unable to access the backslash character, an Alternate on the L key

[Durkin-IT]

on the last two HP laptops i have set up the backslash character has been placed as an alternate to the L, but ALT+L, ALTgr+L does not produce the character. On this Envy the work around is to use the on-screen keyboard, and on the previous one I used the Ascii ALT+92 (whihc is not working on the Envy).

Does anyone know how I can access the character from the keyboard?

[zoey7886]

@Durkin-IT, Welcome to the HP Support Community!  

Thanks for reaching out about your query regarding your HP Envy x360 16 inch 2-in-1 Laptop PC! 

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

I understand how frustrating it can be when a critical character like backslash () is not accessible directly from your keyboard. Since you've encountered this issue on multiple HP laptops, let's go through a few troubleshooting steps to resolve it.

1. Check Keyboard Layout Settings

• Open Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
• Under Preferred Languages, click on your current language and select Keyboard Options.
• Ensure your layout is set to English (United States) - QWERTY or English (United Kingdom) - UK QWERTY.
• If it’s set to something else (e.g., International or non-standard layout), change it and restart your laptop.

2. Try Different Key Combinations

• On some layouts, ALT GR + L should work, but since it doesn’t, try:
  • Ctrl + Alt + L
  • Fn + ALT + 92 (on some Envy models)
  • Shift + # (if using a UK keyboard)

3. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

• Open Device Manager (Win + X > Device Manager).
• Expand Keyboards, right-click your keyboard, and choose Uninstall Device.
• Restart your laptop to reinstall the default drivers.

Let me know if this helps!  

Take care, and have an amazing day!  

Did we resolve the issue? If yes, Please consider marking this post as "Accepted Solution" and click "Yes" to give us a helpful vote - your feedback keeps us going!  

Regards, 

[Akhi_H]

Hope you're rocking an amazing day! We just wanted to check in and see if everything is sorted. If you need any more help or just want to say hi, we're here for you - just a message away! 

Take care, and stay fantastic! 

Regards, 

Akhi_H