Alt/Option Key Issue

[U-sWYGE_f1T]

I previously had an issue with the Shift key in that when pressed it would go from showing the desktop to returning to the app I had open. I could not use it to access special characters on the keyboard. Spoke with Apple support over the phone and the person could not fix it so I had to go to an Apple store and after going through a series of diagnostics it was resolved. Don't recall what he did to solve it.

Now I have a problem is with the Alt key in that when pressing it the apps that are open are shown and when I let go it returns to the one I had in focus. Again no access to special characters. So not sure what is happening. Whether I inadvertently did something for this to happen or some sort of glitch of sorts.

Sticky keys are not enabled and Big Sur is the OS.

 

[U-sWYGE_f1T]

So spent 2.5 hours with 3 different Apple online tech support specialists with no solution forthcoming. Back to the genius bar again to get a fix.

 

[chscag]

It almost sounds like you have somehow activated the "Mission Control.app" and are inadvertently switching between desktops.

Have you tried pressing the escape key when that happens?

 

[U-sWYGE_f1T]

Yes, and what happens is that the app that was in focus comes up.

It is unfortunate that Apple does not require the so-called tech geniuses at their stores to document solutions for reference when the same or similar issues arise again.

 

[U-sWYGE_f1T]

So went to an Apple store and got the issue resolved. Seems that somehow in Mission Control the Alt key was set up to activate it. The Apple online techs even though they looked at Mission Control and given that we were screen sharing could not figure it out. No clue if I, inadvertently, pressed a combination of keys to activate that setting.

 

[chscag]

Thanks for posting back. I suspected from your description that Mission Control had been activated. Glad you got it resolved.

 

[Rod]

I just read this and thought it sounded like Mission Control myself. I'm surprised the Apple support person did not come to the same conclusion but then I use Mission Control all the time via Hot Corners.
Anyway U-sWYGE_f1T glad you got it all worked out in the end.