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Easy way to fix non functional ctrl key

Ctrl key buttons refused to work on laptop?
  • Tried pressing Ctrl + Alt + Fn? Mixed result.
  • Reboot hardware? No dice.
  • Pressing Ctrl + Left click on Touchpad? Worked

I am not sure what exactly caused the problem as the issue surprisingly affects more models than expected.

Comments

You are using Gnome and installed most likely with Anaconda. nevertheless, here is some thing to review

# This note explains how to remove two key combinations that interfere with the keyboard when used with GNOME
# The problem manifests itself when trying to use the key above the [tab] and to the left of the [1]
# Without following the instructions herein, that [~ `] is unreachable.
# The location of keybindings is buried deep within subdirectories of the editor.

/usr/bin/dconf-editor

# The explanation follows.
#------------------------
# Start the dconf-editor and follow the schema to /org/gnome/desktop/wm/keybindings/
# In my case I looked for for switch-group
# The value before the change : ['Above_Tab','Above_Tab'] Note that "switch-groups" has two setttings,
# Remove the right most setting ",'Above_Tab'" by deleting from right to left.
# While you are erasing the characters, from right to left, you have a highlight for an error indication
# That highlight will disappear when you erase the comma following the first argument.
# You will note an error indication until you arrive at the first parameter
# Your net result should be ['Above_Tab']

# You have to do the same for the shift-setting

# The backwords setting is next to search for #switch-group-backward
# Remove the ,'Above_Tab'

What you need to review is the control key settings. and restore or enable what was changed.

My fix gives you an idea of what you require to investigate.
The issue about Ctrl key suggests BIOS/firmware related in the laptop as the rest of keyboard works as intended within Gnome Shell session.
I run other operating system like Windows 10 which had the same problem.

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