My Victus by HP Gaming Laptop 15-fa1093dx keyboard input is laggy when playing games. (offline)

[becausetravis]

I've tried updating windows.

I've tried restarting my PC.

I've tried updating my keyboard drivers.
I've tried reducing my CPU power usage to 99%.
I've tried using an external keyboard.

When I play or intensive software, the keyboard input seems to be sticky. Ie. when I press 'w' it will continue pressing 'w' even after I lift up the key. It's like the 'key up' event doesn't fire or there's some lag between when I lift the key up and when the computer recognizes it.  This happens across games and keyboards.

Perhaps it's overheating? I don't know.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @becausetravis,

Welcome to the HP Support Community. 

I'd be glad to help you! 

It seems like your Victus by HP Gaming Laptop 15-fa1093dx is experiencing keyboard input lag and "sticky keys" during gaming, which can be frustrating, especially for offline games. Since you’ve already tried updating Windows, drivers, restarting the laptop, using an external keyboard, and adjusting CPU power usage, the issue could be related to several potential causes, including overheating or system performance under heavy load.

Here are some steps to further troubleshoot and possibly resolve the issue:

 

1. Check for Overheating

Overheating can cause performance issues, including keyboard input lag.

• Monitor CPU and GPU Temperatures: Use software like HWMonitor or CoreTemp to track the temperature of your CPU and GPU while playing games.
• Check for Throttling: If the CPU or GPU gets too hot, they may throttle (reduce performance to lower temperature), which can cause input lag. Anything above 85°C on the CPU or GPU during gaming can indicate overheating.
• Clean the Laptop’s Vents: Ensure your laptop’s cooling vents are not blocked by dust. Use compressed air to clean the vents.

If your laptop is running hot, consider getting a cooling pad or adjusting your game settings to reduce the load on the CPU and GPU.

2. Disable Filter Keys

Windows has a feature called Filter Keys that can cause input lag by ignoring brief or repeated keystrokes.

• Turn Off Filter Keys:
  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to Ease of Access > Keyboard.
  3. Make sure Filter Keys is turned off.

3. Adjust Game Settings

Some games may push your hardware too hard, leading to input lag, especially if the frame rate is inconsistent.

• Lower In-Game Graphics Settings: Reduce the resolution, shadows, and post-processing effects to take some load off the CPU and GPU.
• Enable V-Sync or Limit FPS: Try enabling V-Sync or limiting the FPS (frames per second) to match your monitor’s refresh rate (e.g., 60 Hz or 144 Hz), which can help reduce input lag.

4. Check Keyboard Response with Diagnostic Software

HP laptops typically have a built-in diagnostics tool that can help detect hardware issues, including with the keyboard.

• Run HP Hardware Diagnostics:
  1. Restart your laptop and repeatedly press Esc to open the Startup Menu.
  2. Press F2 to open System Diagnostics.
  3. Run a Keyboard Test to check for any hardware issues with the built-in keyboard.

5. Update BIOS and Chipset Drivers

An outdated BIOS or chipset driver can cause input lag, especially under heavy load.

• Update BIOS:
  1. Visit the HP Support page and search for your Victus by HP Gaming Laptop 15-fa1093dx.
  2. Check for any BIOS updates and follow the instructions to update it.
• Update Chipset Drivers:
  1. On the same support page, download and install the latest chipset drivers.

Please find the remaining steps in the next post.

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.

[Nal_NR]

Hi @becausetravis ,

Please find the remaining steps below.

6. Disable Background Apps

Too many background apps or processes can cause performance issues and input lag, especially during gaming.

• Limit Startup Programs:
  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary programs from launching at startup.
• Close Unnecessary Programs While Gaming: Make sure no CPU-intensive programs (e.g., browsers, antivirus scans, or updates) are running in the background while gaming.

7. Update Game and GPU Drivers

Ensure both the game(s) you're playing and your GPU drivers are fully up to date, as outdated software can cause performance issues.

• Update GPU Drivers:
  1. For NVIDIA GPUs, use GeForce Experience to check for and install the latest drivers.
  2. For AMD GPUs, use AMD Adrenalin software to check for updates.

8. Power Settings

High performance is necessary for gaming, but adjusting power settings might improve input response.

• Set Power Plan to High Performance:
  1. Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
  2. Select High Performance (or Ultimate Performance, if available) to ensure the laptop runs at full power.

9. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot disables non-essential startup services, which can help determine if third-party software is causing the input lag.

• How to Clean Boot:
  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
  3. Under the Startup tab, click Open Task Manager and disable all non-essential startup items.
  4. Restart the laptop and test for input lag.

10. Perform a System Reset (Last Resort)

If none of the above solutions work, you may want to consider resetting your laptop.

• How to Reset Windows:
  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
  2. Under Reset this PC, select Get started and follow the prompts.
  3. Choose to keep your files or do a full reset (this will delete all apps, but you can back up your data first).

By addressing overheating, running hardware diagnostics, updating BIOS/chipset, and adjusting your system and game settings, you should be able to reduce or eliminate the keyboard input lag. 

If the issue persists after trying these steps, it could be worth reaching out to HP phone support, especially if your laptop is still under warranty.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance

Please mark this post as “Accepted Solution” if the issue is resolved and if you feel this reply was helpful click “Yes”.