I see. Are you using a desktop PC or a laptop connected to an external monitor and peripherals?
Shift, Ctrl, Windows, and Alt keys keep getting stuck on their own Windows 11
My pc has recently began having this specific issue where these specific set of keys (Shift, Ctrl, Windows, Alt) keep getting stuck by themselves. I've tried switching out my keyboard and unplugging everything to see if that would help somehow, but nothing worked. I reinstalled windows and updated my keyboard drivers with no solution to the issue. I even tried updating to windows 11 and the issue persisted. When it happens, if I press space the emoji window pops up, and if I try to use WASD when playing a game it opens tabs in my browser to OneDrive, and also opening file explorer. I've tried everything and I have no clue what could possibly be causing this, it has never happened before.
Windows for home | Windows 11 | Input and language
7 answers
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Paulo GM 71,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-07-20T04:28:32.42+00:00 -
Paulo GM 71,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-07-20T03:55:11.8366667+00:00 So the issue came back? What happens when you open the On-Screen Keyboard and click the stuck keys to release them?
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Paulo GM 71,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-07-20T03:14:48.25+00:00 I see. It looks like there may be a glitch. Have you tried running the
.regfile from the page to make sure it's disabled in the Registry? If that doesn't help, are you using a desktop PC or a laptop connected to an external monitor and peripherals? -
Paulo GM 71,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-07-20T02:42:21.8666667+00:00 I see. It looks like turning it off from the Settings isn't taking effect. Check in Control Panel to see if it is off.
- Right-click the Start menu button > Run
- Type Control then click OK
- Open Ease of access center > Make the keyboard easier to use
- Uncheck all the options in that window especially the Sticky keys.
- Restart the computer
If it isn't working, try checking the Registry by following option six from this page
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/turn-on-or-off-sticky-keys-in-windows-11.8889/#Six
Disclaimer: ElevenForum is a non-Microsoft site created by a Windows MVP. The information is reliable, but be careful with ads. Research any product before downloading.
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Paulo GM 71,075 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2026-07-20T02:24:36.2633333+00:00 Hi,
I was able to reproduce the issue with Sticky Keys enabled. Have you checked if it's turned off? Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, then turn Sticky Keys off and see if that resolves the issue.