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The period key is not working

Sophia 0 Reputation points
2026-01-25T18:55:00.3133333+00:00

On my keyboard my period/right arrow sign doesn't work when I press and sometimes randomly spams the period when I haven't pressed it at all. I've had to copy and paste periods for a few weeks due to this. How do I fix this?

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Windows for home | Windows 11 | Input and language
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  1. EmilyS726 238.3K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-01-25T19:33:24.1766667+00:00

    Hello,

    This is usually a hardware issue with the keyboard. Underneath the keyboard, there is a circuit board with numerous signal tracks. Cracks in the tracks, dust or debris buildup, or corrosion can disrupt the signal flow.

    To diagnose a keyboard problem, it's essential to test with the onscreen keyboard or a different keyboard via USB or Bluetooth. If the alternative keyboard works, it's certain that the issue is hardware-related.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-01-25T18:55:06.37+00:00

    It sounds like you might be experiencing a hardware issue with your keyboard, particularly with the period key. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the problem:

    1. Check for Debris: Sometimes, debris under the keys can cause keys to malfunction. Use compressed air to blow under the affected keys and wipe them with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
    2. Test with an External Keyboard: If you have access to an external keyboard, connect it to your device. If the external keyboard works fine, the issue may be hardware-related with your laptop's keyboard. If the external keyboard has the same problem, it may be a software or driver issue.
    3. Boot in Safe Mode: If the keys work fine in Safe Mode, a third-party application may be interfering with keyboard input. You can try to identify and disable or uninstall any recently installed applications that might be causing the issue.

    If the problem persists after trying these steps, it may be worth considering a hardware repair or replacement for your keyboard.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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