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Randomly activating CTRL key.

Anonymous
2017-11-26T11:02:39+00:00

I've been having this problem for several months now. The CTRL key activates in a kind if blinking manner, with no specific events triggering it. Typing normally is interpreted by the system as CTRL+ combinations (eg. simply typing the letter 'p' is read as CTRL+p which is the print command, scrolling is read as CTRL+scroll, which zooms in and out of pages). Launching the on screen keyboard shows both the CTRL keys blinking as though I'm hitting them intermittently, while I'm not even touching the laptop.

Details about the laptop:

HP pavilion 15 522tx (a year and six months old)

(the problem started occuring four months back, no system changes were made)

Windows 10 Home 64 bit

No specific keyboard drivers available on HP support website.

Here's what I've tried till now: 

-disabling the keyboard drivers from the device manager (even without the driver, the problem persists). Rebooting the system automatically installs the factory driver back.

-prying open the keys and cleaning thoroughly for any dirt or static.

(without the contact cups also, the keys activate, so I'm assuming it should be a software issue)

-connecting an external keyboard to see if its the internal keyboard hardware at fault.

-removing all but one languages from the 'language and input method'.

-thorough system scans for malwares and viruses.

-system reboots, hard resets, pressing both CTRL keys simultaneously, pressing CTRL+ALT keys together, and pretty much every other suggestion people had on online forums.

I've noticed quite a number of people have faced this problem but there's no legitimate solution to it yet. This seems very strange. Some got it working by hit and trial. I haven't been so lucky i guess. Really hoping someone could help me too. Thanks.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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  1. Anonymous
    2017-11-26T18:02:25+00:00

    Hi,

    Hardware issue is one of the possible reasons why this issue is happening. To help isolate the issue, we recommend performing a clean boot to disable 3rd party apps and services that may be causing this issue. Click on this **article**and follow the steps on How to perform a clean boot and How to determine what is causing the problem after you do a clean boot sections.

    If the still persist, try checking the easy access keys to further isolate the issue, follow the steps below:

    1. Open Control Panel.
    2. Click Ease of Access.
    3. Locate and click Make the keyboard easier to use.
    4. Make sure to uncheck all the check boxes.
    5. Click Apply, then OK.

    Get back to us with the outcome so we can help you out further.

    4 people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2018-03-06T17:20:37+00:00

    Hi Benjamin,

    Thank you for taking time to post in our Microsoft Community.

    Since you have done all the troubleshooting steps provided and the issue still persist, if you have the latest version and build of Windows installed on your computer we suggest to follow the steps provided below:

    1. Press Windows Key the select Settings.
    2. On Windows Settings select Update & Security, then select Troubleshoot
    3. Under Troubleshoot select Keyboard > Run troubleshooter.
    4. Follow the on-screen instruction until its done troubleshooting the device.

    If the suggested step above still doesn’t fix the problem, try rebooting your computer then enter safe mode.

    Safe mode starts Windows in a basic state, using a limited set of files and drivers. It can help you troubleshoot problems on your PC. For example, if the problem doesn't happen in safe mode, you'll know default settings and basic device drivers aren't causing the issue.

    1. Restart your PC. When you get to the sign-in screen, hold the Shift key down while you select Power > Restart.
    2. After your PC restarts to the Choose an option screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
    3. After your PC restarts, you'll see a list of options. Select 4 or F4 to start your PC in Safe Mode. Or if you'll need to use the Internet, select 5 or F5 for Safe Mode with Networking.

    Once you’re in safe mode try using CTRL key, and check if the issue still occurs

    Your response to the solution will be highly appreciated.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2018-03-05T20:34:19+00:00

    I have tried all these steps but im stilling having the same issue. I have an open case, but nothing has worked.

    3 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2018-03-06T20:16:22+00:00

    Ive tried both methods. Neither have worked. I have called microsoft 4+ times but none of the techs were able to help. I even paid $99 to have the problem fixed but that tech failed. Ive reached back out to him but he hasnt called me back. I have a case number. This has been a horrible expirence. The computer is almost unusable like this.

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  5. Anonymous
    2017-12-25T23:37:10+00:00

    I am having the same problem.  It affects on_screen keyboard also,  when no physical keyboard is attached.  I installing driver lets onscreen keyboard to work normally but after automatic reinstall of driver problem resumes

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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