windows keyboard shortcuts not working
May 27, 2022 -

Hey, I always use keyboard shortcuts to open certain folders etc. Since the windows shortcuts aren't working well (if I am watching fullscreen YT for example the desktop shortcuts don't work) I was wondering if there is an external program for adding keyboard shortcuts? Thanks in advance!