I’ve lost ctrl (regained it, thanks)
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- KVRian
- 1101 posts since 9 Aug, 2018
Literally, in Windows 10 (updated to the latest non-beta version), the Ctrl keys stopped working just recently. Has never happened before.
How do I actually fix this? Yes, I’ve looked it up, and tried everything I came across. Still no luck.. help!
Incredibly annoying, needless to say. For everything from music making to gaming, to functional document editing, etc.
edit: Fixed, thanks folks.
How do I actually fix this? Yes, I’ve looked it up, and tried everything I came across. Still no luck.. help!
Incredibly annoying, needless to say. For everything from music making to gaming, to functional document editing, etc.
edit: Fixed, thanks folks.
Last edited by kvotchin on Sun Jun 22, 2025 1:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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- KVRAF
- 3511 posts since 27 Dec, 2002 from North East England
Best guess I've got would be a background program 'stealing' ctrl-key shortcuts. Similar to how Steam unilaterally 'steals' F12 as a screenshot key whenever a game is running. Recently installed programs that load on startup would be my first avenue of exploration.
I did find this https://github.com/ITachiLab/hotkey-detective which claims to check if keys are being intercepted, but I have not used it and cannot vouch for its safety.
I did find this https://github.com/ITachiLab/hotkey-detective which claims to check if keys are being intercepted, but I have not used it and cannot vouch for its safety.
- KVRAF
- 16890 posts since 8 Mar, 2005 from Utrecht, Holland
Worth a shot: https://www.keyboardtest.org/
And reboot. There was an option to do "safe" boot, with nothing but the bare OS loaded. Try that as well.
And reboot. There was an option to do "safe" boot, with nothing but the bare OS loaded. Try that as well.
We are the KVR collective. Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated. 
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
My MusicCalc is served over https!!
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- KVRAF
- 7120 posts since 22 Jan, 2005 from Sweden
Thinking something corrupt, don't remember all checks but one is: open command prompt and do sfc /scannow
Some kind of integrity test system.
Plug in another keyboard in usb if you have a spare.
- could be hardware
I use a driver to Shuttle Express that senses keys and send keyboard command and stuff that I just happend to notice it does not work with programs run as administrator
- so one thing to try, run a program as administrator and see if Ctrl works
- seems not so easy to capture keyboard in that mode, manufacturer could not fix it, so...
Just a few ideas....
Some kind of integrity test system.
Plug in another keyboard in usb if you have a spare.
- could be hardware
I use a driver to Shuttle Express that senses keys and send keyboard command and stuff that I just happend to notice it does not work with programs run as administrator
- so one thing to try, run a program as administrator and see if Ctrl works
- seems not so easy to capture keyboard in that mode, manufacturer could not fix it, so...
Just a few ideas....
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- KVRian
- Topic Starter
- 1101 posts since 9 Aug, 2018
Thanks for the replies so far. Trying some of those things.
Another thing perhaps worth noting: as of months ago, at least, the Windows keys (both kinds; three physical keys all up) had already stopped working. They still don't do anything, ever since.
I don't own another keyboard, but if I can borrow one - hopefully soon - I'll try that, definitely.
edit: Considering moving to Mac again. This is ridiculous, and Windows in general is getting more intrusive and just plain dumb by the year, I swear.
Another thing perhaps worth noting: as of months ago, at least, the Windows keys (both kinds; three physical keys all up) had already stopped working. They still don't do anything, ever since.
I don't own another keyboard, but if I can borrow one - hopefully soon - I'll try that, definitely.
edit: Considering moving to Mac again. This is ridiculous, and Windows in general is getting more intrusive and just plain dumb by the year, I swear.
