FAQ
TL;DR: One wireless keyboard fixed repeats; "wireless keyboard - it works elegant." If keys repeat across OS, suspect hardware; adjust OS delay, test ports, and try wireless. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17242856]
Why it matters: This helps Windows and Linux desktop users stop unusable typing and pinpoint hardware vs. software causes fast.
Quick Facts
- Confirmed on Windows and Ubuntu in this case, so the symptom wasn’t OS-specific. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17236664]
- Windows knobs: Control Panel > Keyboard; registry HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Accessibility\Keyboard Response\AutoRepeatDelay. [Elektroda, FlashT, post #17236609]
- Hardware context: Asrock M3A770DE board; latest BIOS and CMOS reset already done. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17236599]
- Reflashing BIOS did not resolve repeats here. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17239543]
- Workaround proved: switching to a wireless keyboard stopped the repeats. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17242856]
Is this a hardware problem?
It can be. Repeats across multiple keyboards and OS often indicate a USB path or mainboard issue. As one expert noted, “I’m afraid it might be a hardware problem.” Try a different connection type, such as a wireless receiver, to confirm. [Elektroda, FlashT, post #17236690]
Why do repeats show on both Windows and Ubuntu?
If repeats persist across Windows and Ubuntu, the issue likely isn’t a Windows driver or setting. Cross-OS symptoms point you toward hardware, cabling, USB controller, or interference. Use that signal to prioritize hardware isolation steps next. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17236664]
What Windows settings can stop accidental repeats?
Open Control Panel > Keyboard and increase the Repeat delay. If needed, adjust HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Accessibility\Keyboard Response\AutoRepeatDelay. These changes curb OS-level repeat behavior. They won’t fix electrical noise or hardware faults. Reboot after registry edits for consistent results. [Elektroda, FlashT, post #17236609]
How do I adjust key repeat on Ubuntu/Linux?
Use Settings > Keyboard (or Universal Access) to increase Key Repeat Delay and reduce Repeat Rate. On X11, advanced users can try xset r rate . Test typing in a simple editor after each change to confirm improvement. [“Change how quickly the keyboard repeats”]
Does switching USB ports help?
Front-panel or worn ports can add instability. Try direct rear I/O motherboard ports and avoid hubs during tests. In this case, changing USB ports didn’t help, so deeper hardware checks were needed. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17236547]
Will updating BIOS or resetting CMOS fix it?
Sometimes firmware resets help, but not always. Here, a fresh BIOS flash and prior CMOS reset did not stop repeats. Treat firmware steps as diagnostics, then continue to isolate USB path or try another keyboard interface. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17239543]
Will a wireless keyboard avoid repeats if wired ones repeat?
It can. In this case, moving to a wireless keyboard solved the problem. As reported, “wireless keyboard - it works elegant.” This points to a fault along the wired USB path or interference. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17242856]
Can you give me a quick 3-step test to isolate the cause?
- Boot a Linux live USB and test typing; note if repeats persist.
- Try a different keyboard type (e.g., wireless USB receiver) on rear I/O ports.
- If repeats remain, inspect motherboard USB and cabling, not just OS settings. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17236535]
Could a USB hub or power issue be involved?
Yes. USB 2.0 ports supply up to 500 mA per port. Overloaded bus-powered hubs can behave erratically. Test the keyboard directly on a rear motherboard port. Disconnect other high-draw USB devices during diagnosis to stabilize the power budget. [Universal Serial Bus Specification, Revision 2.0]
What motherboard and BIOS status were reported in this thread?
The system used an Asrock M3A770DE with the latest BIOS at the time. The user also reset CMOS. Those steps did not eliminate the repeats, steering the diagnosis toward USB path or peripheral changes. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17236599]
Do slower repeat settings actually fix this case?
No. The user tried reducing repeat rate/delay, and it didn’t resolve the behavior. That suggests the root cause wasn’t OS key-repeat timing, but a lower-level issue. Move on to hardware isolation steps if settings fail. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17239304]
Should I reinstall Windows?
Reinstalling Windows is unnecessary when repeats also occur on Ubuntu. Cross-OS reproduction strongly indicates a hardware-side cause. Spend effort on hardware isolation and alternative input devices instead. [Elektroda, rojasQ, post #17236664]
What if it happens in BIOS menus or before OS boot?
If characters repeat in BIOS, the OS isn’t the cause. Focus on the keyboard, USB cable, ports, and motherboard. Testing in firmware menus is a clean way to separate software from hardware faults. [Elektroda, g107r, post #17239382]
