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CTRL Key not Working? How to Enable it & Alternatives

Disable Sticky keys and Filter key options to fix the issue

6 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

The Ctrl key not working on your computer is a recurring keyboard issue affecting some Windows users. This problem is particularly outrageous because of the Ctrl key’s significance to using the keyboard shortcuts since most of them depend on its pairing with other keys.

Consequently, this makes users curious about the potential fixes for getting the Ctrl key to work or if it requires using an external keyboard. Thus, this article will provide a detailed guide on how to fix it.

Why is my Ctrl key not working?

These potential causes are general, and the reason for each user can vary depending on the instance of occurrence. Hence, we’ll take you through some detailed steps for resolving the Ctrl key not working.

What can cause a key to stop working?

It’s important to note that the specific cause of a non-functioning key can vary depending on the keyboard model, its design, and individual circumstances.

How do I fix/unlock my Ctrl key?

Before attempting any troubleshooting steps, we recommend you apply the following:

Proceed with the solutions outlined below if the above preliminary checks can’t fix the issue:

1. Update your keyboard drivers

Updating the keyboard driver will fix compatibility issues, causing the Ctrl key not to function as expected. It resolves bugs such as Ctrl C and Ctrl V not working on your PC.

Read our guide for other steps forupdating drivers on Windows PCsif you have any issues.

2. Run the hardware troubleshooter

Running the Hardware and Devices troubleshooter will resolve hardware connection issues that may cause the error.

Read our guide on how to fixCommand Prompt not workingon your PC. Keep in mind that other keys can stop working, and we covered such an issue in ourSpacebar not workingguide.

3. Disable Sticky keys and Filter key options

Toggling off the Sticky and Filter keys will terminate their respective features and resolve button combinations that may affect the Ctrl key functionality and similar issues likeSpace bar, Enter, and Backspace keys not working on Windows 11.

Is there an alternative key to Ctrl?

No, and Yes. In some situations, you can use theShiftor theAltkey to replace theCtrlkey, e.g., when selecting files, highlighting contents, etc.

This isn’t the most reliable workaround, especially if theShift key is not working.

However, theCtrlkey is essential to the PC shortcuts. The alternative keys are only functional in deputizing it in minor cases. Hence, the hack for most users is the on-screen keyboard to select the key.

Moreover, the above fixes cover several angles of potential causes for the Ctrl key not working and are helpful regardless of the cause. We also have a detailed article about theWindows key not workingand ways to fix the problem.

You may be interested in what to do if theleft Shift key is not workingon your computer.

Feel free to leave your questions and suggestions in the comments section below.

CTRL Key not Working? How to Enable it & Alternatives#

Why is my Ctrl key not working?#

What can cause a key to stop working?#

How do I fix/unlock my Ctrl key?#

1. Update your keyboard drivers#

2. Run the hardware troubleshooter#

3. Disable Sticky keys and Filter key options#

Is there an alternative key to Ctrl?#