Weird keyboard problem - keys getting swapped


  1. pjd
    Posts : 54
    Windows 10 Pro 1511 build 10568.3
       #1

    Weird keyboard problem - keys getting swapped


    This has happened a few times since I upgraded to Windows 10 at the end of October

    I will suddenly find that the @ key and the " key have swapped places. To get an ampersand I have to press Shift+quote (next to Enter key) and to get a double quote I have to press Shift+2.

    If I logoff and logon the ampersand and double quote will be back where they belong..

    I suspect I must occasionally hit a 'magic key sequence' that re-configures the keyboard somehow, but I've no idea what it would be, or what to look for and where to look for evidence of that. The KB is US English.

    TIA
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 5,169
    64bit Win 10 Pro ver 21H2
       #2

    Do you have the language icon showing at the bottom right in the taskbar? You should be able to select this to quickly change from one keyboard type to another, the behaviour you are seeing is the difference between a US and a UK keyboard layout. Also have a look at your region and language settings, it maybe that you have more than one region/language installed - just remove the one you don't want.

    One possible key combination which is doing this is Windows Key + space.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 487
       #3

    It's a bit of a long shot, but if you go to Control Panel > Language > Options does it list more than one input method?

    If so, maybe it's switching between them, such as between English UK Keyboard and English US keyboard. I use the US keyboard when typing in a different language in order to use accents (à, á, etc.) and I find that it changes between keyboards on its own accord for reasons unknown (Usually you click Win Key + Spacebar to toggle between different keyboard input languages).

    Weird keyboard problem - keys getting swapped-untitled-1.jpg

    Edit: Beaten too it by above poster.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 42
    Windows 10
       #4

    Hi. I had this problem this morning on a PC and I've had it on others. It will be either Region or Language setting or both. In Control Panel check that Region settings are correct. Then go to 'Settings' then 'Time & Language'. Select 'Region & Language' and you may need to Add the correct Language and then move the right one up and possibly delete the wrong one.
      My Computer


  5. pjd
    Posts : 54
    Windows 10 Pro 1511 build 10568.3
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Ah-ah, I have two keyboards selected -- 1. English Australia (US keyboard), 2. English (UK) -- unfortunately they both show as "EN" on the taskbar irrespective of which one is enabled - typical arrogance we get from the Far East

    I'll try removing the UK one, main thing I'm concerned about is spelling hopefully that won't be effected, I can always put it back now that I know it's toggled by Win+Space.

    I frequently use Alt+Space to get at the top-left corner context menu (can't remember what its called). That's when I'd be mis-keying Win+Space.

    Added : I discovered this, if I display the "Desktop Language Bar" then that disables the Winkey+Space toggle, so I have to use the Bar to change the Input layout - that will suit me best.

    Thanks to everyone for your help
      My Computer


 

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