How Do You Fix a Stuck Alt Key? 4 Methods to Solve
When the alt key or any modifier key for that case, gets stuck, it can be very frustrating for you. Whether the alt key is locked and thus forever pressed, or the issue is happening every once in a while, it is nonetheless, so annoying and can hamper your daily computing needs.
Depending on your situation, it can either be a hardware issue or a software one. whatever it is, we are here to help you.
In this article, we are going to tell you, how do you fix a stuck alt key.
What to do when the Alt key is stuck?
As we’ve established earlier, depending on your situation, the fix will vary. If it’s a generic software bug, here’s the fix for it.
Fix 1: Re-set Key Status
Perhaps your OS didn’t recognize releasing of a key, in this case, the alt key. If that’s the case, the fix is simple. Just reset the key status by following the sequence. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del or Delete keys at the same time. This will reset the key sequence and fix the software stuck on the alt key immediately.
In the case of laptops, some users have reported that pressing the Ctrl + Shift + Alt simultaneously released the alt stuck for them. If your laptop has an Fn key (Function key) you should try pressing it with the sequence as well. In that case, press Ctrl + Shift + Alt + Fn keys all at the same time.
Fix 2: Wireless Keyboards
For wireless keyboards, we recommend disconnecting them, then removing the batteries. After that, connect the USB Bluetooth connector and reinstall the batteries into the keyboard again.
If you are using a high-tech programmable mouse and keyboard, those which can use key combinations, just unplug and re-plug.
Fix 3: Turn off Sticky Keys
Sticky keys are an accessibility feature introduced back in the days of good old Windows XP. It helps people with disability press multiple keys with ease. However, if you have pressed too many keys at once, chances are that you have accidentally enabled sticky keys, this may be the reason for the alt key getting stuck. Disabling sticky keys can solve this.
To disable it, press the Shift key five times and go to the sticky keys settings. You can access it from the settings menu as well. Just type sticky keys in the start menu.
Now turn the sticky keys off and untick the allow the shortcut key to start sticky keys, as shown in the picture. This is how you turn off the Alt lock in Windows 10.
Fix 4: Use a Third-Party App like SharpKeys
SharpKeys is an application that can set custom keyboard actions. It can even disable any key you want to disable. So, if you can’t seem to get rid of that stuck alt key, use it. Download and install SharpKeys by googling it.
Open it and on the GUI, click on the Add button. Then you can add the key you want to modify, next, you’ll have to select the modification you want to do to that key, in our case we want to disable it. When done, press Ok. Now your faulty Alt key is disabled. The rest of your keys should work fine now.
How do I get Alt unstuck?
If your alt key is literally stuck, meaning it’s caused physically, the fix is often time-consuming, nonetheless, it’s fairly easy. It usually happens due to stuck debris inside the alt key, or any other stuck key for that matter. Try to find it and get it out. A can of compressed air can help you blow it out.
However, if you can’t seem to blow it off, you need to clean the alt key by removing the keycap. First, remove the keycap gently. Taking a cotton swab wet with isopropyl alcohol, clean the plungers and the keys. Finally, reassemble the alt key again.
This is how you unstuck the Ctrl or Alt key.
Final Thoughts
Most of the time, a stuck Ctrl or Alt lock is a software-level issue, and fixing it won’t be much of a hassle. However, if it’s a hardware issue and cleaning it won’t fix it, it is possible that you’ve physically damaged your keyboard. In this case, we recommend replacing the keyboard. In the case of laptops, for a temporary fix, disable the built-in keyboard and use an external one. You can disable it from the Device Manager.
