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January 26th, 2023 10:00

Dell XPS 13 9300 Ctrl keys not working

Hello everyone, I am mostly happy with my Dell XPS 13 9300. However there is one major issue: both CTRL keys will not function. I've tried most of the methods found online, but none have worked. Does anyone know a solution? I appreciate it.

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January 26th, 2023 11:00

Thank you for replying. I did use an external keyboard and the CTRL keys work fine. Do you happen to know a way that doesn't involve replacing anything?

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January 26th, 2023 11:00

Try a USB keyboard, or the on-screen keyboard.  If those show correct function of the CTRL key, you will need to replace the palmrest assembly (the keyboard is not separately replaceable on this model).

https://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=category&id=143&subid=1436&refine=keyboard

 

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January 26th, 2023 12:00

If it were one or the other key, but not both it could be that one has something jammed under it but with both, that's not the case.  If that key is not working on either side, the keyboard-palmrest assembly needs to be replaced.

It's not an easy process -- the service manual has the details:

https://www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/xps-13-9300-laptop/docs

 

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January 26th, 2023 12:00

I appreciate your help. 

1 Message

March 30th, 2023 03:00

I have the same issue.

Both ctrl keys are not working anymore on my XPS 9300. 

I checked on the on screen keyboard and they are not working there as well.

On the external keyboard ctrl keys work fine.

This is very weird.

Is this an hardware or software (driver) problem?

Any ideas from anyone?

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February 6th, 2025 14:17

Got the same issue on both keys, but time ago I've discovered that pressing repeatedly both buttons sequentially turned out to make them work but just temporarily. Was looking if progress had been made somehow as it's pretty cumbersome to have this issue whenever I'm not using the external keyboard (that works fine obviously).

Wish to hear if there is any interest on DELL's side to fix this on such expensive products Thanks.

(edited)

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February 27th, 2025 06:09

Yet another person with the same issue. I was told it is not worth replacing it all to fix. Not great. On mine if I try two ctrl keys and V I paste 5v - I think this is a driver issue.

(edited)

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June 30th, 2025 13:04

Hello, I have the exact same issue. Both CTRL keys only work once in a while, after pressing them multiple times…. What are the solutions for this ?

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June 30th, 2025 14:17

@NotLeandre​ unfortunately the only solution seems to be the replacement of the keyboard component. But honestly, on a so cheap device (I'm ironic, obviously) having such a fault from a device produced by DELL (which should be warranty of quality and reliability) is frustrating on such premium and costly devices. Long live China!?!

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November 26th, 2025 09:22

I have the exact same issue. Following this thread for the solution as my laptop doesn't have warranty anymore.

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November 26th, 2025 09:47

Change brand? It's hateful to have a problem of this type on such expensive machines and being left with the only option of changing motherboard 

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