This post will guide you on what to do if your keyboard shortcuts or hotkeys are not working on your Windows 10 computer. A lot of users use hotkeys as they make things easier for them as they use their computer. However, there are instances when these hotkeys suddenly stop working. It’s actually one of the most common problems with keyboards. And so to resolve this problem, you can try out some suggestions prepared on this post.
Your keyboard might not be working properly due to some dirt or other corrosion. First, you need to shut down your computer and then unplug the keyboard if you are using a desktop computer and then prepare it for cleaning. After that, use a small cotton ear cleaning tool to get between the creases and clean them. You can dip it slightly in alcohol to make it more efficient in cleaning dust and dirt. And if you can, you have the option to pull apart the keyboard completely and then wipe away all the corrosion from the inside. Once you’re done, put the keyboard back together and then plug it back into your PC. Now turn your PC on and check if the hotkeys are now working.
The first thing you can do to fix the problem is by running the Hardware Troubleshooter. Although it won’t make much of a difference, there’s still a possibility that it could automatically fix the problem with these function keys. To use it, refer to these steps:
The problem might have something to do with the USB port that’s currently in use by your keyboard. It could be that it’s not working so it makes sense to unplug it and attach it to another USB port. You can also clean the USB port on both ends to ensure that they are not affected by corrosion.
If you have been previously using another keyboard, it might be better if you make sure that the software for the old device has been removed since there are instances when multiple software can cause problems due to similarities in actions.
You can also update the keyboard driver to fix the problem. There are cases when an outdated or corrupted driver can fix the problem. To do so, follow the steps below.
If updating the keyboard driver didn’t help, then you might want to reinstall it. How? Follow the steps below.
Note: You could also completely uninstall the driver and go directly to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver for your hardware and then install it.
Another thing to consider is the Human Interface Device Service. If this service is disabled, then no wonder why your hotkeys are not working. Thus, you need to enable this service. Refer to the following steps to do that:
You might also want to try resetting the keyboard as it can also help in fixing the problem. Setting it back to its default state will surely help.

“This setting determines how the system responds when a user tries to install device driver files that are not digitally signed. It establishes the least secure response permitted on the systems of users in the group. Users can use the System in Control Panel to select a more secure setting, but when this setting is enabled, the system does not implement any setting less secure than the one the setting established. When you enable this setting, use the drop-down box to specify the desired response. “Ignore” directs the system to proceed with the installation even if it includes unsigned files. “Warn” notifies the user that files are not digitally signed and lets the user decide whether to stop or to proceed with the installation and whether to permit unsigned files to be installed. “Warn” is the default. “Block” directs the system to refuse to install unsigned files. As a result, the installation stops, and none of the files in the driver package are installed. To change driver file security without specifying a setting, use System in Control Panel. Right-click My Computer, click Properties, click the Hardware tab, and then click the Driver Signing button.”
One of the problems encountered by Windows users when upgrading to Windows 10 from Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 is the Error Code 0x80070020. This error code normally occurs when users try to download updates from the Windows Update Website or simply by upgrading to Windows 10. Error Code 0x80070020 also occurs when the device already has a Windows 10 installed.
Once this error is encountered, it will cause malfunction of update installs and display the following message:
An error (-5006 : 0x80070020) has occurred while running the setup. Or The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process”
In an attempt to fix Error Code 0x80070020, it is important to pinpoint what the cause is. The most probable cause of this error is due to interference. This error code most likely occurs when there is another automatic update running, for instance, an Antivirus scanning in real-time. If you’re scheduled to have an automatic update during real-time scanning, the Windows 10 update might malfunction.
In trying to fix Error Code 0x80070020, you can perform manual repair methods to resolve the issue effectively and efficiently. Most Windows users can easily employ these manual repair methods, even those who do not have technical abilities. However, there are certain instances where a Windows professional’s help is needed. If you don’t want to face any risk in resolving the issue, it would be best to consult a professional Windows technician or you can also make use of a powerful automated tool.
NOTE: It is best to attend immediately to errors encountered since unresolved errors can result in slowing down your computer’s performance. This might also cause other error messages to arise such as Error Code 0x80070057.
Since Error Code 0x80070020 is most likely encountered due to interference during your update, the easiest method you can do is to close all opened programs and restart your device. After restarting, try to start the update process again.
Another quick and safe way to fix Error Code 0x80070020 is to disable your antivirus. You must take note though that in doing so, your computer will be susceptible to virus attacks. If you want to proceed with this method, follow these steps:
The Windows Update Troubleshooter may resolve many of the errors encountered by Windows users when installing updates from Windows Update. To execute the troubleshooter, follow the steps below:
Executing a clean boot means starting Windows using only a few resources, including startup programs and drivers. This safeguards minimizing conflicts and prevent software clash when an update is received. In performing a clean boot, you will be able to pinpoint what caused the manifestation of error code 0x80070020. Check Microsoft’s Support website to know how to execute a clean boot.
Performing this method is a bit risky and should be your last option if all methods were unsuccessful. This process will alter your device’s registry so you must ensure to perform accurately the steps. A single mistake can lead to modifying your registry erroneously, which might result in the occurrence of other error messages. Carefully follow the steps found on Microsoft’s Support website to successfully reset Windows Update components.
Resetting Windows Update components can also be done by implementing the following steps:
A third-party antivirus such as BitDefender may recognize the Windows Update as a threat since the new update of Windows 10 is probably not yet registered with this third-party antivirus vendor. To solve this, you must disable temporarily the antivirus before performing the update. Once the third-party antivirus is disabled, you can now proceed with the updating process. Update as well your third-party antivirus.
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a command-line utility that is installed by default in Windows 10 system. This program is used to fix images in Windows. In the case of Error Code 0x80070020, the DISM can repair the recovery image in Windows 10 and can perform as a virtual hard disk as well.
/CheckHealth – to check for corrupted files or components
/ScanHealth – to check for corrupted Windows image. This may take up to 10 minutes to finish
/RestoreHealth – to check for corrupted Windows image and do an automatic repair. This may take up to 20 to 30 minutes to finish
NOTE: In an instance where you cannot locate the good files in your computer, the system image files may be corrupted. If this happens, you need to have a copy of install.wim from a computer with good Windows 10 OS or the Windows 10 ISO file. Make sure that the source of the good files has the same language, version, and edition of your OS.
Enter the following commands one by one to perform the /RestoreHealth switch using the source path location of good files you copied:
For example purposes, the “repairSource” is the source of the good files.
“Shell Infrastructure Host has stopped working. A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Please close the program”.This error indicates that the Shell Infrastructure Host or SiHost.exe process that is used for handling graphical elements, has crashed. And to fix this error, there are several options you can check out. You can try to reinstall the Microsoft Redistributable Packages or run a System File Checker scan. In addition, you can also use a new Guest Account or troubleshoot the problem in a Clean Boot State.
net stop wuauserv net stop bits
net start wuauserv net start bitsSince the folder has already been flushed, it will be populated afresh the instant your restart your computer and open Windows Update.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccessNote: The Windows Upgrade error, with error code 80240020 is an expected error message that happens when the upgrade requires customer user action. Thus, you need to do the following steps to resolve this particular Windows Upgrade error.
This error is very frustrating and it annoys pretty much anyone who encountered it but do not worry we have a solution for you.
First thing is to confirm the error prompt, Click on the OK button and then on X to exit Windows 10 installation wizard. Click on yes to confirm that you want to exit the setup.
You will find yourself in original installation windows.
On that screen choose and click on Repair your computer. Choose an option screen that will pop up, click on Troubleshoot. In the advanced options, click on the command prompt.
Once you are in command prompts type DISKPART and hit ENTER
In the diskpart prompt type LIST DISK and hit ENTER again.
type SELECT DISK #, where # is listed disk number where you would like to install Windows.
type LIST VOLUME in order to list volumes in the selected disk and hit ENTER
You need to select the volume on which you would like to place your WINDOWS, to do this type in SELECT VOLUME #, where # is the listed number of the volume
Finally, type FORMAT FS=NTFS and hit ENTER
You have successfully formated a given volume, you can now exit DISKPART and return to setup, to exit DISKPART simply type exit and hit ENTER.
Leave command prompt as well by again typing exit and hitting ENTER
You will be returned to Choose an option screen, click on Turn off your PC.
Your drive has been successfully formatted and it is ready for clean Windows installation, you can now restart your Windows 10 installation and the process will complete without errors.