What to do if Ctrl + Alt + Del is not working in Windows 10

We tend to use shortcuts and key sequences in using our computers as it is a way to multitask and to make things easier and faster. One of the most useful key sequences is the Ctrl + Alt + Del as it helps users in escaping an issue or ends a function or to simply get rid of irksome programs.
The keyboard sequence, Ctrl + Alt + Del, if pressed, will send a command to the CPU to open a window with menu that allows users to access tasks like locking the computer, switching users, signing out, opening the task manager as well as shutting the system down. And if your system freezes or is wrecked, you have to use the key sequence, Ctrl + Alt + Del to reboot the entire system.
In some cases when programs crash, most users open the Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys and end the affected program’s process. Aside from that, you also have the option to repair, make some changes, test, end program’s process and start the program all over again. However, there are times when this key sequence does not function properly. This kind of issue occurs when you have updated the system with unofficial firmware or have installed some third party programs. Take note that changes will be made in the Registry where default values are modified once you install some third party app. In such case, you have to identify the troubled application and uninstall them.
In this post, we’ll show you what you can do to fix the issue with the Ctrl + Alt + Del sequence but before you try out the suggestions in this post, you have to clean up the keyboard keys physically and see if you have missed Windows Updates. You must also make sure that your system is not infected with some malware so you need to scan your computer for malware.
Refer to the given options below to fix the issue with the Ctrl + Alt + Del sequence.
Option 1 – Try running System Restore
The issue might be caused by some changes in the Windows settings so you have to switch back the settings back to its original state and by running system restore.
Option 2 – Verify if it’s a hardware problem
You might want to check your keyboard as the problem could stem down to it. To easily do that, you can connect your keyboard to another computer. And if you find that the keyboard is indeed defective, you have to replace it with a different one that’s working properly.
Option 3 – Try resetting the keyboard
There are cases when some software can change the default settings of your keyboard. As a result, your keyboard malfunctions and you get the Ctrl + Alt + Del issue. So you have to reset the keyboard back to its default settings to fix the problem.
Option 4 – Perform a Clean Boot
Putting your PC into a Clean Boot State helps you in checking if the problem is caused by some third party app. To rule out this possibility, follow the steps below.

Log onto your PC as administrator.
Type in msconfig in the Start Search to open the System Configuration utility.
From there, go to the General tab and click “Selective startup”.
Clear the “Load Startup items” checkbox and make sure that the “Load System Services” and “Use Original boot configuration” options are checked.

Next, click the Services tab and select “Hide All Microsoft Services” check box.

Click Disable all.
Click on Apply/OK and restart your PC. (This will put your PC into a Clean Boot State. And to configure Windows to use the usual startup, just simply undo the changes.)

After putting your PC in a Clean Boot State, try creating a system restore point and see if the problem still occurs. Clean Boot troubleshooting is designed to help you isolate the problem. For you to execute a clean boot troubleshooting, you must do a couple of actions (the steps are given above) and then restart your PC after every action. You might have to disable one third-party app after the other to really isolate the issue. And once you’ve narrowed down the problem, you can either disable the third party app that’s causing the problem or remove it. Note that you must switch your PC back into the Normal Startup mode after you’re done troubleshooting the problem. Here’s how you can do it:

From the “Start” menu, go to System Configuration.
After that, switch to the General tab and click the option for “Normal Startup”.
Next, go to the Services tab and clear the checkbox for “Hide all Microsoft services”.
Then find and click “Enable all” and if prompted, you have to confirm.
Afterward, go to the Task Manager and enable all the Startup programs and confirm the action.
Restart your PC when prompted.

You could also check out a one-click solution known as [product-name] in fixing the Ctrl + Alt + Del key sequence. This program is a useful tool that could repair corrupted registries and optimize your PC’s overall performance. Aside from that, it also cleans out your computer for any junk or corrupted files that help you eliminate any unwanted files from your system. This is basically a solution that’s within your grasp with just a click. It’s easy to use as it is user-friendly. For a complete set of instructions for downloading and using it, refer to the steps below.
Perform a full system scan using [product-code]. To do so, follow the instructions below.

Turn on your computer. If it’s already on, you have to reboot
After that, the BIOS screen will be displayed, but if Windows pops up instead, reboot your computer and try again. Once you’re on the BIOS screen, repeat pressing F8, by doing so the Advanced Option shows up.

To navigate the Advanced Option use the arrow keys and select Safe Mode with Networking then hit
Windows will now load the SafeMode with Networking.
Press and hold both R key and Windows key.

If done correctly, the Windows Run Box will show up.
Type in the URL address, [product-url] in the Run dialog box and then tap Enter or click OK.
After that, it will download the program. Wait for the download to finish and then open the launcher to install the program.
Once the installation process is completed, run [product-code] to perform a full system scan.