4 Ways to Fix Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• Disabled sticky keys are the primary reason your keyboard shortcuts don’t work.
• Restarting the Human Interface Device Service also helps fix the issue.
• If nothing works out, cleanly installing Windows 11 is the last resort.

Preliminary Fixes

• Disable Game Mode: Gaming keyboards often have special modes that disable keyboard shortcuts. You must access the keyboard’s software and look for any options that might have disabled the shortcuts.
• Update keyboard drivers: If the installed keyboard drivers are causing an issue, the shortcuts may not function as expected. You can try updating the keyboard drivers.

Fix 1: Check Sticky Keys and Filter Keys

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Use the left pane to switch to the Accessibility tab. On your right, scroll to the Interaction section and select Keyboard.

Step 3: Turn off the toggle for Sticky Keys.

If the problem persists, disable the Filter keys from the same menu and try again. When enabled, Filter keys can sometimes falsely ignore keystrokes.

Also Read: How to fix keyboard typing wrong characters in Windows 11

Fix 2: Run the Troubleshooter

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I to open Settings. In the System tab, scroll down and select Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Next, click on Other troubleshooters.

Step 3: Locate the Keyboard troubleshooter and hit Run to begin the troubleshooting process.

Fix 3: Restart the Human Interface Device Service

The Human Interface Device Service is responsible for Windows keyboard shortcuts. If the service is not running in the background, the shortcuts will not work.

Step 1: Open the Start menu, type services, and press Enter.

Step 2: In the Services window, scroll all the way down to locate the Human Interface Device Service. Right-click on it and select Start from the list.

If the service is already running, select Restart.

Fix 4: Enable Windows Key Hotkeys From Group Policy

If you’re a Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise user, you can also access the Group Policy and ensure that keyboard shortcuts are not disabled from there.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to launch the Run command, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2: In the Group Policy Editor window, use the left pane to navigate to the following folder.

User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer

Step 3: Double-click on Turn off Windows Key hotkeys.

Step 4: Select Disabled from the following window and hit Apply, followed by OK.

Exit the Group Policy Editor and restart your PC before checking the keyboard shortcuts.

FAQs

Besides the above solutions, it’s also important to clean your keyboard from time to time. Dust or debris can easily slip in between the keys and clog them. If nothing works out, try clean installing Windows 11.