Ctrl + X Keyboard Shortcut Not Working on Windows 10/11 [Fixed]

The Ctrl + X keyboard shortcut is one of the most commonly used commands in Windows for cutting text, files, or folders. It allows users to quickly move items from one location to another. However, many users have reported issues where this shortcut stops functioning properly in Windows 10 or Windows 11. If you are facing this problem, you’re not alone. This article explores the possible causes of this issue and provides step-by-step solutions to fix the Ctrl + X not working problem on your system.

Common Reasons Why Ctrl + X May Not Work

Before diving into the solutions, let’s understand the potential reasons behind the issue. The Ctrl + X shortcut might not work for various reasons, including:

1. Keyboard Issues: There might be a problem with your physical keyboard, such as stuck keys or faulty hardware.
2. Corrupt System Files: Missing or corrupted system files can cause certain keyboard shortcuts to malfunction.
3. Conflicting Software: Some third-party applications or extensions may interfere with default Windows shortcuts.
4. Keyboard Driver Problems: Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can also be a culprit in preventing certain keys from working.
5. Faulty Windows Settings: Custom configurations or registry issues might disrupt keyboard functions.

Fixing Ctrl + X Not Working in Windows 10/11

Here are some practical steps to resolve the Ctrl + X not working problem on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 machine.

1. Check the Keyboard

Before making any changes to your system, make sure your keyboard is functioning correctly.

• Test the Keyboard: Try using Ctrl + X in different applications like Microsoft Word, Notepad, or File Explorer to see if the issue is application-specific.
• Try Another Keyboard: If possible, connect a different keyboard to your computer to rule out hardware failure.
• Inspect Sticky Keys: Sometimes, the Sticky Keys feature can cause certain shortcuts to misbehave. To disable it, go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard, and toggle off Sticky Keys.

2. Restart Your Computer

A simple restart can often fix many keyboard shortcut issues by refreshing system processes and clearing temporary glitches. Restart your computer and check if the Ctrl + X shortcut works afterward.

3. Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or corrupt keyboard drivers are another common reason for the malfunctioning of keyboard shortcuts. To update or reinstall drivers, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Keyboards section and right-click on your keyboard.
3. Choose Update Driver to search for the latest driver updates.
4. If no updates are found, right-click on the keyboard and select Uninstall Device. Restart your computer, and Windows will automatically reinstall the drivers.

4. Run the System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can interfere with keyboard shortcuts. Running the System File Checker (SFC) tool can help fix these issues. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   sfc /scannow
   

3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, SFC will attempt to fix them automatically.
4. Restart your computer after the scan completes and check if the issue is resolved.

5. Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts

Sometimes, third-party software or applications can interfere with Windows shortcuts. To troubleshoot this:

1. Boot your computer in Safe Mode by restarting your PC and pressing Shift + F8 or selecting Advanced Startup options from the boot menu.
2. In Safe Mode, only essential drivers and services are loaded. Try using Ctrl + X to see if it works.
3. If the shortcut works in Safe Mode, a third-party program is likely causing the issue. Disable or uninstall any recent software you installed before the problem occurred.

6. Perform a System Restore

If the Ctrl + X keyboard shortcut stopped working recently, performing a system restore can return your computer to a previous state where the issue didn’t exist.

1. Press Windows + R, type rstrui in the Run dialog box, and press Enter.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a restore point from when your system was functioning properly.
3. After restoring, check if the issue persists.

7. Reset Windows Settings

If none of the above methods work, resetting your Windows settings can resolve deep-rooted issues, including broken keyboard shortcuts. This option should be used as a last resort since it may cause data loss.

1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Under Reset this PC, click Get Started and choose the option to Keep my files.
3. Follow the prompts to reset your PC. Once the process completes, check if the issue with Ctrl + X is resolved.

Conclusion

The Ctrl + X keyboard shortcut is an essential tool for many users, and when it stops working, it can be frustrating. However, by following the above steps, you can troubleshoot and fix the issue in most cases. Always start with simpler solutions like checking your keyboard and restarting your computer, and gradually move to more advanced options like updating drivers or running system repair tools. Hopefully, with these fixes, you’ll be back to cutting and pasting in no time!