(windows 11) esc key, Q key and 1 key is temporarily turning on and off about every minute. they become available for 2 seconds, then turn off

Troubleshooting Intermittent Keyboard Key Issues on Windows 11: Esc, Q, and 1 Keys

Experiencing intermittent issues with specific keys on your keyboard can be frustrating, especially when these keys are crucial for productivity and gaming. If you’re encountering a problem where the Escape (Esc), Q, and 1 keys sporadically activate only for brief periods—say, two seconds every minute—while other shortcuts involving the Esc key still function consistently, this article aims to guide you through potential solutions.

Understanding the Issue

In this scenario, the affected keys (Esc, Q, and 1) are temporarily responsive, then become unresponsive, with the cycle repeating periodically. Interestingly, shortcuts combining the Esc key with other keys remain functional at all times; the problem primarily affects the individual key presses during regular typing. Users with built-in laptop keyboards (such as Lenovo gaming laptops) may find it more challenging to troubleshoot hardware issues directly since external keyboards are not an option unless you use an external device.

What Has Been Tried So Far

• Updating keyboard drivers
• Running Windows Troubleshooter
• Restarting multiple times
• Checking and disabling Filter Keys

Despite these steps, the issue persists, indicating it might be due to underlying hardware, software conflicts, or accessibility settings.

Potential Solutions

1. Verify for Physical Keyboard Issues

2. Clean the Keyboard: Dust, debris, or spills can cause keypresses to malfunction. Carefully clean around the affected keys.

3. Test with External Keyboard: If possible, connect an external keyboard to determine if the problem is hardware-related or specific to the built-in keyboard.

4. Check Keyboard Settings and Accessibility Options

5. Disable Filter Keys: Even if you’ve checked this, revisit Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard and ensure Filter Keys are turned off.

6. Inspect for Sticky Keys or Other Accessibility Features: These can interfere with normal key operation.

7. Update BIOS and System Firmware

8. Sometimes, firmware updates can resolve hardware communication issues. Visit Lenovo’s support website to check for the latest BIOS updates for your model.

9. Perform a Clean Boot

10. Conflicting background processes or software could interfere with keyboard input. Performing a clean boot can help isolate potential causes:

    • Open System Configuration (msconfig)
    • Disable all non-Microsoft services and startup items
    • Restart and check if the issue persists

11. **Check for Software