MacBook Pro keyboard keys not working on start up but then start to work.

Hello PRJ1227,

We'd like to help with the keyboard issue you're experiencing on your Mac.

We appreciate the details and steps you have taken so far in attempt to resolve the issue. We can look into additional troubleshooting steps that can help isolate the issue to the software or hardware.

You mentioned that you have completed some resets. Can you let us know which ones you have tried?

Also, let's ensure your macOS is up to date using this resource: How to update the software on your Mac

If the issue persists after updating your Mac, you can also try the steps in the "If other keys don’t work" section of this resource: If your Mac doesn’t respond to key presses

If the issue persists after completing the steps above, we can further isolate the issue by testing it out in a different user account. If you do not have another user account set up on your Mac, you can set one up using the steps in this resource: Set up users, guests, and groups on Mac

Once in the new user account, simply test to see if the issue persists.

Let us know how it goes.

Hello PRJ1227,

Thank you for your response and for taking the time to complete those steps.

Since the issue persists in another user, this indicates that the issue is system wide. One last isolation step we'd like to try to see if the issue may be software or hardware related is to boot into macOS Recovery.

To proceed, boot into macOS Recovery using the steps in the "Start up your Intel-based Mac in macOS Recovery" section of this resource: Use macOS Recovery on an Intel-based Mac

Once booted into macOS Recovery, select the "Safari" option you see on the screen. Once Safari is open, test to see if those same keys work when you type into the address bar in Safari.

If the issue does not occur and the keys work properly, quit Safari and follow the steps in the "Reinstall macOS" section of the resource we shared above. This will reinstall macOS and may help resolve what is causing the keyboard behavior.

However, if the issue persists while typing in the Safari address bar, then you may need to consider getting the device serviced. You can start by doing a quick Apple Diagnostics on your Mac using this resource: Use Apple Diagnostics to test your Mac

Then connect with Apple Support to share your findings, so they can go over service options with you: Get Support

We hope this helps!

Hello PRJ1227,

We appreciate you keeping us updated on this issue, and for trying the troubleshooting steps we provided.

Since the issue did persist in macOS Recovery and after reinstalling macOS, then it is possible that the issue is hardware related.

At this point, we would recommend getting the device serviced so it can be inspected and diagnosed properly.

Connect with Apple Support using this link so they can work with you and go over service options with you: Get Support

You may also find this resource helpful to get your Mac ready for service: Get your Mac ready for service

Thank you!

Hello PRJ1227,

Thank you for following up with us.

Without an in-depth diagnostic we can't determine the cause of the error code you encountered when trying to use Apple Diagnostics.

To properly investigate and diagnose the issue, the device will need to be inspected by a technician at an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Thank you!