keyboard is functioning like ctrl is also pressed when i press shift

Troubleshooting Keyboard Malfunction: When Shift Acts as if Ctrl Is Also Pressed

Encountering unexpected keyboard behavior can be frustrating, especially when your device suddenly begins to act unpredictably. Recently, users have reported an issue where pressing the Shift key results in simultaneous activation of the Ctrl key, causing unintended actions within Windows 11 Pro. In this article, we’ll explore potential causes of this phenomenon, outline troubleshooting steps, and provide recommendations to resolve the problem effectively.

Understanding the Issue

The core problem involves the Shift key functioning as expected in isolating capital letters, yet also triggering Ctrl-related actions. Notably:

• The keyboard in question is a Dell KM632 wireless keyboard and mouse kit connected via USB.
• When pressing Shift, the system indicates (through on-screen keyboard indicators or screen recording) that Ctrl is also active.
• Using the on-screen keyboard to press Shift or Ctrl individually works normally, suggesting hardware responsiveness is intact.
• The issue persists despite various attempts such as rebooting, driver updates, removing and reinstalling drivers, cleaning USB ports, and toggling accessibility features like Sticky Keys.

Initial Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check for Hardware Conflicts:
   Since the on-screen keyboard responds correctly, hardware conflicts are less likely. However, inspect the keyboard for debris, damage, or stuck keys. Cleaning the keyboard thoroughly can eliminate physical obstructions.

2. Update and Reinstall Drivers:
   You’ve already refreshed driver software, but ensure that the latest drivers for the Dell KM632 are installed directly from Dell’s official website. Consider testing the keyboard on another computer to determine if the issue persists.

3. Test with a Different Keyboard:
   To rule out hardware faults, connect an alternative keyboard and observe if the problem continues. If it does, the issue may be with Windows or system settings. If not, the original keyboard might be faulty.

4. Examine Accessibility Settings:
   Since toggling Sticky Keys momentarily fixed the problem, review other accessibility features, especially Toggle Keys which plays a sound when modifier keys are pressed. Disabling these features can sometimes resolve unexpected key behaviors.

Advanced Diagnostics

• Check for Malware or Background Applications:
  Occasionally, software that remaps keys or runs in the background can interfere with keyboard inputs. Run a full system scan with a trusted antivirus program.

• Reset Keyboard Settings:
  Investigate and reset any custom key mappings. This can be done through registry edits or third-party software