Unable to use hotkeys on my keyboard

Applicable products： PC
Applicable products：
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Unable to use hotkeys on my keyboard

Problem

Hotkeys fail to work on the computer.

Cause

  • The function keys are inverted.
  • Certain hotkey services or processes could be broken or forbidden.
  • The OSD hotkey driver is not working properly.
  • The Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) service is not working.

Solution

Before everything, check whether all of the function keys (F1 to F12) are working correctly. F1 to F12 can work as function keys or hotkeys. For details, see Using keyboard hotkeys on a HUAWEI computer.

For example, open Internet Explorer and press F5:

  • If the browser is refreshed, it indicates that F5 is working correctly as a function key. Then, press Fn to enable the hotkey function for F1 to F12. Press F5 again. When you see the volume down icon on your screen, it indicates that F5 can now be used as a hotkey.
  • If the volume down icon is displayed on the screen, it indicates that F5 is working as a hotkey. Press Fn to disable the hotkey function for F1 to F12. Press F5 again. If the browser refreshes, it indicates that F5 can now be used as a function key.
  • If you obtain any other result, perform the following steps.
  1. Restart the computer and check whether the problem is solved.
  2. If the issue remains, check hotkey/function key priority settings.
    1. Open Huawei PC Manager, and click the hamburger icon in the upper right corner to launch Settings.

    2. In System settings, scroll down to the KEYBOARD section.
    3. Deselect Function key priority and enable Hotkey priority.

  3. The hotkey function is controlled by Huawei OSDMainService Windows Service.exe and OSDListener.exe, and hotkey functions may be unavailable in the following scenarios.
    (1) Huawei OSDMainService Windows Service is forbidden.
    1. To resolve this, enter "services" in the search box on the taskbar, and select Services in the results to open it.

    2. In Services, find Huawei OSDMainService Windows Service.

    3. Double-click the service and set Startup type to Automatic.

     
    1. Huawei OSDMainService Windows Service is also named "HW OSD service" depending on the service version.
    2. If you cannot find Huawei OSDMainService Windows Service, it may have been deleted. Go to the official Huawei website, search for your device model, and download and install the hotkey driver. Download link: HwOsdSetup.
    3. Avoid installing third-party manager apps on your computer, as some computer features may not work as intended after certain services are forbidden or deleted by third-party manager apps. It is recommended that you use the pre-installed Huawei PC Manager.

    (2) Huawei OSDMainService Windows Service can be found in Services, whereas OSDListener.exe cannot be found in Task Manager.

    • To resolve this, perform the following:
      1. Enter "services" in the search box on the taskbar, and select Services in the results to open it.

      2. In Services, find Huawei OSDMainService Windows Service.

      3. Stop and then restart Huawei OSDMainService Windows Service.

      4. Open Task Manager. If OSDListener.exe can be found, it indicates that the hotkey functions work as normal.

    • If OSDListener.exe still cannot be found, perform the following:
      1. Launch Control Panel and select Uninstall a program.

      2. Uninstall the HwOsd app.

      3. Go to the official Huawei website (https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/driver-list/) to update the official drivers using Huawei PC Manager.

      4. Refer to Install a driver on a HUAWEI computer.

    (3) Huawei OSDMainService Windows Service is found in Services, and OSDListener.exe is found in Task Manager.

    • To resolve this, perform the following:
      1. Launch Control Panel and select Uninstall a program.

      2. Uninstall the HwOsd app.

      3. Go to the official Huawei website (https://consumer.huawei.com/en/support/driver-list/) to update the official drivers using Huawei PC Manager.

      4. Refer to Install a driver on a HUAWEI computer.
  4. Check whether the OSD hotkey driver is working properly with the following steps.
    1. If you have uninstalled and reinstalled the hotkey driver, reactivate the WMI service or restart the computer, and then try the hotkeys again.
      1. Enter "services" in the search box on the taskbar, and select Services in the results to open it.

      2. Find Windows Management Instrumentation Service. Right-click on it and select Restart.

      3. Press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds to perform a forced shutdown, and then restart the computer.
    2. If you have not uninstalled and reinstalled the hotkey driver, follow the steps as stated in (3) Huawei OSDMainService Windows Service is found in Services, and OSDListener.exe is found in Task Manager.
  5. If possible, connect your keyboard to an external testing device to check whether the keyboard works properly.
  6. If testing cannot be performed, switch to BIOS and check whether pressing F5 can switch between languages. If the keyboard is working properly, back up your data, record your Office account, and follow the instructions in Use F10 to restore factory settings on a HUAWEI Windows computer.

If the issue persists

If none of the above solved the problem, back up your data and take your device and proof of purchase to an authorized Huawei Customer Service Center for further assistance. We will do our best to address your needs.

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