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I can't use the shift key in Firefox without being taken out of the page or field I'm working on.

  • 3 replies
  • 4 have this problem
  • 17 views
  • Last reply by cor-el

JBplus3
JBplus3
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I don't have this problem when first logging into Windows 10 or when typing in a text document. However, when I try using the shift key in a field (such as in an email communication or in filling out a form like I am now) I cannot use the shift key without being taken out of that page. This is a new problem, only in the last week or so. I am only able to type capital letters and special characters as I am entering this message by using the caps lock and the character map desktop app.

I don't have this problem when first logging into Windows 10 or when typing in a text document. However, when I try using the shift key in a field (such as in an email communication or in filling out a form like I am now) I cannot use the shift key without being taken out of that page. This is a new problem, only in the last week or so. I am only able to type capital letters and special characters as I am entering this message by using the caps lock and the character map desktop app.

Chosen solution

It is possible that some of the status keys have the wrong state and Firefox sees them as still pressed.

Try to press all the status keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt) a few times to see if that helps to recover from this. If it doesn't help then close and restart Firefox or reboot the computer.

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All Replies (3)

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
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What happens, exactly? Does that tab load a different page, or close, or the focus moves off the Firefox window to a different application (or Windows)?

jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
jscher2000 - Support Volunteer
  • Top 25 Contributor
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Could you test in Firefox's Safe Mode? In Safe Mode, Firefox temporarily deactivates extensions, hardware acceleration, and some other advanced features to help you assess whether these are causing the problem.

If Firefox is not running: Hold down the Shift key when starting Firefox.

If Firefox is running: You can restart Firefox in Safe Mode using either:

  • "3-bar" menu button > "?" button > Restart with Add-ons Disabled
  • Help menu > Restart with Add-ons Disabled

and OK the restart.

Both scenarios: A small dialog should appear. Click "Start in Safe Mode" (not Refresh).

Any improvement? (More info: Diagnose Firefox issues using Troubleshoot Mode)

cor-el
cor-el
  • Moderator
  • Top 10 Contributor
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Chosen Solution

It is possible that some of the status keys have the wrong state and Firefox sees them as still pressed.

Try to press all the status keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt) a few times to see if that helps to recover from this. If it doesn't help then close and restart Firefox or reboot the computer.