Escape key not working | MacOS Monterrey 12.0.1

I sure that this is related with Siri.app, because CMD+Space long press not working also. Siri app from menubar not responding at all.

How to fix it:

Go to Activity Monitor > Kill process Siri.app

Now Esc will work correctly.

Since it happens with different keyboards, we can rule out a hardware defect.

Try this two simple tests:

1) Create a new account, log in to that account - does the escape key work?

2) Start your mac in Safe Mode (press and hold the power key until you are presented with startup options), and log in to your normal account. Does the escape key work?

Tell us the results of the tests above, and also: Please run Etrecheck and post its full report here. Use the "additional text" button and paste the report into the text box.

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

• Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files

I couldn't find it in Activity Monitor so I killed it using the command line:

```

ps -ef | grep -i siri

sudo kill -9 <pid>

```

I ran the 2nd command for all the Siri processes I found (about 4 IIRC). The PID is the 2nd column of the 1st command.

I am seeing this same issue on my M1 MacBook Air w/ Monterey 12.0.1.

Escape not working in Google sheets, on both Safari and Chrome.

"hey siri" / clicking on the siri menu icon does nothing.

Logging out/in fixes both issues.

$3T company and the escape key just stops working. Quite stellar.

Wow this was exactly the problem!

First notice in Google Sheets on Chrome, but then realized it was system wide.

Force-quit of Siri app fixed it!

I was afraid it could be something with my brand new M1 MacBook keyboard, since my intel Mac running the same version of Monterey and was just fine. When I realized it happened to any keyboard I thought it oughta be something software related.

I used the code below on terminal and it really did bring esc back to life.

 $sudo killall Siri

I guess we're stuck with buggy Monterey until Apple releases the next OS version.

Ya, restart fixed my issue as well.

A simpler solution: disable Siri, then enable Siri in System Preferences solved this in my case. No need to restart, log out log in, or kill Siri process.

killing siri.app solves the problem. Question is why is siri.app overriding my keyboard inputs?

As @Luis Sequeira1 suggested

Etrecheck

Suggest downloading the Application Etrecheck directly from a well Respected ASC Contributor. 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with nor receive compensation from the Developer.

The application is free or paid from added features. 

Run the application with Full Disc Access ( Security & Privacy - Full Disc Access ).

It will take a Snap Shot -  both the hardware and software.

 The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 

Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last )

We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.

Any Third Party Applications that will interfere with the normal operation of the OS, alter, modify, remove or delete or attempt to do so is an invitation for disaster and may require a Reinstallation of the OS.

This includes AntiVirus, Disk Cleaners, Disk Optimizes, UnInstaller etc.

The The Built in Security  is all that is required.

Clearly a software conflict. Same advice as others: Please run Etrecheck and post its full report here. Use the "additional text" button and paste the report into the text box.

That`s it, it works!!

After kill siri.app, the "ESC" key get back working

Thanks alot

Just restart your computer and you will be good to go, worked for me