Shift keys are among the most frequently used keys on any keyboard, essential for executing keyboard shortcuts. When they stop working (Right, BOTH are not working! ), it can significantly disrupt your workflow. This guide explores various reasons behind this issue and provides step-by-step solutions.
Before jumping into any advanced troubleshooting, it’s helpful to restart your computer. Many temporary software glitches resolve with a fresh system restart. If your issue persists, try the fixes below.
1. Check for dust or debris
Dust and debris under keys are among the most common causes for keyboard malfunctions. Over time, particles like crumbs, pet hair, and dust can accumulate beneath the keys, leading to unresponsive or sticky keys.
To address this issue:
- Power off your computer, then unplug your keyboard.
- Gently shake the keyboard upside down to dislodge loose particles.
- For a more thorough cleaning, use compressed air (e.g., Dust-Off) to blow out particles from between the keys.
- If you’re using mechanical keyboards, use a keycap puller to remove the Shift key and clean beneath it.
- After cleaning, allow the keyboard to dry completely before reaasembling and reconnecting it.
- Also check for any visible damage.
If the Shift key is still unresponsive, try the next fix below.
2. Update your keyboard driver
When your keyboard isn’t working properly, an outdated or corrupted keyboard driver could be the culprit. To address the issue, update your keyboard driver.
There are two ways to update your keyboard driver — manually and automatically.
Manual driver update – You can update your keyboard driver manually by going to your device manufacturer’s website (usually on the Support page), and searching for the most recent correct driver. Be sure to choose only drivers that are compatible with your variant of Windows versions.
Automatic driver update – If you don’t have the time, patience, or computer skills to update your keyboard driver manually, you can, instead, do it automatically with Driver Easy. Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find all the available correct drivers, and it will download and install them correctly:
1) Download and install Driver Easy.
2) Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
3) Click the Activate & Update button next to the flagged device. Or you can click Update All to update all outdated drivers. By clicking on these buttons, you’ll be prompted to upgrade. If you’re not ready for your purchase, get the 7-day free trial to unlock all features at no cost.
After updating drivers, restart your computer and test the Shift key.
3. Disable Filter Keys
Filter Keys is a feature in Windows designed to assist users who may accidentally press keys multiple times or have difficulty with quick keystrokes. When enabled, it modifies how the keyboard responds to input, aiming to prevent unintended keystrokes.
While Filter Keys is beneficial for some, it can interfere with normal typing. When the Shift key doesn’t work, disabling Filter Keys might work.
Below are the steps you can take:
1) Press the Windows logo key + I to open Settings.
2) Navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard.
3) Locate Filter keys and toggle it Off. (If yours is already toggled off, try turning it on and off to see if it works. )
Now test the Shift key.
4. Check for interference from PowerToys
Microsoft PowerToys is a suite of utilities designed to enhance productivity on Windows. One of its tools, Keyboard Manager, allows users to remap keys and create custom shortcuts. However, some users have reported that PowerToys can interfere with the normal functioning of the Shift key.
To resolve your issue, you can disable Keyboard Manager and exit PowerToys:
1) Open PowerToys and navigate to the Keyboard Manager section.
2) Toggle off the Enable Keyboard Manager.
3) Close the window. Right-click the PowerToys icon in the system tray and select Exit.
Then check if the Shift key resumes normal functionality. If the problem lingers, don’t worry! Proceed to the next fix.
5. Test with an On-Screen Keyboard
If none of the steps above work, you should determine if the issue is hardware-related.
Steps to take:
1) Press the Windows logo key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2) Type osk and press Enter. The On-Screen Keyboard should appear.
Or you can open Settings and navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard > On-screen keyboard.
3) Now test the Shift key on the virtual keyboard. If it works, the issue might be with your physical keyboard. In that case, you might consider replacing it or return it if it’s still under warranty.
