What is the software utilizing which hardware?
What is the software utilizing which hardware?
I'm searching for a tool that can reveal which programs are influencing specific areas of my computer, such as the keyboard. I've recently experienced strange behavior with my z and x keys—sometimes they work perfectly, other times they don't respond at all. This inconsistency has been puzzling me.
I realized this issue became apparent during a game where those two keys stopped functioning completely, making it impossible to hold a directional key while pressing them simultaneously. After a factory reset and sending the PC in for a return merchandise authorization, nothing was found, but the Bluetooth problem was resolved by replacing a faulty MediaTek component with an Intel one.
No one suggested a suitable program for this task. The only options mentioned were Spy++ (whose functionality I'm unsure about) and a tool that checks Windows hotkeys for applications like OneDrive.
I've tried several troubleshooting steps: testing an external keyboard, using on-screen keyboards, removing drivers, adjusting Accessibility settings, booting in safe mode without network, and performing a factory reset (which might be necessary again). I'm hoping to test a game first before fully reinstalling everything.
Unless you have a particular keyboard software, the only communication with your keyboard is through Windows.
Your programs interact with Windows, and Windows communicates with the keyboard.
That’s essentially the purpose of the operating system—serving as a central hub for all things.
Update your message to contain detailed hardware specifications and operating system information.
PSU: make, model, wattage, age, condition (original to build, new, refurbished, used).
Disk drive(s): make, model, capacity, current usage?
Based on what you’ve shared, the keyboard seems to be the issue.
What is the exact model of your keyboard?
Consider using the built-in Windows troubleshooters to identify and resolve the problem.
Have you attempted to download the drivers directly from the manufacturer’s site?
Download, reinstall, and set up the drivers yourself—avoid third-party tools.
I'm looking into whether anything in between is affecting communication for the z and x keys.
Most other keys are working, except for those two.
Updated.
This was my initial concern when I submitted it, after thorough testing beforehand to confirm it wasn't an installation issue—only Bluetooth seemed problematic.
I didn’t mention this one, but I’ve already used the troubleshooter for the keyboard through other methods.
Typically, they don’t uncover anything. The problem usually lies with network troubleshooting.
None found. The keyboard relies on generic drivers.
I also tried that; I’m skeptical about third-party software installing correctly.
It’s a common occurrence. What I meant is that I first noticed the issue while playing a game.
I had certain abilities tied to Z, X, C, and V, but occasionally I couldn’t activate the first two keys. When they did work, I struggled to hold W (move forward) and press either key at once—similarly with SHIFT.
After ending the game, it happened with all other tasks too. Even now, I’m having trouble typing Z and X here.
Attempt another verified working keyboard on a different functional machine.
Assess whether the issue persists on your system or is keyboard-related.
Verify the keyboard configuration might be affecting key behavior.
Check if the bindings were set through any application and confirm they can be reset.
Closing the program may not undo these restrictions.
Consider using "scf /scannow" and "dism" to address potential file corruption.
Reference: https://www.lifewire.com/how-to-use-sfc-...es-2626161
For repairing Windows 10 image via DISM command tool | Windows Central
Is there a method to achieve this on another PC? The problem keys and keyboard are integrated, but I'm certain there might be an alternative—though I haven't tried it before. It seems like a good idea.
My PC's language is English (United States) with a US keyboard layout.
I'm uncertain. The only games that use Z by default are Skyrim for Powers/Shouts, and Guild Wars 2, where I switch F1 to F4 to Z, X, C, and V. I strongly doubt that remapping keys in a game would change the keyboard outside of the game—not sure if this is even possible.
I'll attempt the CMD commands until I understand how to use my laptop's keyboard on another PC.
This was also my thought when I submitted it, and I'm still trying to figure out why they (ASUS) didn't notice it.
Perhaps I'll have to resend it if I can't solve the issue myself, especially if the last option—factory reset without saving or restoring data—fails.
Verify with a different keyboard to determine if the issue persists. If you lack another keyboard, it's advisable to obtain an inexpensive one, as having an additional one is convenient. Regarding the specific question, yes, there exists a method to identify which software is utilizing which hardware through the driver loaded in Process Explorer. Nevertheless, this approach isn't particularly helpful here since keyboards no longer depend on specialized drivers for operation—they all rely on the standard Windows version.