A common reason for the Shift Key not working in Windows 11/10 is usually due to Sticky Keys & Filter Keys feature being enabled on your device.
Apart from this reason, the problem of Shift Key not working on a Windows Laptop or Desktop computer can also be caused due to Hotkey apps, the keyboard drivers becoming corrupted and other reasons.
Shift Key Not Working in Windows 11/10
If you are unable to use the Right, Left or both the Shift keys on your computer, you should be able to fix the problem using the following troubleshooting steps.
1. Restart the Computer
The problem of Shift Keys not working on your computer could simply be due to a stuck app, program or process, preventing the keyboard from functioning properly.
Hence, Shut Down the computer and this will terminate the stuck apps and processes (if any) on your computer. After the computer is totally powered off, wait for 30 seconds and Restart the computer.
2. Disable Sticky Keys
While the Sticky Keys feature in Windows can make it easier to type, it is associated with keyboard problems. Hence, disable this feature on your computer and see if this helps in fixing the problem.
1. Open Settings > click on Accessibility in the left-pane. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Keyboard.
2. On the Keyboard screen, move the toggle next to Sticky keys to OFF position.
Now, try to use the Shift key and see if it is now working on your computer.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard > In the right-pane, disable Sticky Keys option.
3. Disable Filter Keys
While the Filter Keys function helps in preventing accidental repeated keystrokes, it can sometimes interfere with proper functioning of the keyboard.
1. Open Settings > click on Accessibility in the left-pane. In the right-pane, scroll down and click on Keyboard.
2. On the Keyboard screen, move the toggle next to Filter keys to OFF position.
3. Restart the computer and see if the Shift Key is now working.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard > In the right-pane, turn-off Filter Keys option.
4. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter
The built-in Keyboard Troubleshooter on your computer might help in fixing the problem of the Shift Key not working on your computer.
1. Go to Settings > System > scroll down in the right-pane and click on Troubleshoot.
2. On the next screen, scroll down and click on Other troubleshooters.
3. Scroll down in the right-pane and click on the Run button located next to Keyboard.
Wait for the Troubleshooter to find and fix Keyboard related problems on your computer.
Windows 10: Go to Settings > Updates and Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters > click on Keyboard and then click on Run the Troubleshooter.
Wait for the Troubleshooter to find and fix Keyboard related problems on your computer.
5. Update Keyboard Drivers
1. Right-click on the Start button and click on Device Manager.
2. On Device Manager screen, expand Keyboards entry > right-click on the problematic Keyboard and select Update driver option in the contextual menu.
3. On the next screen, click on Search Automatically for updated driver software option.
Restart the computer and see if the Shift Key is now working.
6. Uninstall Hotkey Programs
Hotkey Apps like AutoHotkey, Sharpkey and others are known to cause keyboard problems.
1. Right-clock on the Start button and click on Run.
2. In Run command window, type appwiz.cpl and click on OK.
3, On the next screen, right-click on the Hotkey program and click on Uninstall.
After the Hotkey program is removed, make sure your restart the computer.
7. Switch to Another User Account
If the none of the above methods worked, the problem might be due to the User Account being totally damaged or corrupted.
While you can try to Repair Corrupted User Account, the best solution in this case is to use another User Account (if available) or Create a New User Account.
After creating a New User Account, you can transfer your files to a USB Drive and copy them to New User Account or Copy Files from one User Account to Another.