How to Fix Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working on Windows on Windows
Windows keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+C, Win+E, Alt+Tab, or Win+Shift+S not working? Fix broken hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts on Windows 10 and 11.
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Main Troubleshooting Guide
How to Fix Microsoft Store Not Working →Complete symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V (copy/paste) do nothing
- •Win+E doesn't open File Explorer
- •Alt+Tab doesn't switch windows
- •Win+Shift+S doesn't open Snipping Tool
- •Win+L doesn't lock the screen
- •Ctrl+Alt+Delete doesn't open the security screen
- •Function keys (F1-F12) not working or require Fn key
Common Causes
- ⚠Sticky Keys or Filter Keys accidentally enabled
- ⚠Third-party software intercepting keyboard shortcuts
- ⚠Corrupted keyboard driver or HID service
- ⚠Gaming mode on keyboard remapping keys
- ⚠Windows Shell Experience Host not running properly
- ⚠Group Policy or registry settings disabling hotkeys
- ⚠Fn Lock toggled on laptop keyboards (F-keys produce media controls instead)
Solutions
Solution 1: Check Accessibility Settings
- 1Open Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard
- 2Turn OFF "Sticky Keys" — this modifies how modifier keys work
- 3Turn OFF "Filter Keys" — this can ignore repeated keystrokes
- 4Turn OFF "Toggle Keys"
- 5Also check: Settings → Gaming → Game Bar → make sure it's not capturing shortcuts
- 6Restart the computer after changing these settings
Solution 2: Fix Fn Lock on Laptops
- 1On most laptops, press Fn+Esc to toggle Fn Lock
- 2When Fn Lock is ON, F1-F12 keys work as function keys (not media keys)
- 3When Fn Lock is OFF, F1-F12 produce media controls (volume, brightness)
- 4Some laptops have a Fn Lock indicator light
- 5Check BIOS settings: some laptops have a "Function Key Behavior" setting
- 6Set it to "Function Key" rather than "Multimedia Key" if you prefer F-keys
Solution 3: Restart Windows Explorer
- 1Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager
- 2Find "Windows Explorer" in the Processes tab
- 3Right-click it and choose "Restart"
- 4This restarts the shell and often fixes Win+key shortcuts
- 5If Ctrl+Shift+Esc doesn't work: press Ctrl+Alt+Delete and choose Task Manager
Solution 4: Reinstall Keyboard Driver
- 1Open Device Manager → Keyboards
- 2Right-click your keyboard device → Uninstall device
- 3Check "Delete the driver software" if offered
- 4Restart the computer — Windows will reinstall the driver automatically
- 5For USB keyboards: also try a different USB port
- 6For Bluetooth keyboards: remove and re-pair the device
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