Do you have a problem where random programs open when you press any key on your keyboard? If random programs open when you press any key on the keyboard and the letters you type open shortcuts instead, this post may be able to help. The problem is very annoying because it makes it hard for you to do your work. Fix ‘Windows Keyboard Opening Shortcuts Instead of Typing’ issue.
So, if you use the keyboard to open Windows Explorer, the Run window, the Utility Manager, or other programs by accident, you’re in the right place. Shortcuts are often activated by a set combination of keys (often a modifier key like CTRL, ALT, or Windows plus one or two other keys), and each combination does something different.
Before you move on to the troubleshooting steps, try a different keyboard to see if it still works. Many users have also said that pressing the Windows and Alt keys at the same time fixed the problem. You can also try this, but it’s just a short-term fix.
Why ‘Windows Keyboard Opening Shortcuts Instead of Typing’ issue
- Sticky keys: is a feature that lets you use keyboard shortcuts by pressing and holding down multiple keys at the same time. If you have sticky keys turned on, you might press the shortcut key combination for the shortcut you are trying to use by accident.
- Filter keys: This is a feature that ignores keystrokes that are made slowly or more than once. If filter keys is turned on, you might be typing too slowly or too quickly for the keyboard to register your keystrokes.
- Toggle keys: When you press the Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock keys, this feature makes a beeping sound. If toggle keys is turned on, you might press one of these keys by accident, which could make the keyboard open shortcuts instead of letting you type.
Fix: ‘Windows Keyboard Opening Shortcuts Instead of Typing’ issue
Disable Sticky Keys
- To open Settings, press the Windows key + I.
- Click on “Ease of Access.”
- Choose “Keyboard” from the list on the left.
- In the “Use Sticky Keys” section, turn off “Sticky Keys.”
Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
- To open Settings, press Win + I.
- Scroll down on the System tab and click on Troubleshoot:
- Click Fix other problems.
- Next, click the Run button next to the Keyboard option.
- When the troubleshooter dialog opens, follow the instructions on the screen and make any changes that are suggested.
Reinstall the Keyboard Drivers
- Right-click the “Start” button and choose “Device Manager.”
- Right-click on your HID keyboard device in Device Manager and choose “Uninstall the device.” If you have more than one entry, you can double-click the device entry to see more details.
- To confirm the action, click the Uninstall button.
- Once you’re done removing it, restart your computer.
- Windows will automatically reinstall the driver for the keyboard after the restart.
Update Keyboard Drivers
- Right-click on the “Start” button and choose “Device Manager.”
- Add more to the “Keyboards” section.
- Right-click on your keyboard device and choose “Update driver.”
- To update the driver, just do what it says on the screen.
Check Language and Region Setting
- Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Click on “Time & Language.”
- Choose “Language” from the list on the left.
- Make sure that the language and location settings match where you are.
FAQs
If the keyboard drivers are old or incompatible and the right driver isn’t installed, pressing any key on the keyboard may open random programs on your system. Different Ease of Access settings, such as Sticky keys, may also be to blame for the problem.
Your keyboard doesn’t work because either the keyboard itself or the system you’re using gets stuck. You can try restarting it, since sometimes that’s all it takes to fix things. If you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11, go to the Start button, press the power icon, and then choose Restart to reboot the PC.