Fix: Keyboard Shortcuts Are Not Working in Chrome

Google’s widely used web browser is known for its speed and efficiency. However, if you’ve ever found your Windows 11 or Chrome shortcuts suddenly unresponsive, you’ll know it can transform smooth browsing into a jarring experience and affect your overall productivity.

No worries; this guide will unravel the usual suspects behind this and offer clear methods to get those key combinations back in working order in Chrome on Windows 11.

Why are keyboard shortcuts not working in Chrome?

• Extensions Conflict: Some Google Chrome browser extensions might override or interfere with default Windows 11 shortcuts.
• Browser Cache: Accumulated cache can sometimes disrupt Chrome’s normal functioning.
• Outdated Chrome Version: Not using the most recent version of Chrome browser can cause glitches, including shortcut failures on both guest windows and incognito windows.
• Corrupted User Profile: Over time, your Google Chrome user profile can get corrupted, affecting various functionalities, including shortcuts.
• Conflict with System Shortcuts: Windows 11 shortcuts might sometimes clash with Chrome’s, causing unresponsiveness.

How do I fix my keyboard shortcuts if they’re not working in Chrome?

1. Disable conflicting extensions

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner > Extensions > Manage Extension.
3. Look through the list of extensions, disabling them individually to pinpoint the culprit.
4. Once identified, remove the faulty extension or check its settings for possible conflicts.

2. Clear browser cache

1. In Google Chrome, click on the three vertical dots.
2. Scroll down and click on More tools.
3. Click Clear browsing data.
4. Check Cached images and files, then click Clear data. Restart Chrome afterward.

3. Update Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome and click on the three vertical dots in the top right.
2. Hover over Help and select About Google Chrome.
3. Chrome will check for updates automatically. If available, allow it to update, then relaunch the browser.

4. Create a new User Profile

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Click on the profile icon (top right corner).
3. Click on Add another account to create a new profile. Assign it a name and choose an icon.
4. Switch to the new profile and test the shortcuts to see if they function.

Note: If this resolves the issue, you might want to transfer your bookmarks and settings to the new profile.

5. Check system shortcuts

1. Navigate to your system settings. For Windows 11, type Settings in the search bar and click on it.
2. Click on Accessibility > under Interaction, click on Keyboard.
3. Review the list of system-wide shortcut settings to identify potential conflicts with Chrome.
4. Modify or disable conflicting shortcuts. Re-test Chrome afterward.

While the last two solutions require more familiarity with Chrome, shortcut options, and Windows 11 system settings, they can effectively resolve deeper-rooted issues. Always ensure you’ve backed up vital data or settings before making significant changes. This way, you can maintain the speed and efficiency that Chrome is renowned for, regardless of the hurdles you might encounter.

Remember that overloaded junk files, suspicious files, and pop-up boxes can also affect standard keyboard shortcuts. Use proper security & privacy solutions to ensure your data is safe and your Chrome shortcuts won’t be affected.

Speaking of keyboard issues, many reported that Ctrl + D shortcut is not working, but we tackled this issue in a separate guide.

If you’re a Microsoft 365 user, know that this issue also affects Microsoft Word on Windows 11 and sometimes even Microsoft Excel, but we’ve found fixes for both.

The Chrome shortcut issue is common enough in the online community, but you can fix both your browser and standard keyboard shortcuts by following the steps above. Tell us what worked for you in the comments section below!