Alt key suddenly stopped working

[MiraBe]

I noticed while I was working on photoshop that my alt+ drag shortcut to copy stuff stopped working. I thought photoshop was just glitching, but than the same shortcut wouldn't work on another program. I did a keyboard checker online and all my keys were working fine expect for both alt keys. I don't understand why they both suddenly stopped working, especially since I only use the one on the left and don't touch the one on the right. I thought it was a hardware problem but I uninstalled the keyboard driver and restarted my computer but the issue still persists. If anyone has any suggestions I'd appreciate it. I'm still adamant that it's a hardware problem because I'm gentle with the keys I doubt that I broke it or something.

[Echo_Lake]

@MiraBe

Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.

Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, however, to provide an accurate resolution, I need a few more details:

• Did this happen after a recent window or software update?
• Have you made any hardware/software changes?
• Did you make any changes on the settings of your PC prior to the issue?
• When was the last time it worked fine?

While you respond to that, let's try these steps: 

Hard Reset: Follow steps from the link: https://hp.care/2GnkMa8. (do not skip any troubleshooting steps even if you feel steps are repeating)

BIOS default:

1. Turn off the computer and wait five seconds.
2. Press the Power button to start the computer and repeatedly press the F10 key to enter the BIOS setup menu.
3. On the BIOS Setup screen, press F9 to select and load the BIOS Setup Default settings.
4. Press F10 to Save and Exit.
5. Use the arrow keys to select Yes, then press Enter when asked Exit Saving Changes?
6. Follow the prompts to restart your computer. If the issue persists, follow next steps.

Use HP PC Hardware Diagnostics to complete functional test of the keyboard and identify any problems with the hardware.

NOTE: Bluetooth devices are not currently supported.

1. Download the latest version of HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.

2. In Windows, search for and right-click HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows, and then select Run as administrator.

   

3. Click Component Tests, click Input Devices, and then select the Keyboard Test.

   

4. Click Run once to begin the test.

   The test ends when you complete the tasks or after 3 minutes.

For more information about using the HP PC Hardware Diagnostics for Windows, go to HP PCs - Testing for Hardware Failures.

Hope this helps! Keep me posted for further assistance.
Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.

[MiraBe]

• Did this happen after a recent window or software update?

No, it happened randomly.

• Have you made any hardware/software changes?

No I haven't

• Did you make any changes on the settings of your PC prior to the issue?

I was playing around with the resolution, but I doubt that affected anything

• When was the last time it worked fine?

When I first noticed it, it stopped working for a few days. And then suddenly it started working again, and then the next day it stopped again. I first noticed it about 3 weeks ago, the last time it worked was about a week ago.

I tried your suggestions, a Hard Reset and Bios Default none of them worked.

[Echo_Lake]

@MiraBe

Thank you for posting back. 

Have you tried performing keyboard test? 

[MiraBe]

Yes I've done the keyboard test. The alt key isn't recognized as it's being pressed.

[Echo_Lake]

@MiraBe

Thank you for posting back.

Since you have already tried most of the troubleshooting steps to resolve the issue, this sounds like keyboard hardware related issue. 

As we have limited support boundaries in the support community as of now.

I would request you to contact our Support and our Support Engineers should be able to sort this out. HP Support can be reached by clicking on the following link: www.hp.com/contacthp/

Please feel free to contact us here anytime you need any further assistance. Please click “Accept as Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution.