My W, S, X Keys not working. I don't think it's a hardware problem

[Tyler170507]

I have a problem where my W, S and X Keys are not working. I don't think it is a hardware problem, and I already troubleshooted it on my HP support, but it wasn't helpful because I uninstalled my laptop drivers and reinstalled them, but it doesn't work. I'm on an HP Victus 16-r0326tx Intel i7 13th gen, could it be a problem when I play video games? I only had the laptop for 5 months, and it only started causing problems last month. Sometimes I can type the W, S and X Keys, but then it stops, so I don't think it's a physical issue on the keyboard.

[Kuroi_Kenshi]

Hi @Tyler170507,

Welcome to the HP Support Community!

Thanks for reaching out!

We're thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you and provide a solution.

I understand your HP Victus 16-r0326tx laptop is having issues with the W, S, and X keys intermittently not working, and you believe it’s not a hardware problem. Let’s go through some troubleshooting steps.

1. Check for Software Conflicts

Certain games or apps can remap keys or lock input.

Close all background apps, especially gaming overlays, macros, or key remapping software (e.g., Razer Synapse, Steam Overlay).

Test the keys in Notepad or Word to see if they work consistently.

2. Test in Safe Mode

Restart the laptop and boot into Windows Safe Mode.

Press Shift + Restart → Troubleshoot → Advanced Options → Startup Settings → Restart → F4/F5

Test the W, S, and X keys in Safe Mode.

If the keys work in Safe Mode, a software conflict or driver issue is likely causing the problem.

3. Check Keyboard Layout and Language

Go to Settings → Time & Language → Language & Region → Preferred languages.

Make sure your keyboard layout is set to your intended layout (e.g., US QWERTY).

Remove any extra layouts that may interfere with key mapping.

4. Update or Roll Back Keyboard Drivers

Open Device Manager → Keyboards → Standard PS/2 Keyboard.

Right-click → Update driver → Search automatically.

If updating doesn’t help, try Roll Back Driver if the option is available.

5. Check for Sticky or Filter Keys

Go to Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.

Make sure Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and Toggle Keys are turned off, as these can block multiple key inputs.

6. Run the Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Keyboard → Run the troubleshooter.

Follow on-screen instructions.

7. Check for BIOS or Firmware Issues

Some laptops have keyboard firmware updates.

Check HP Victus 16-r0326tx Drivers & BIOS for BIOS or firmware updates and apply if available.

8. Test an External Keyboard

Connect a USB keyboard.

If W, S, and X work fine on an external keyboard, the issue is likely software/firmware related rather than hardware.

I hope this helps.

I'm glad I could help! 😊 If this resolved your issue, please mark it as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" on "Was this reply helpful?" Your feedback not only keeps us going but also helps others find the solution faster! 👍✨

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Best regards,