alt-enter (cell line breaks) works with the "right" ALT key, but not with the "left" ALT key

Copper Contributor

just wondering if there is a fix to this, perhaps settings. Is there a way to check if the left ALT key is the problem? 

1 Reply
To check if the issue is specific to the left Alt key, you can perform the following steps:

Open any text editor or application where you can input text (e.g., Notepad, Word).
Press and hold the left Alt key on your keyboard.
While holding the left Alt key, press Enter.
If pressing the left Alt key followed by Enter does not create a line break, it suggests that there might be an issue with the keyboard mapping or settings on your computer.

Here are a few things you can try to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:

Check Keyboard Language and Layout Settings:

Ensure that the keyboard language and layout settings on your computer are configured correctly. Sometimes, incorrect settings can cause certain key combinations to not work as expected.
Try a Different Keyboard:

If you have access to another keyboard, try using it to see if the issue persists. This can help determine if the problem is with the keyboard itself or with the computer's settings.
Update Keyboard Drivers:

Make sure that the drivers for your keyboard are up to date. You can usually update drivers through the device manager or by visiting the manufacturer's website.
Check Accessibility Settings:

Some accessibility settings or third-party keyboard software may interfere with key combinations. Check your computer's accessibility settings and try disabling any third-party keyboard software temporarily to see if it resolves the issue.
Test in Safe Mode:

Boot your computer into Safe Mode and test the left Alt key along with Enter to see if the issue persists. If the problem doesn't occur in Safe Mode, it might be caused by third-party software running in the background.
Check for Physical Damage:

Inspect the left Alt key on your keyboard for any physical damage or debris that might be obstructing its functionality. Clean the keyboard if necessary.
By following these steps, you can diagnose and potentially resolve the issue with the left Alt key not working as expected. If none of these steps resolve the issue, it might be necessary to seek assistance from a computer technician or keyboard specialist.