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How to Fix Windows 11 Terminal Typing on Its Own: Simple Steps to Solve the Issue

Sometimes, Windows 11 Terminal may start typing characters on its own without any input from you. This can be confusing and disrupt your workflow. Fortunately, there are simple ways to fix this issue and get your terminal working normally again.

This article will guide you through easy, step-by-step solutions to resolve the problem. You don’t need to be an expert to follow these instructions.

By the end, you’ll understand why this happens and how to prevent it from recurring. Let’s get started.

Follow each step in order for the best results.

Quick Note Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting, make sure you have completed these quick checks:

  • Check your keyboard: Sometimes stuck keys or faulty keyboards cause typing issues.
  • Close other apps: Background apps might send unwanted input to the terminal.
  • Restart your PC: A simple restart can clear temporary glitches.
  • Ensure Windows is updated: Updates often fix bugs related to system apps.

These quick steps help rule out common causes before diving deeper.

Step 1: Restart Windows Terminal and Your Computer

Often, the easiest fix is to restart the terminal app and your PC. This clears temporary errors or stuck processes that may cause typing issues.

  1. Close the Windows Terminal completely by clicking the X button or using Alt + F4.
  2. Restart your computer by clicking Start > Power > Restart.
  3. After rebooting, open the terminal again and check if the problem persists.

If typing on its own continues, move to the next step.

Step 2: Check for Stuck Keys or Hardware Issues

A stuck or malfunctioning keyboard key can cause random characters to appear. Here’s how to check:

  1. Disconnect your keyboard if you use an external one.
  2. Try typing in another program like Notepad to see if unwanted characters appear.
  3. If the problem continues, try using a different keyboard.
  4. If using a laptop, clean the keyboard to remove dirt or debris that might cause keys to stick.

Hardware issues are common and easy to fix by replacing or cleaning the keyboard.

Step 3: Disable AutoHotkey or Other Scripted Programs

Software like AutoHotkey or macro tools can send automatic keystrokes to your terminal. If you have any such programs running, try disabling them:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Look under the Processes tab for any scripting or keyboard automation tools.
  3. Select them and click End Task to stop them temporarily.
  4. Check if the terminal still types on its own after disabling these programs.

Disabling these tools helps identify if they are causing unexpected input.

Step 4: Reset Windows Terminal Settings

Corrupted or misconfigured terminal settings can cause strange behavior. Resetting to default can fix this:

  1. Open Windows Terminal.
  2. Click on the dropdown arrow next to the plus (+) tab button.
  3. Select Settings.
  4. On the bottom left, click Open JSON file to edit the settings file.
  5. Delete all content in the file or rename the file to settings_backup.json to back it up.
  6. Save the file and restart Windows Terminal. It will recreate a clean default settings file.
  7. Check if the issue is resolved.

This step removes any custom configurations that may interfere with normal typing behavior.

Step 5: Scan for Malware or Keyloggers

Malicious software can cause strange input on your computer. Running a thorough scan is important:

  1. Open Windows Security by searching it in the Start menu.
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection and click Quick scan.
  3. If nothing is found, try a Full scan for deeper inspection.
  4. Alternatively, use a trusted third-party antivirus to scan your system.

Removing malware protects your system and may stop the terminal from typing on its own.

Step 6: Update or Reinstall Windows Terminal

If the problem persists, your Windows Terminal app may be outdated or corrupted. Updating or reinstalling can help:

  1. Open Microsoft Store and search for Windows Terminal.
  2. If an update is available, click Update.
  3. If no update is available or the issue continues, uninstall the app:
    • Right-click the Windows Terminal icon in Start.
    • Select Uninstall.
  4. After uninstalling, reinstall it from the Microsoft Store.
  5. Open the terminal and test if the typing issue remains.

Reinstalling ensures you have the latest and clean version of the app.

FAQs

Why does Windows Terminal type characters on its own?

This can happen due to stuck keyboard keys, background software sending input, corrupted terminal settings, or malware infections.

Can a faulty keyboard cause this issue?

Yes, hardware problems like stuck keys or damaged keyboards often cause random characters to appear.

Is resetting terminal settings safe?

Yes, it only removes custom preferences and restores defaults. Your system and files are unaffected.

Do I need technical skills to follow these steps?

No, all instructions are simple and basic. Just follow each step carefully.

Will malware scans fix the problem?

If malware is causing the issue, cleaning your system will stop the unwanted typing.

What if the problem happens in other programs too?

It likely points to keyboard or system-wide issues rather than just the terminal app.

When Nothing Works

If you’ve tried all the above steps and Windows Terminal still types on its own, consider these final options:

  • Create a new user account: Sometimes user profiles get corrupted. Testing on a new account can help diagnose.
  • Update Windows 11: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install all pending updates.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Windows support page for help.
  • Use alternative terminals: Consider using PowerShell or Command Prompt if Windows Terminal remains problematic.

These options provide a last resort to resolve persistent issues.

Conclusion

Unexpected typing in Windows 11 Terminal can be frustrating, but most causes are simple to fix. Start by restarting your PC, checking hardware, and disabling interfering software.

Resetting terminal settings and scanning for malware often solve hidden problems. Updating or reinstalling the app ensures you have the latest fixes.

If none of these work, use advanced options or seek official support. Following these steps carefully will help you regain control of your terminal quickly and easily.

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