Both Control Keys suddenly don't work (partially, Not a physical issue)

[syntaxL]

Today, I started my laptop (HP Laptop - 14s-cf3028tu) to play some Minecraft and noticed my sprint key wasn't working. Turns out, my control key was straight up not registering (I confirmed this with on-screen keyboard)

The reason I know it's NOT a physical issue is that, it's not just the left control key, but also the right.. I NEVER use my right control key. And these two in particular is a bit odd because the rest of the keyboard works fine.

The reason I say partially working is because it works like once when I click  it 50 times or something. So, my thoughts were some sort of software issue. I tried a lot of solutions. These include :

1. Using a different keyboard

2. Safe Mode

3. Uninstall and reinstall drivers

4. restart 

5. Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter

6. Check for updated drivers (to no success)

7. Try restoring back to a previous point (I didn't restore but I clicked the "Show which programs will be deleted" option and it wanted to delete 1 driver. I have never restored before so I'm a bit scared to do it even though it says it protects documents). And the backup point I have is from yesterday so maybe it works? This will be my last option if anything else suggested doesn't work

Please help, as a gamer and a person who's life revolves around using a computer, this issue is not something I can just ignore. 

[Max3Aj]

@syntaxL, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

Thanks for the detailed breakdown—it really helps narrow things down! Since you've already ruled out hardware issues, Safe Mode, external keyboards, and even driver reinstalls, this strongly suggests a background software or input mapping issue. Let’s try a few more targeted steps before considering a system restore.

Check for Background Software Conflicts (Key Remappers, Overlays)

Certain applications can interfere with key functions, such as:

• AutoHotkey scripts
• Razer Synapse
• Logitech G Hub
• Microsoft PowerToys
• Minecraft mods or launchers
• Clipboard managers

To check for conflicts:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Startup tab and disable any non-essential applications temporarily.
• Reboot your system and test the Ctrl keys again.

Use SharpKeys or KeyTweak to Inspect/Reset Key Mappings

There may be a corrupted registry key mapping:

• Download SharpKeys (a safe and open-source tool).
• Check if the Control keys are remapped; if they are, delete or reset them to default.

You can also check this manually in the Registry Editor:

• Press Win + R, type regedit, and navigate to:
  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout

• If there’s a Scancode Map key, delete it and reboot your computer.

Create a New User Profile

User profile corruption can lead to keyboard issues:

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users > Add someone else to this PC.
• Create a new local user account.
• Log in with that account and check if the Ctrl key works.

If it does, your current profile may have a user-level issue.

Disable "Filter Keys" (even if unchecked)

This may seem basic, but Filter Keys can sometimes remain enabled in the background:

• Navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
• Turn off Filter Keys (toggle off even if it appears off).

Run a Quick PowerShell Command

To reset all keyboard-related policies and input devices:

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Paste the following commands:
   Get-PnpDevice -Class Keyboard | Disable-PnpDevice -Confirm:$false
   Get-PnpDevice -Class Keyboard | Enable-PnpDevice -Confirm:$false

Reboot your system and test the keys.

Temporarily Boot from a Live USB (like Ubuntu)

This is a definitive way to confirm it’s not a hardware issue. Boot from an Ubuntu USB (no installation needed) and test the Ctrl keys in a text editor.

Last Resort: System Restore

Since your restore point is from just yesterday, it’s a low-risk option. It won’t affect personal files, but it may roll back driver or system-level changes, which could be beneficial in this case. If none of the above steps work, consider going for it.
 

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Select "Yes" on the bottom left to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support