Why does my MacBook Pro not lock the screen with Command-Control-Q?

wrueckert wrote:

When I use “Command-Control-Q” to Lock my screen, I sometimes get the alert sound, and the screen doesn’t lock until I repeat the command. I also have issues with Q not doing anything when I type, for example when I typed the first line of this, I had to hit Q more than once to get it to actually input a Q. The issue seems to only happen once while using an app, for example I only had issues with typing the first Q in this report.

I have repeated this issue with my Macbook’s built in keyboard, my Magic Keyboard, and also a DasKeyboard for Mac, so it’s not a hardware issue. This issue also affects my MacBook Air M1 after installing 15.2

To trouble shoot further you can:

—A SafeBoot Start up your Mac in safe mode - Apple Support will sort many anomalies

Does a quick disk repair before it fully boots up, and certain system caches get cleared and rebuilt, third party system modifications and system accelerations are disabled temporarily.

Login and test. Reboot as normal and test. Caches get rebuilt automatically.

This test will tell you if third party interference; most extensions etc are not loaded in safe boot mode.

—Test issue in another user (or guest user) account Change Users & Groups settings on Mac - Apple Support

This will tell you if it a universal issue or isolated to your user/admin account. 

***if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect the charging cable before booting to Safe Mode. 

This will make it act as a wired keyboard and a successful Safe Boot mode.

unplug all non-essential peripherals when testing

Uninstall all third party apps that are Cleaners/Optimizers/VPN/Anti-Virus

all known to cause issues on the macOS

“Nothing pending that I'm aware of, and it always works fine the second time I fire the command, or the second time I press the Q while typing. For instance when I typed that previous Q I had to hit the key a second time to get it to actually input a Q, then it works just fine until I start using a different app. This sounds insane when I re-read it, but I'm having this issue on multiple MacBooks after the update.”

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If keyboard shortcuts are not working as they should, then

Reinstall the macOS:

Nothing would be lost. It's just that misplaced items would be placed back to where they should be and corrupt system files would be replaced by clean files. Go Here: Reinstall macOS - Apple Support. Important: Prior to installing an update or performing a reinstallation, to prevent data loss, always be sure to Back up your Mac with Time Machine. That way, you can have something to restore your Mac from, should anything go wrong afterwards.

wrueckert wrote:

I'm tempted to try my hand at making a Sonoma boot disc and going back at this point. if anyone has any other suggestions, they would be most appreciated.

 verify your software is up to date…

The current stable release of Sequoia  including bug fixes,  security updates  is macOS 15.3

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

Keep your Mac up to date - Apple Support

“[…]This ‘Q’ issue has persisted even with a wired keyboard and nothing else installed fresh off a reset.[…]”

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Keyboard Key Not Working on a Mac:

Try a third keyboard, and try this keyboard on another computer, seeing if you still get the Q key issue. It might come down to another reinstall. If none of that fixes this, then I recommend you get this serviced:

Getting this Serviced:

A. Take to an Apple store:

You'd setup a Genius Bar Appointment at your local Apple Store, taking it in for service. There, it will be diagnosed, and you'll be provided with your options.

Or...

B. Take this to an AASP:

See an AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) in your local area...

Contacting an AASP: 

1. Go Here: Find Locations - Apple Authorized Reseller
2. Click: Service & Support
3. Enter: your location information
4. See: if there is an AASP nearby
5. Contact: an AASP that shows up, and find out more about the services that they offer to fix the iPhone

“Why does my MacBook Pro not lock the screen with Command-Control-Q?”

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Locking Mac Screen:

Anything Pending?:

I don’t know if anything pending would get in the way here. But if scans, downloads, and updates are pending, then that may overrule when this can be locked.