Computer suddenly behaves as if I were holding down the “up” key consistently

Understanding and Troubleshooting Sudden Up Arrow Key Behavior on Windows 11: A Comprehensive Guide

Experiencing unexpected input issues on your computer can be both confusing and disruptive. Recently, a Windows 11 user encountered a peculiar problem where their PC acted as if the “Up” arrow key was being held down continuously. This behavior rendered basic system functions like accessing the Start menu or File Explorer nearly impossible, often forcing a forced shutdown. If you’re facing a similar issue, this article provides insights into potential causes and systematic troubleshooting steps to help resolve the problem.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The user observed that, without any recent modifications or specific actions, their system started behaving as if the “Up” key was perpetually pressed. This resulted in:

• Difficulty in accessing system menus or the file explorer,
• Selection of items shifting upward automatically,
• Inability to safely shut down via normal methods,
• The problem appearing suddenly and resolving temporarily after a reboot,
• Reemergence later in the day without user input.

Key details include:

• The system runs Windows 11 with standard configuration.
• The affected keyboard is a Razer Huntsman, which was thoroughly cleaned earlier.
• The keyboard connects through a USB switch facilitating device sharing between a personal PC and a work laptop.
• The user didn’t perform specific tests with other devices but noted the same keyboard usage on their work laptop.
• No similar issues could be found through online searches at the time.
• A recent crash of explorer.exe suggested that software components might be involved.
• After suspecting possible hardware influence, a USB-connected game controller was disconnected; the user planned to monitor the situation.

Potential Causes of the Issue

While the precise cause remains uncertain, common culprits for such behavior include:

1. Hardware Malfunctions or Dirt
2. Residual dirt or debris within the keyboard switches, despite cleaning, can cause keys to register as pressed.

3. Faulty internal hardware or a stuck key switch.

4. USB or Driver Glitches

5. USB port or hub issues can sometimes cause faulty input readings.

6. Outdated or corrupted device drivers affecting keyboard input.

7. Software Conflicts or System Bugs

8. Corrupted explorer.exe process impacting user input handling.

9. Background applications or browser extensions causing interference.

10. Peripheral Interference

11. Connected devices like game controllers or other USB peripherals might inadvertently send signals or cause conflicts.

Troubles