Random applications opening when pressing any key on the keyboard

this would work but i cant even type

Hi,

I narrowed it down to the windows key being somehow stuck. I've recorded a sample of this behaviour here:

https://youtu.be/LYP8FAl-71w

Not sure how to fix this! Is it a virus? Need to reinstall windows?

Thanks!

Cornel

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I understand that pressing keys in the keyboard opens random application, we will look into this for you. Please reply to the following questions to help you further:

• What is the make and model of the computer?
• Have you tried using an external keyboard?

In the meantime, you can try the methods mentioned below:

Disable Sticky and Filter keys:

You can also try to disable the Sticky keys and Filter keys and see if that helps in resolving the issue. Please follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Press Windows key + R. This will open Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for Run.
2. Type control and click on OK. This will open Control Panel.
3. Click on View by and select Large icons.
4. Click on Ease of Access Center.
5. Click on Make the keyboard easier to use.
6. Uncheck the checkbox for Turn on Sticky Keys and Turn on Filter Keys.
7. Click on Apply and OK.

Disable WindowsInkWorkspace:

To disable WindowsInkWorkspace, please follow the steps mentioned below:

**Note:**Important this section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs.

Follow the steps to take backup of registry.

1. Press Windows key + R. This will open Run. Alternatively, you can go to Start and search for Run.
2. Type regedit and click on OK.
3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\WindowsInkWorkspace
4. If you don’t find WindowsInkWorkspace key then, right click on Microsoft key, click on New and click Key.
5. Rename the new key as WindowsInkWorkspace.
6. On the right hand pane, right click select New, and click on DWORD (32-bit) Value.
7. Rename the key as AllowWindowsInkWorkspace.
8. Double click on the value and set the value as 0.
9. Restart the computer.

If the issue persists, I suggest you to use an external keyboard and check if you are facing the same issue.

Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

So this is getting annoying ive been trying to get this fixed but i can't figure this out, my keyboard has been rendered almost useless, if i press W windows pen and ink thing opens if i push i think e, my settings or files open so on so forth with all of this random places it went away for awhile and then came back, of im in a game it will bring all of that stuff up over the game. I tried to go to customer support on the computer but like i can only actually use like the letter N heck there is a letter key that keeps sending my computer to the lock screen

***Modified title from: Keys on my keyboard are opening random applications***

I got the same exact thing today.. can't get rid of it!

After I start the laptop everything is fine. Only after a while this behavior is triggered. 

When this happens random apps are lunched and my laptop is getting overheated. It's looks like the Win key is stuck (no hardware issue) and combined with numbers and other keys triggers my task-bar pinned apps.  

Pls help, don't want to make a fresh install! 

Dell Latitude E7440

Windows 10 Pro