microsoft/Terminal

CTRL key issue after switching tab with CTRL+Tab

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#19589 opened on Nov 25, 2025

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Area-InputHelp WantedIssue-BugProduct-Terminal

Description

Windows Terminal version

1.23.12811.0

Windows build number

10.0.26200.0

Other Software

WSL Version : 2.6.1.0 / Ubuntu 24.04.3 Kernel Version : 6.6.87.2-1

I'm using a keyboard with french layout

$ Get-WinUserLanguageList

LanguageTag     : fr-FR
Autonym         : Français (France)
EnglishName     : French
LocalizedName   : Français (France)
ScriptName      : Latin
InputMethodTips : {040C:0000040C}
Spellchecking   : True
Handwriting     : False

Steps to reproduce

  • Open a wsl tab
  • Open another wsl tab
  • CTRL+Tab to go the 1st tab and launch showkey -a
  • Type \ (it displays \ 92 0134 0x5c)
  • CTRL+Tab twice (go the 2nd tab and back to the 1st)
  • Type \ (it displays ^\ 28 0034 0x1c)

Expected Behavior

It should display \ 92 0134 0x5c as the 1st time

Actual Behavior

It displays ^\ 28 0034 0x1c (CTRL+)

Contributor guide

Tech stack
cpp
Domain
desktop
Issue type
bug
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
4
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-2 days
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
fresh
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
clear
Prerequisites
C++ knowledgeUnderstanding of Windows keyboard input handling
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
15
Research direction
Investigate the key state tracking mechanism in the terminal's input handling code, focusing on how Ctrl key state is managed when switching tabs via Ctrl+Tab. Look at files such as `src/terminal/input/terminalInput.cpp` or `src/terminal/adapter/terminalAdapter.cpp` for key event processing. There are no linked PRs or comments providing further direction, so the fix should ensure that the Ctrl key state is properly released after tab switching.