Issue encountered after new linux kernel update

General Linux Question
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Hey everyone,

I’m running into a strange problem after upgrading Fedora (and trying other distros like Mint and Tuxedo OS) where my keyboard starts acting up when plugged in. It’s not executing random commands, but whenever I press keys, the system goes crazy—stuff like the shutdown menu popping up, apps opening and closing, jumping between the desktop and other windows, etc. It makes the PC pretty much unusable when the keyboard’s connected.

The keyboard works perfectly on my Android phone and Smart TV, so I don’t think it’s a hardware issue.

Details:

PC: Lenovo ThinkCentre M92 SFF

Kernels: Happening on Fedora with kernels 6.10.10, 6.10.11, and 6.11.3. Same problem on Mint and Tuxedo OS too.

What happens: Plug in the keyboard, press keys → system starts acting weird (shutdown menu, app switching, etc.). Unplug the keyboard → system behaves normally again.

Additional info: Checked the log files and there seem to be issues with the USB keyboard driver. I see some errors popping up related to that.

Tried booting into older kernels: I also tried booting with previous kernels (6.10.10, 6.10.11), but the same issue happens.

What I’ve tried:

Different distros (Fedora, Mint, Tuxedo) → same issue.

Checked BIOS settings (USB settings, Secure Boot) → nothing out of place.

Haven’t found a fix yet, but the issue persists across different kernels.

Anyone else run into this? Is this a kernel/driver issue or something else? Any help or advice on what to try next would be really appreciated. It’s super frustrating!

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Guess its a usb keyboard ?
But if its faulty on all these versions I would go with hardware issue , try another keyboad first

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Just a question, from when do wired usb keyboards have drivers…? Never heard of it before.

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Try a different keyboard. It’s probably hardware, but it might just be that individual unit.

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Did you try a different USB port?

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Hi @Akshay ,
So it is a wired USB keyboard… not WiFi or Bluetooth?
I can guess at two possible causes

  • check you cable and usb port… try another cable and a different socket
  • the keyboard is somehow not compatable with linux drivers but it is OK on Android. Try another keyboard

I dont think it is software, you have tried many versions and they all do it.

Regards
Neville

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Yes, i have tried that too

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There is always a driver for any piece of hardware - but the USB HID drivers are so generic - they’re just “there” - never need to worry about installing a specific driver (AFAIK).

The last time I experience something like this was a Dell Latitude laptop - cursor and keyboard would go out of control - windows getting dragged around - things getting clicked on…

It turned out to be when the system started getting warm… I actually got a replacement keyboard / palmrest / touchpad assembly - off ebay - but - it’s such a mammoth disassembly task, I haven’t attempted it - I barely use that laptop anymore - I cannibalised the RAM out of it for my Thinkpad… When it used to happen - I’d just shut it down and use something else…

I know that’s not your issue however - with USB keyboard…

If it’s happening in multiple O/S and kernels and multiple USB keyboards - I could only point at hardware USB issues on the mobo… Sorry…

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Ohkk! Thanks for the info!

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What happens if you plug in the keyboard before you turn it on. Does the BIOS see the keyboard and work with it?

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