There is nothing more frustrating than a keyboard that does not act accordingly. In the event that your keys get stuck or the repetitive characters or you are performing actions which it is not intended to perform such as windows key, you are probably encountering an ordinary problem. This manual will take you through easy steps on how to get rid of sticky keys.
Common Causes of Sticky Keys
It is always good to know the underlying reasons for keys sticking before going into solutions. The primary culprits are:
- Physical Debris: The most prevalent include crumbs, dust and liquid spills. They even are able to undercut the keycaps and stop the mechanism springing back correctly.
- Software Glitches: In other cases, it is not physical. Key behaviour may erratically change due to accidental settings change or corruption by the driver.
- Worn-Out Hardware: Sometimes the delicate mechanisms of the keys which are frequently used just wear out.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Solutions
These steps will help to determine and resolve the sticky key issue.
1. The Quick Physical Clean
Start with a simple clean. Switch off your computer and remove the keyboard (or unplug it in case it is wireless). Pound the keyboard against the floor, but lightly to get things off. A can of compressed air is used to blow the dust out of the areas around the keys.
2. Check for Accidental Settings (Sticky Keys)
As a last resort, your windows key + R will not work or other modifier keys may appear to be stuck, it could be that you have enabled a windows accessibility feature. There is a check and a Disability check number to disable Sticky Keys:
- Quickly press the Shift key 5 times. This will launch the Sticky Keys settings.
- Unmark the option, which is Turn on Sticky Keys and click on OK.
3. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
Software-related sticking may be caused by corrupted drivers.
- Select the windows key and X and then the Device Manager.
- Click on expand keyboards, right-click on your keyboard device and update the driver. In case, it cannot work, select Uninstall device and restart your computer automatically installing the driver again.
4. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
This is built in as a tool in windows. Select Setting update and security, then additional troubleshooters and run the keyboard troubleshooter.