F5F Stay Refreshed Software Operating Systems Keyboard continues to send keys repeatedly once unplugged and despite switching keyboard software.

Keyboard continues to send keys repeatedly once unplugged and despite switching keyboard software.

Keyboard continues to send keys repeatedly once unplugged and despite switching keyboard software.

M
M_Xx_H
Member
173
10-18-2023, 05:24 AM
#1
Hi all,
I'm facing a really annoying problem and would value any suggestions or advice. Sorry, I had no idea where to share this.
Problem:
My computer randomly starts typing the number 3 repeatedly, along with - and = — as if those keys were pressed. This occurs in any text field or input box. It’s particularly odd that it keeps happening even after unplugging my keyboard.
The issue disappears after a restart, but it can reappear—sometimes within minutes, other times after hours.
Things I've tried so far (not very technical, just what I’ve done):
- Tested various keyboards — still the same problem.
- Reprogrammed keyboard keys — no improvement.
- Disabled Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys.
- Performed a full Windows Defender scan — no threats detected.
When it happens:
Most often when using Google Chrome (especially YouTube) and Steam is active.
It began after switching out of a game with alt-tabbing: ROME: Total War Remastered. I’ve removed the game afterward, but the issue remains.
Extra details:
No controllers or gaming devices are connected.
Startup processes look normal.
Restarting temporarily resolves it, but it always comes back.
Do you know anyone who has experienced something similar? Any guidance or further steps would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to share more if needed.
Thanks ahead!
M
M_Xx_H
10-18-2023, 05:24 AM #1

Hi all,
I'm facing a really annoying problem and would value any suggestions or advice. Sorry, I had no idea where to share this.
Problem:
My computer randomly starts typing the number 3 repeatedly, along with - and = — as if those keys were pressed. This occurs in any text field or input box. It’s particularly odd that it keeps happening even after unplugging my keyboard.
The issue disappears after a restart, but it can reappear—sometimes within minutes, other times after hours.
Things I've tried so far (not very technical, just what I’ve done):
- Tested various keyboards — still the same problem.
- Reprogrammed keyboard keys — no improvement.
- Disabled Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys.
- Performed a full Windows Defender scan — no threats detected.
When it happens:
Most often when using Google Chrome (especially YouTube) and Steam is active.
It began after switching out of a game with alt-tabbing: ROME: Total War Remastered. I’ve removed the game afterward, but the issue remains.
Extra details:
No controllers or gaming devices are connected.
Startup processes look normal.
Restarting temporarily resolves it, but it always comes back.
Do you know anyone who has experienced something similar? Any guidance or further steps would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to share more if needed.
Thanks ahead!

S
skynuage
Junior Member
3
10-20-2023, 03:02 AM
#2
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Completed a full Windows Defender scan — no threats detected.
Run Malwarebytes to check for any remnants.
You didn’t specify the brand and model of your keyboard(s) used on the platform.
Have you verified if your system’s BIOS requires an update? If so, provide details such as:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
RAM:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
Include the age of the PSU along with its make and model.
Bios version for your motherboard at this time.
List all connected peripherals and other devices linked to the system.
Have you transferred the problematic keyboard to another device to confirm the problem isn’t hardware-related?
Restarting temporarily resolves it, but it reappears.
Attempt a manual reinstallation of chipset/USB drivers for your platform.
Where did you obtain the OS installer?
S
skynuage
10-20-2023, 03:02 AM #2

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Completed a full Windows Defender scan — no threats detected.
Run Malwarebytes to check for any remnants.
You didn’t specify the brand and model of your keyboard(s) used on the platform.
Have you verified if your system’s BIOS requires an update? If so, provide details such as:
CPU:
CPU cooler:
Motherboard:
RAM:
SSD/HDD:
GPU:
PSU:
Chassis:
OS:
Monitor:
Include the age of the PSU along with its make and model.
Bios version for your motherboard at this time.
List all connected peripherals and other devices linked to the system.
Have you transferred the problematic keyboard to another device to confirm the problem isn’t hardware-related?
Restarting temporarily resolves it, but it reappears.
Attempt a manual reinstallation of chipset/USB drivers for your platform.
Where did you obtain the OS installer?