Can't type an upper case n in any app.

Question

Level 1

8 points

Can't type an upper case n in any app.

no matter what application I am in when I press Shift-n I get a new Safari window even if Safari is not running. For example, Weather, Textedit, Mail.... (that's why this sentence begins with a lower case n)

I have looked through the Keyboard Shortcuts in the settings app. I have restarted the computer. I have shut down the computer and turned it back on. The problem persists.

Also, these keyboard shortcuts which are supposed to work in all applications don't seem to work in any.

く All Applications

Launchpad opt-cmd-L

iCloud opt-cmd-/

MacBook Air

M2, 2022

Version 26.2 (21623.1.14.11.9)

What should I try next?

MacBook Air, macOS 26.2

Posted on Dec 16, 2025 9:14 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

102,475 points

Dec 17, 2025 1:56 AM in response to DuckyF

Third-party utilities – Do you have any clipboard manager, hot-key remapper, accessibility tool, macro utility, etc.?

These could interfere with standard shortcuts. Try quitting them (or disabling) and see if it resolves.

Popular Third-Party Apps

Karabiner-Elements: A powerful, free tool to remap any key or combination, ideal for creating "hyper keys" (caps lock as all modifiers) or complex shortcuts.
Keyboard Maestro: Automates workflows, launches apps, fills forms, and creates macros with hundreds of actions, often used with Karabiner for advanced setups.
BetterTouchTool (BTT): Great for creating shortcuts from mouse/trackpad gestures and keyboard combos, but also handles keyboard remapping.
skhd: A simple, fast hotkey daemon for macOS that's lightweight and focuses on responsive keybindings.

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Answer 2

Dec 17, 2025 2:22 AM in response to DuckyF

Does it matter which Shift key you hold (the one on the left or the one on the right)?

Can you type other capital letters, and just not N, e.g., can you press Shift-x and type X?

Does the same happen in Safe Mode?

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Answer 3

Owl-53

Level 10

102,475 points

Dec 17, 2025 3:48 AM in response to DuckyF

DuckyF wrote:

Clicked on "Restore defaults" in keyboard shortcuts. Doesn't seem to have had any effect.

Having " Restore defaults" in keyboard shortcuts " which was a good move on your part 👍

To do a Quick test

Restart the computer in Safe Mode

Then try typing Shift-n.

If the problem disappears in Safe Mode >> it’s 100% a third-party background utility.

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Answer 4

DuckyF Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 16, 2025 9:22 PM in response to DuckyF

Also, when I am in the Mail app opt-cmd-/ checks for new mail just like shift-cmd-n but it completes the check more quickly.

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Answer 5

DuckyF Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 16, 2025 9:45 PM in response to DuckyF

Clicked on "Restore defaults" in keyboard shortcuts. Doesn't seem to have had any effect.

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Answer 6

dialabrain

Level 10

135,827 points

Dec 17, 2025 12:09 AM in response to DuckyF

FWIW, there is no Launchpad in Tahoe.

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Answer 7

Barney-15E

Level 10

122,126 points

Dec 17, 2025 2:57 AM in response to DuckyF

Check the Modifier Keys in System Settings to make sure they haven’t been changed.

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