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- HP Community
- Notebooks
- Notebook Hardware and Upgrade Questions
- Backslash/Pipe key functions as ctrl

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02-26-2020 10:24 AM
Hi there,
My Backslash/Pipe key doesn't work, and appears to be functioning as a second "ctrl" key instead (The layout of this keyboard means that there is no second ctrl key). I have tried numerous different keyboard layouts but they all seem to think that backslash/pipe is the ctrl key. Have seen this problem mentioned a few times but yet to find an official fix. Any ideas?
Kind regards
02-28-2020 12:44 PM
@TheBartonJ
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?
While you respond to that, let's try updating BIOS Update: Follow steps from the link: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c00042629
And also refer to Incorrect Characters are Displayed when Using Keyboard: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c01458194
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.
ECHO_LAKE
I am an HP Employee
03-03-2020 03:27 AM - edited 03-03-2020 03:29 AM
Hi @Echo_Lake,
There had been no noticeable hardware of software updates, i've on;y had the PC for a month and can't be sure that particular key has ever worked. Unfortunately the steps you outlined did not fix the issue, i updated the BIOS and made sure that both my regional format and keyboard language were both set to English (United Kingdom) but i'm still missing my "\|" keys.
03-03-2020 03:54 PM
Thank you for posting back.
The last thing I can suggest trying to restore the computer back to the factory settings. Performing an HP system recovery (Windows ) While doing the recovery there is an option to backup your personal files. If you have not previously done one now is a good time.
Restoring Files that were Backed Up Using HP Recovery Manager (Windows )You can also contact HP support for assistance. They can remotely access your system to help alleviate difficulties: www.hp.com/contacthp/
The HP Cloud Recovery Tool allows you to download recovery software to a USB drive. You can use the downloaded recovery image file in order to install the Windows operating system.
- Click here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c04758961#AbT3to perform System Recovery (Windows 10)
- Click here: https://support.hp.com/in-en/document/c06162205 to Use the HP Cloud Recovery Tool (Windows 10)
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.
ECHO_LAKE
I am an HP Employee
03-31-2020 06:24 AM
I have the same problem. I also have a pavilion 15 - bought this weekend.
I have even tried to map the offending key to backslash/pipe but cannot find a reference to the correct keycode to map to.
I have done all updates including bios suggested by support assistant.
04-01-2020 07:15 PM - edited 04-01-2020 07:16 PM
Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.
Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, I have a few troubleshooting steps we could try to fix the issue: To see the key mappings:
- Select Options > SoftKeys in the HP Display.
- In the SoftKeys Settings dialog box, select User Defined.
- Click OK.
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.
ECHO_LAKE
I am an HP Employee
04-02-2020 07:52 PM - edited 04-02-2020 07:59 PM
Thank you for posting back.
I was referring to the pop-up windows, when the SoftKeys options selected,
Thank you for posting on the HP Support Community.
Don't worry as I'll be glad to help, I have a few troubleshooting steps we could try to fix the issue: To see the key mappings:
- Select Options > SoftKeys in the HP Display.
- In the SoftKeys Settings dialog box, select User Defined.
- Click OK.
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.
ECHO_LAKE
I am an HP Employee