My windows 11 pc keeps putting arrow keys input keeping me from logging in

sam huges 0 Reputation points
2026-08-25T21:51:03.7166667+00:00

My windows 11 pc keeps putting arrow commands in even if a keyboard is not plugged in and i cannot sign in

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Devices and drivers
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  1. Emma1-N 13,510 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-28T03:07:33.9266667+00:00

    Welcome sam huges,

    I understand that your Windows 11 PC is continuously receiving arrow key input, preventing you from signing in. 

    Is the PC using a touchscreen display? Also, did the issue start after a Windows update or after connecting any new device recently? 

    Besides the earlier recommendations, you may find these additional options helpful:  

    Option 1: Start Windows Recovery Environment 

    • Turn the PC on and force it off when the Windows logo appears 
    • Repeat this three times until Automatic Repair appears 
    • Select Advanced options 

    Option 2: Run Startup Repair 

    • Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair 
    • Allow the repair process to complete and restart the PC 

    Option 3: Check for recently installed updates 

    • In Advanced options, select Uninstall Updates 
    • Try uninstalling the latest quality update 

    Option 4: Use System Restore if restore points are available 

    • Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore 
    • Select a restore point from before the issue began 

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Yes". If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".   

    Note: Please follow the steps in our documentation to enable e-mail notifications if you want to receive the related email notification for this thread.  

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  2. John Jefferson Doyon 89,445 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-08-25T22:26:48.5766667+00:00

    Hi, @sam huges

    To help narrow down the issue:

    1. Is this a desktop PC or a laptop?
    2. Do you have any game controller, wireless keyboard/mouse receiver, docking station, or other USB device connected?
    3. Does the arrow movement also happen in the BIOS/UEFI screen, or only at the Windows sign-in screen?

    In the meantime, shut down the PC and disconnect all external USB devices, including controllers and wireless receivers. Then start it again and check the sign-in screen.

    If this is a laptop, the built-in keyboard could still be causing the arrow input even with no external keyboard connected.

    If the same arrow movement also happens in BIOS/UEFI, that would point more toward a hardware or input-device issue rather than Windows.


    Click "Add comment" to let me know.

    Thanks!

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