Fix Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts not working with step-by-step solutions. Resolve hotkeys, Ctrl, Alt, Windows key, and shortcut issues fast.

If your keyboard shortcuts suddenly stopped working on Windows 11, you’re not alone.

Maybe Ctrl + C doesn’t copy, Windows + R won’t open Run, your Fn keys stopped responding, or shortcuts stopped working after an update, sleep mode, BIOS update, or while using Remote Desktop or multi-monitor setups.

This guide will walk you through every practical solution — from quick fixes to advanced troubleshooting so you can finally solve the Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working Fix problem permanently.

At TeksOlvr.com, we specialize in real-world problem solving, troubleshooting, and fixing Windows issues with clear step-by-step instructions — no fluff, no confusion.

Let’s fix it.

Quick Fix Checklist (Try These First)

If you want a fast solution, try these before diving deeper:

1. Restart your PC
2. Unplug and reconnect your keyboard (try another USB port)
3. Turn off Sticky Keys and Filter Keys
4. Check if shortcuts work in another app
5. Restart Windows Explorer
6. Test with the On-Screen Keyboard

If shortcuts still don’t respond, continue below.

Why Are My Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working?

Understanding the cause helps prevent the problem from coming back.

Common reasons include:

• Windows updates breaking shortcut behavior
• Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts stopped working after sleep
• Game Mode blocking hotkeys
• Keyboard driver issues or outdated drivers
• External keyboard compatibility problems
• Sticky Keys / Filter Keys interfering
• Multi-monitor shortcut conflicts
• Remote Desktop blocking Windows key shortcuts
• Group Policy or Registry disabled shortcuts
• BIOS update changed keyboard behaviour
• Shortcut conflicts with third-party software
•  Shortcuts broken in only one user account
• Incorrect keyboard layout switching

If you’ve ever wondered:

“Why won’t my Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts work?”
One of these causes is almost always responsible.

Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts Not Working Fix (Step-by-Step)

Below are 9 proven solutions that fix most shortcut problems.

Fix 1: Restart Windows Explorer

This fixes frozen desktop shortcuts, taskbar shortcuts, and Windows key issues.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
2. Find Windows Explorer
3. Right-click → Restart

Fixes:

• Windows 11 taskbar keyboard shortcuts not working
• Shortcut keys not working on desktop
• Windows key not responding

Fix 2: Turn Off Sticky Keys and Filter Keys

These accessibility features often block key combinations.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard
2. Turn OFF:
   • Sticky Keys
   • Filter Keys
   • Toggle Keys

Restart your PC.

Fixes:

• Windows 11 sticky keys causing shortcuts issue
• Filter keys shortcuts problem
• Ease of access keyboard shortcuts not working

Fix 3: Check If Windows Key Shortcuts Are Disabled

Sometimes Windows shortcuts are disabled via settings or policy.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Personalization → Taskbar
2. Make sure nothing is disabling shortcut behaviour.
3. If using work PC, check with admin for group policy restrictions.

Fixes:

• Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts disabled fix
• Shortcut keys disabled Windows 11 how to fix
• Enable Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts

Fix 4: Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Driver corruption causes:

• Ctrl key not responding
• Alt shortcuts not working
• Fn keys broken

Steps:

1. Right-click Start → Device Manager
2. Expand Keyboards
3. Right-click your keyboard → Update driver
4. If still broken:
   • Select Uninstall device
   • Restart PC (Windows auto-reinstalls driver)

Fixes:

• Fix keyboard shortcuts Windows 11 keyboard drivers
• Windows 11 Ctrl key not working
• Windows 11 Alt key shortcuts not working
• Windows 11 shift key not working

Fix 5: Disable Game Mode

Game Mode can block system hotkeys.

Steps:

1. Open Settings → Gaming → Game Mode
2. Turn OFF Game Mode
3. Restart PC

Fixes:

• Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts not working game mode
• Hotkeys stopped working Windows 11 solution

Fix 6: Test External Keyboard or USB Port

If shortcuts fail only on an external keyboard:

• Plug into a different USB port
• Try another keyboard
• Avoid USB hubs

Fixes:

• Keyboard shortcuts not working external keyboard Windows 11
• Keys not registering simultaneously

Fix 7: Check Keyboard Layout and Language

Wrong layout breaks shortcut mapping.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region
2. Remove unused layouts
3. Set correct keyboard layout

Fixes:

• Windows 11 keyboard layout switching fix
• Keyboard combos not working

Fix 8: Check Conflicting Software

Apps like screen recorders, macro tools, overlays, or gaming software often hijack shortcuts.

What to do:

• Temporarily disable:
  • AutoHotkey
  • Logitech / Razer software
  • Screen recorders
  • Overlay apps
• Reboot and test

Fixes:

• Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts conflict software
• Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts not responding

Fix 9: Run System File Checker

Corrupt system files can break input behavior.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Run:

sfc /scannow

3. Wait for completion
4. Restart PC

Fixes:

• Keyboard shortcuts problem Windows 11
• Windows hotkeys randomly failing

Advanced Fixes (For Persistent Issues)

Use these only if shortcuts still fail.

Advanced Fix 1: Registry Fix for Disabled Shortcuts

Backup registry before editing.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type regedit
3. Navigate to:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

4. Delete any value named:

NoWinKeys

Restart PC.

Fixes:

• Keyboard shortcuts registry fix Windows 11
• Windows key shortcuts disabled

Advanced Fix 2: Group Policy Check (Pro Editions)

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type gpedit.msc
3. Navigate to:

User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → File Explorer

4. Disable:

Turn off Windows Key hotkeys

Fixes:

• Windows 11 group policy keyboard shortcuts fix
• Disabled keyboard shortcuts solution

Advanced Fix 3: Test in Safe Mode or New User Account

If shortcuts work in Safe Mode, third-party apps are the problem.

If shortcuts work in another account:

• Your user profile is corrupted.

Fixes:

• Keyboard shortcuts not working safe mode Windows 11
• Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts not working one user account

Advanced Fix 4: BIOS / Firmware Reset

If shortcuts broke after BIOS update:

• Load BIOS default settings
• Update BIOS firmware carefully

Fixes:

• Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts after BIOS update

Common Shortcut Problems and Solutions

 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why are my Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts not working after update?

Windows updates may reset drivers, policies, or accessibility settings. Update drivers and disable Sticky Keys.

2. How to enable Windows key shortcuts in Windows 11?

Check Group Policy and Registry for disabled Win keys. Also ensure no third-party apps block shortcuts.

3. What to do when keyboard shortcuts don’t work in Remote Desktop?

Remote Desktop may capture Windows shortcuts locally. Change RDP keyboard settings or use alternative shortcuts.

4. Why is my Ctrl key not responding in Windows 11?

Usually caused by driver corruption, hardware failure, or Sticky Keys. Reinstall drivers and test another keyboard.

5. Can keyboard layout cause shortcut issues?

Yes. Wrong layout remaps keys and breaks shortcuts. Set correct layout in Language settings.

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