Letf CTRL key not working

[evaelfie]

Hello, 

I was writing an assignment today and my keyboard's left CTRL key stopped working and I don't know why. I've watched several YouTube videos to fix the issues and nothing has been worked. I also visited a similar issues posted at :https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Notebook-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/Left-ctrl-key-not-working/td-p... but still my issue is unresolved.

How can I fix that?

[Max3Aj]

@evaelfie, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 
Here are several things you can try to fix the left CTRL key not working issue on your HP notebook running Windows 11:

Check for Physical Issues

• Gently press the left CTRL key multiple times to ensure it’s not stuck.
• Use compressed air to clean around the key in case of dust or debris.

Test with On-Screen Keyboard

• Press Windows + Ctrl + O to open the On-Screen Keyboard.
• Try using the CTRL key from the on-screen keyboard to see if it works.

External Keyboard Test

• Connect an external USB keyboard and test the left CTRL key.
  • If it works, the issue is likely hardware-related on your laptop keyboard.

BIOS Reset

• Restart your laptop and press F10 repeatedly to enter BIOS.
• Press F9 to load default settings, then F10 to save and exit.
• This has helped some users restore key functionality.

Keyboard Driver Reinstall

• Open Device Manager (Windows + X > Device Manager).
• Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard, and choose Uninstall device.
• Restart your PC to reinstall the driver automatically.

Check for Key Remapping

• Sometimes, keys get remapped accidentally.
• Use a tool like Microsoft PowerToys (Keyboard Manager) to check if the CTRL key is remapped.

HP Hotkey Support Driver

• Make sure the HP Hotkey Support driver is installed and up to date.
• You can find it on the HP Drivers & Software page.

Run HP Hardware Diagnostics

• Restart your laptop and press F2 repeatedly to enter HP PC Hardware Diagnostics.
• Run a keyboard test to check if the left CTRL key is detected.

 If none of these steps work, the issue may be hardware-related, we suggest you please visit the nearest HP authorized service center, the service team will check and assist you. 
Kindly follow this link to locate the nearest HP service center: HP® Service Center Locator - United States | HP® Support
(Select the country from the dropdown menu and enter the city name or pincode) 
 

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