Will it sound melodious if a key fails to strike the string in a piano?
I know how it feels when any crucial key like Esc stops working!
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Lastly, change the keyboard if its damaged physically.
Here are the methods to troubleshoot Esc keys not working in Windows 11:
1.
For example, you must pressCtrl + Shift + Escat a time to bring up the Task Manager.
Thats why the Esc key is out of functionality, in case you turned it on.
Disable this feature to fix it.
Here are the steps to turn off the Sticky keys feature:
Now, check the Esc key.
I hope it is working perfectly now after turning off the Sticky keys.
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It commands the keyboard to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes.
It slows down the keyboards repeat response and blocks random keystrokes at a time.
For those who are suffering from serious hand tremors, this Filter keys feature is for them.
But if you have turned it on mistakenly, you might face the Esc key isnt working.
To fix the Esc key, you must turn off the Filter keys.
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Windows 11 has a built-in keyboard troubleshooter in theSettingsapp.
Go there to lauch the troubleshooter.
Update Keyboard Driver to the Latest Version
Old keyboard drivers cant keep up with the latest Windows update.
The Esc key might not work due to this reason.
To fix the key, you must update the keyboard driver.
If the old driver was causing the issue with the Esc key, it would fix after the restart.
Pro Tip:Go to the official website to download the laptops or external keyboards latest driver.
Download only the compatible driver for Windows 11 and install it.
Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter feature to fix the Esc key not responding issue.
To initiate the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter, follow the steps beneath.
That could trigger the unresponsive Esc key.
To fix this issue, uninstall the recently installed app and check whether the problems resolved.
If the app was the main culprit, the Esc key would work again after uninstalling it.
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For example, theAlt,Shift, andCtrlkey appears twice on the maximum keyboard.
you’ve got the option to also map the key to any unused key on the keyboard.
To do that, you must downloadMicrosoft PowerToysfrom theMicrosoft Store.
After downloading the app, follow the steps beneath.
Clean Keyboard Keys & Check for Physical Damage
Look for debris or dirt under the Esc keycap.
Take a brush and clean all the piled-up dirt.
I hope the Esc key will work again if the key cap gets stuck with dirt.
If it is a mechanical keyboard, use the key keycap puller to pull off the keycap.
Replace the keycap with a new one in case it gets damaged.
Claim a warranty or take the keyboard to a technician if the key gets damaged physically.
Lastly, change the USB port and connect the keyboard to another port of the PC.
sometimes malfunctioned ports can cause issues with the keys too.
you’re free to replace the laptops keyboard if nothing fixes the Esc key.
Why is My Esc Key Not Working?
The Esc key isnt working because dirt might piled-up underneath the keycap or the keycap gets damaged.
Sometimes old keyboard drivers can malfunction the keys and prevent those from working.
However, the Esc key wont work in case the Sticky key or Filter Keys feature is enabled.
In some cases, it is found that some apps might interfere with the Esc key functionality.
After installing software recently, you could face this error.
So, look for a recently installed app that might trigger the problem.
Sometimes USB ports in the PC or the keyboard connection port can get damaged.
If changing the port fixes the issue, the problem is with the PCs USB or PS2 port.
Eventually, the keyboard can get damaged, destroying the Esc keys functionality.
FAQs
Why is the Esc Key Working Like the Windows Key?
Due to a stuck Ctrl key, pressing alone the Esc key surely brings up the start menu.
How can I modify keys on mac?
To modify keys for the Macbook, follow the below steps:
What does Esc Key do?
With this key, you’re able to also close any pop-up windows.
Final Words
The Esc key is situated on the top left side of the keyboard.
With this key, it’s possible for you to close any window or program.
If the key gets damaged, you cant use any shortcut key involving the Esc key.
In this article, I have shown how to fix the Esc key not working issue.
I hope you have fixed the Esc key by following the methods.
Let me know in case you need further assistance regarding Windows 11.
