SOLVED: Windows Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working

Keyboard shortcuts are a big part of using Windows efficiently. Whether you’re copying and pasting with Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V or switching apps with Alt + Tab, these shortcuts make things faster. So, when they stop working, it’s not just annoying, it slows everything down. Let’s walk through the most common reasons and how you can fix them easily.

Why Keyboard Shortcuts Might Not Work

Here’s what could be going wrong:

• Your keyboard drivers are outdated or corrupted
• Accessibility settings like Sticky Keys are turned on
• Background apps are interfering
• System files are damaged
• Group Policy settings are disabling shortcuts
• Your keyboard has a hardware issue

Fix 1: Restart Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer sometimes bugs out, and that can break shortcuts.

To fix it:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
• Find Windows Explorer, right-click it, and select Restart
• Try your shortcuts again

Fix 2: Turn Off Sticky Keys and Filter Keys

Accessibility settings can mess with shortcuts.

Here’s how to check:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard
• Make sure Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys are all turned off

Fix 3: Update or Reinstall Your Keyboard Driver

Drivers tell your PC how to use the keyboard. If they’re broken, shortcuts might not work.

To update:

• Right-click Start and go to Device Manager
• Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard, and select Update driver

To reinstall:

• In Device Manager, right-click your keyboard again and choose Uninstall device
• Restart your PC. It will reinstall the driver automatically

Fix 4: Check for Conflicting Software

Some apps (like clipboard managers or screen recorders) can hijack shortcut keys.

What to do:

• Close all extra apps and background programs
• Try a clean boot:
  • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter
  • Under Services, check “Hide all Microsoft services” and then click Disable all
  • Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager
  • Disable all startup apps and restart your PC

Fix 5: Use Fortect to Scan for System Issues

If your system has corrupted files or hidden malware, it can block keyboard shortcuts.

This is where Fortect comes in handy. It scans for deep-level problems like infected system files that are hard to spot. What it does is, it automatically scans your Windows PC for any issues causing your keyboard shortcut not to work and automatically fixes it. Once Fortect is done with its fixing, it will also optimize your computer for faster performance.

Download Fortect now to quickly detect and fix those hidden issues and get your keyboard shortcuts running again.

Fix 6: Check for Windows Key Lock

Some gaming keyboards have a Win Lock button that disables the Windows key.

Look for a key labeled “Win Lock” or check your keyboard’s software (like Logitech G Hub or Razer Synapse) to re-enable it.

Fix 7: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that looks for keyboard issues.

To use it:

• Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
• Find Keyboard and click Run
• Follow the instructions

Final Thoughts

When keyboard shortcuts stop working, it’s usually a simple fix, whether it’s adjusting a setting or updating a driver. Start with the basic steps, like restarting Explorer or checking for software conflicts. And if things seem a bit deeper, tools like Fortect can help catch what you can’t see.

A few minutes of troubleshooting can save you hours of frustration down the road.