microsoft/Terminal

CTRL key issue after switching tab with CTRL+Tab

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#19,589 opened on Nov 25, 2025

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Area-InputHelp WantedIssue-BugProduct-Terminal

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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

Research direction
Investigate the keyboard input handling in Windows Terminal, specifically the CTRL key state management when switching tabs. Examine the code paths for tab navigation and key event propagation to identify why the CTRL modifier persists after a tab switch.
Tech stack
cpp
Domain
frontend
Issue type
Bug
DifficultyEstimated implementation difficulty for a new contributor, from 1 for very small changes to 5 for expert-level work.
2
Estimated timeA rough time range for an experienced contributor to investigate, implement, test, and prepare a pull request.
1-3 hours
Activity statusHow available the issue appears right now: fresh, active, stale, blocked, or waiting on maintainer input.
Active
ClarityHow clearly the issue explains the expected change, acceptance criteria, and next step.
Clear
Prerequisites
GitC++Windows Terminal architecture
Newbie friendlinessA 1-100 score estimating how approachable this issue is for first-time contributors.
65