Are you facing any issues with the Tab key on your keyboard in Windows? In that case, you would not be able to use your Tab key to move to the next field. If this is what is happening to you, then worry not.
Windows is the most popular operating system globally, and millions of users employ it on their systems. However, several reports have recently claimed that the “Tab key is not working” problem on Windows.
If you are facing the same issue, keep reading this blog, where we will discuss various solutions to fix this annoying problem.
Before you move to the solutions, know why you face this issue in the first place.
What Restricts the Tab Key from Functioning on Windows?
This problem usually occurs because of some software glitch or when other programs interfere with the keyboard input or other programs.
After investigating why the Tab key is not working on Windows, we found several reasons. Here, we will mention why you can come across this issue.
- One of the primary reasons for this issue could be TeamViewer. This application assists you in remotely accessing other systems through your system. Most people use this amazing application. If a TeamViewer session is running or the remote session is not active, this program will cause the “Tab key not working” issue on Windows.
- In several cases, the issue occurs due to the keyboard and not the software. Your keyboard might malfunction, or your Tab key might be damaged.
So, now you know the common reasons behind this annoying issue.
It is time to learn about different solutions to resolve this error. Ensure the fix is implemented in the prescribed order to avoid conflicts.
PS: If you are bothered by the error 0x80300001, here are the best fixes for you.
How to Resolve the Tab Key Not Working Issue on Windows
Here are some amazing fixes to eliminate the Tab key not working issue on Windows. So, let’s have a quick glance at these solutions now!
Method 1: Repair Your Keyboard Physically
If you own an old-school keyboard that you can remove, it is time to disassemble the keyboard and use alcohol to clean it. The key might be corrupted below and could not be repaired.
In that situation, you need to remove another key from your broken board and click the same in place.
Please note that whenever you open your keyboard, you have to take proper care of the screws. Additionally, you need to prepare cotton buds, soft cloth, and clean alcohol in advance.
Method 2: Look for Damage
It is quite possible that your keyboard might be damaged. Here, in this part, you will know how to examine if the issue is associated with hardware or software.
To do so, you need to follow the steps given below.
Steps to Fix the Tab Key Not Working Issue:
Locate this annoying issue with the Tab key in the following way:
Step 1: Tap ‘Windows’ + ‘S’ keys together
Firstly, you need to tap on the keys ‘Windows’ + ‘S’ together at a time to open the icon ‘Search.’ After this, type ‘Notepad’ and choose the first tab for opening this tab.
Step 2: Tap anywhere
Now, you need to click some empty spaces for typing.
Step 3: Press 0, 0, and 9
Next, press and hold the ‘Alt’ key and then press the keys 0, 0, and 9 on your keyboard’s numeric keypad.
Now, if your pointer skips space on the notepad, the Tab key is functioning properly; thus, the issue is related to hardware. Otherwise, the problem should be associated with the software.
Method 3: Close TeamViewer
If the TeamViewer app runs in the background, it can cause Windows’s “Tab key not working” problem.
Therefore, it is best to close this application. To perform this action, keep on reading further.
Steps to Resolve the “Tab key not working” Issue:
In the following way, you can close the TeamViewer app to fix the Tab key issue.
First, you need to simultaneously open Task Manager on your system by tapping on the keys ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’ keys.
Step 2: Tap on ‘TeamViewer’
After that, you have to select ‘TeamViewer’ and then choose the ‘End Task’ tab.
Once done, you have to press your keyboard’s Tab key to check if the problem persists or not.
Method 4: Restart Your Computer
Most of the time, restarting the system helps restore the functionality of the Tab key. Here are the instructions for restarting the computer.
Steps to Eliminate “Tab Key Not Working”:
Go through the following steps to resolve the Tab key problem.
Step 1: Press ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’ tabs
Firstly, press the tabs ‘Ctrl + Shift + Esc’ simultaneously to open Task Manager on your system.
Step 2: Choose ‘TeamViewer’
Now, visit the ‘Startup’ tab and choose the ‘TeamViewer.’
Step 3: Click on ‘Disable’
Next, disable this application from launching again. For this, you have to select the ‘Disable’ tab.
Step 4: Start your system again
After this, you have to start your system again and wait for the restart procedure to get finished. You need to check if the “Tab key not working” issue still exists on your computer.
Method 5: KVM Switches
Just to rule out hardware, you need to ensure that the keyboard is well-connected to the system and not to some switches or middle devices which allow you to control several computers from a single keyboard.
For users who own a setup like this one, the problem with your Tab key may be due to this switch device.
Now, it is best to disconnect the keyboard from there and reconnect the same directly to your system. Check if the problem goes away or is still there!
Method 6: Close Synergy
Sometimes, the problem with the Tab key occurs not because of a hardware switch but with programs like Synergy.
It is a small application that enables users to share their keyboard and mouse with other systems through a network connection.
Synergy is a pretty good application as it is free. Plus, you do not require hardware to share the mouse and keyboard.
In addition, you could share it between a Linux, Windows, and Mac machine as they feature software for all of these operating systems.
So, whatever the reason, Synergy can stop the Tab key from working properly on Windows. If you are facing the same issue, uninstall this program and check if it starts to work again.
Method 7: Try Keyboard Combinations
Based on their systems, users might have pressed several key combinations that disabled or enabled something on Windows, which causes your Tab key to function no more properly.
In that case, please try the following keyboard combinations and examine if your Tab key starts to function after trying out each combination.
- Alt + 0 + 0 + 9
- Tap the ‘Windows’ tab twice (switches off StickKeys)
- Tap the key ‘Alt’ twice
- Press the tab ‘Ctrl’ twice
Method 8: Disable Xerox Printer Drivers With MSCONFIG
Try this one out if the above method does not work for you. A few users come across the issue “Tab key not working” while having installed Xerox print drivers on their systems.
Specifically, the Xerox Job Tracker procedure is branded for causing problems with the Tab button. So, move ahead and stop that process or disable it permanently using MSCONFIG.
If you are facing this issue and have several Xerox printer drivers on your system, it is best to uninstall your printers if you do not use them anymore.
Also, you need to get rid of other associated printer software. Hopefully, this will help you eliminate the Tab key issue.
Method 9: Uninstall Keyboard Drivers
Another thing that users can try out if they are facing the “Tab key not working” problem could be uninstalling keyboard drivers. After uninstalling this driver, you can reinstall the same.
To perform this action, you have to navigate to the ‘Device Manager’ tab and then expand the ‘Keyboards’ option. Once done, you need to right-tap to uninstall the driver.
After this, you must restart your system immediately and let Windows install the keyboard again. Hopefully, you will not come across this Tab key issue anymore.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Q: Why is my Tab key unresponsive even after trying the troubleshooting steps? A: If the issue persists after following the troubleshooting steps, it’s recommended to consult a professional technician or contact the manufacturer’s support for further assistance.
- Q: Can a software update cause the Tab key to stop working? A: Yes, in some cases, software updates can cause conflicts with keyboard drivers or settings, resulting in the Tab key malfunctioning. Checking for updated drivers or rolling back recent software updates might help resolve the issue.
- Q: Is it possible to remap the Tab key to a different key on the keyboard? A: Yes, many operating systems and keyboard customization software allow you to remap keys, including the Tab key. However, it’s essential to exercise caution while remapping keys, as it may affect other functionalities.
- Q: What should I do if my Tab key works inconsistently? A: Inconsistent Tab key behavior could indicate a hardware issue. Try cleaning the keyboard thoroughly and ensuring that the key is not physically damaged. If the problem persists, consider replacing the keyboard.
- Q: Can a faulty USB port cause the Tab key to malfunction? A: Yes, a faulty USB port can interfere with the connection between the keyboard and the computer, resulting in keyboard-related issues. Try connecting the keyboard to a different USB port to rule out port-related problems.
Conclusion
So, this is all that you need to do to fix the Tab key not working issue on Windows. When you come across such an issue, do not get annoyed.
Try to know the actual reason for this issue on your system and then look for a permanent fix.
Resolve this issue on your own using the methods mentioned in this article. Try these solutions one by one unless you fix this Tab key issue.
Hopefully, these methods will assist you in fixing the Tab key not working issue effortlessly and effectively.
