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Alt Key Not Working on Keyboard? Fix It Fast (Windows + Mac)

The Alt key is a “modifier key” that changes what other keys do. On Windows, it powers lots of shortcuts (like Alt + Tab) and is also used for Alt codes (typing symbols with a number code).

So when the Alt key stops working, shortcuts break, menus behave weirdly, and you may think your keyboard is “dead” — even when it’s actually a settings issue.

Table of Contents

1-Minute Fix Checklist (try these first)

  1. Restart your computer
    A restart clears temporary glitches and reloads keyboard drivers.
  2. Try the other Alt key
    Most keyboards have Left Alt and Right Alt (sometimes AltGr). If only one Alt key is “dead,” that’s a big clue.
  3. Try Alt in a different place
    Test in:
  • A different app (Chrome, Notepad, Word)
  • A different text box (search bar, address bar)
  1. Turn off Sticky Keys / Filter Keys
    These accessibility features can change how modifier keys behave.
  2. Check keyboard layout (AltGr vs Alt)
    On some keyboard layouts, the Right Alt key becomes AltGr, which can behave differently.
  3. Test with the On-Screen Keyboard
    If Alt works on the on-screen keyboard, your problem might be the physical key (or keyboard hardware).

Quick Diagnosis (hardware vs settings)

Before you do a lot of steps, run these 3 quick tests:

Test A: On-Screen Keyboard highlight test (Windows)

Open the On-Screen Keyboard and click Alt on the screen.

  • If it highlights and shortcuts work using the on-screen Alt, the software/settings side is probably okay.
  • If even the on-screen Alt doesn’t work, it’s more likely a settings/app issue.

(Microsoft’s steps for opening the On-Screen Keyboard are here.)

Test B: Try an external keyboard

Plug in a simple USB keyboard (or connect a Bluetooth keyboard).

  • If Alt works on the external keyboard → likely your laptop keyboard hardware (or a laptop-specific keyboard setting).
  • If Alt fails on both → likely Windows settings/software.

Test C: Try Alt outside Windows/macOS (if possible)

  • Windows: Try Alt at the sign-in screen (or BIOS/UEFI if you’re comfortable).
  • Mac: Try Option/Alt at the login screen.

If it fails even there, the chance of a hardware problem goes up.

Windows: Fixes in Order (easy → advanced)

Fix 1: Restart + reconnect (USB/Bluetooth)

  • Desktop USB keyboard: Unplug → wait 10 seconds → plug back in (try a different USB port).
  • Bluetooth keyboard: Turn Bluetooth off/on → remove the keyboard → pair it again.
  • Laptop: Restart and test again.

Fix 2: Quick clean/inspect around the key (safe only)

Do external cleaning only:

  • Turn off the laptop (or unplug the keyboard).
  • Use a soft brush or compressed air around the Alt key.
  • Wipe the surface gently with a slightly damp microfiber cloth.

Avoid pulling keycaps unless you know your keyboard supports it safely.

Fix 3: Test with the On-Screen Keyboard (Windows)

Windows 11 / 10 steps:

  • Start → Settings
  • Accessibility → Keyboard
  • Turn on On-Screen Keyboard

Now try Alt shortcuts using the on-screen Alt key.

Fix 4: Turn off Sticky Keys / Filter Keys

These can interfere with how Alt behaves.

Fast shortcut checks:

  • Press Shift 5 times → Sticky Keys prompt may appear
  • Hold Right Shift for 8 seconds → Filter Keys may toggle

Settings path (Windows 11/10):

  • Start → Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard
  • Turn Sticky Keys off (and also check related toggles)
  • Turn Filter Keys off
turning off sticky keys on windows

Fix 5: Check language/keyboard layout (AltGr vs Alt)

If your Right Alt is acting strange, it might be