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Windows does not react to my keyboard inputs?

Anonymous
2023-12-16T16:36:34+00:00

Hello, as the title suggests, I have an issue with my computer registering my keyboard inputs. At first I do want to clarify - this happens on all keyboards.

Today when I booted up my computer, I noticed none of the buttons on right side of my keyboard were working (arrow keys, all the keys above that, and num pad). The directional keys (4,8,6,2) did however work as arrow keys, but only when I turned numlock on manually via on-screen keyboard. Oddly enough, the keyboard manufacturers own driver software is able to recognize all of these button presses?

I ignored this for now since I dont use those keys too much, but when I attempted to start gaming a bit, I noticed that I was unable to make inputs correctly. Its like my PC is only able to register one input at a time.

For example If I press W, and while holding down that key try to press A, my character stops moving forward and is only able to move to the left. Pressing spacebar also negates all the movement inputs.

The PC I have bought is a pre-built machine from a trusted supplier. Its a high end PC for gaming, if the specs are needed I can list them here. I have used the PC for around 2 months now without any issues. The keyboard I am using is a few years older model, but it has served me well up to this point. Just to rule out the hardware issue, I have a spare keyboard available in case situations like this arise. I tested that also on my computer; exactly the same issues appears.

Here is a list of things Ive tried out:

-Attempted to uninstall the keyboard driver software from Device Manager (booted the computer, issue still presists)

-attempted to update the drivers via manufacturers own software (there was newer version available -> Did not help, issue still presists)

-I attempdted to use my spare copy of the exact same keyboard, and in different USB ports -> Did not help, issue still persists.

-Attempted to add a new keyboard layout via Windows settings -> did not fix the issue, the same keys still do not work.

-One more thing I tried (Just to rule out if its an hardware issue) I tested the keyboard on my school laptop - it worked fine without any issues. All the keys were working on both keyboards.

Digging deeper in to this I am starting to have a feeling this is indeed a software issue, but I am starting to run out of options on what to check next.

Is there any idea on what might cause this kind of issue?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-12-17T08:33:10+00:00

    Hi Ratsaaja,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    I'm Hahn and I'm here to help you with your concern.

    It sounds like you've done quite a bit of troubleshooting already! Since the issue seems to persist across different keyboards and USB ports, it's more likely to be a software-related problem. Here are a few more steps you might consider:

    1. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix issues with your keyboard. To run the troubleshooter, go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Keyboard > Run the troubleshooter.
    2. Check for System File Errors: Run a system file check to see if there are any corrupted system files causing the issue. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and type sfc /scannow and hit Enter. This will scan and repair any corrupted system files if found. Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files - Microsoft Support
    3. Check for Conflicting Software: Some third-party software or utilities might be conflicting with your keyboard inputs. Try booting your PC in Safe Mode and see if the keyboard functions properly. If it does, it could indicate a conflict with some installed software. Start your PC in safe mode in Windows - Microsoft Support
    4. Create a New User Profile: Create a new user account/profile and see if the issue persists there. If it doesn’t, it could indicate that your current user profile is corrupted. Create a local user or administrator account in Windows - Microsoft Support 

    I hope this helps.  If there is anything not clear, please do not hesitate to let me know.

    Your Sincerely

    Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  2. Anonymous
    2023-12-19T09:39:41+00:00

    Hi Ratsaaja,

    I'm glad to hear that you found a solution to the issue by reinstalling Windows and creating a new user profile!

    If the problem resurfaces, you've got a good plan in place with your warranty and the troubleshooting steps. Hopefully, this was just a one-time glitch, and your system stays trouble-free. Enjoy using your PC, and if you ever have more questions or need assistance in the future, feel free to reach out. Have a fantastic day ahead!

    Your Sincerely

    Hahn - MSFT | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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  3. Anonymous
    2023-12-17T12:30:01+00:00

    Greetings Hahn,

    Thank you for the quick reply. Fortunately tough I did already manage the solve the issue... By workaround.

    As a last solution I attempted to re-install my Windows completely. Since my PC is relatively new I didn't see this being much of an issue, and having all important files in OneDrive. Thankfully my internet speed is good and I got M.2 SSD in my computer, so the installation was really quick. After 20 minutes I logged in to my computer and made a new user profile for it; it worked completely normally again.

    I couldn't figure out the root cause for this, and couldn't think of anything I would've done before that could have caused it (No new Windows updates were downloaded at the time of the issue, neither were drivers downloaded).

    So for now everything works ok. I just hope this same issue won't appear again. If it does.. Well, either I will try out the tricks you mentioned above or I'll send the PC back to the supplier (2 year warranty). For now, thank you for all your help, and have a nice day!

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