I started using a 2010 imac and updated it to the latest version (High Sierra 10.13.6). I have an issue where the brightness and volume keys are not working correctly. They either do nothing or do some weird random stuff. I've tried using both a wired and wireless mac keyboard and the issue happens on both, so it must be a software and not hardware issue. I've unchecked "use F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys" in preferences. I've reset the SMC and NVRAM. Looking online, the same issue has happened to other people but I haven't found anything that solves the problem. Thank you for any help!
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Brightness and volume keys don't work on mac keyboard
- Thread starter afterthought871
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I would try downloading and applying the 10.13.6 Combo Update and see if that irons out the problem. Sometimes the initial update goes awry. The Combo Update often can set things right.
support.apple.com
Once done, use Onyx' Maintenance tools to clean out the caches.
titanium-software.fr
Download macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 Combo Update - Apple Support
The macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 Combo Update improves the security and stability of your Mac, and is recommended for all users.
Once done, use Onyx' Maintenance tools to clean out the caches.
Titanium Software | Operating System Utilities for Mac - OnyX
OnyX is a multifunction utility that you can use to verify the startup disk and the structure of its system files, perform cleaning and computer maintenance tasks, configure some hidden parameters of many Apple applications, and more.
titanium-software.fr
I would try downloading and applying the 10.13.6 Combo Update and see if that irons out the problem. Sometimes the initial update goes awry. The Combo Update often can set things right.
Download macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 Combo Update - Apple Support
The macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 Combo Update improves the security and stability of your Mac, and is recommended for all users.
Once done, use Onyx' Maintenance tools to clean out the caches.
Titanium Software | Operating System Utilities for Mac - OnyX
OnyX is a multifunction utility that you can use to verify the startup disk and the structure of its system files, perform cleaning and computer maintenance tasks, configure some hidden parameters of many Apple applications, and more.
When I try to install the combo update, it gives me an error message stating "the update can't be installed on the disk, this volume does not meet the requirements for this update". I have 390.62 GB available and 499.25 GB total, so I'm assuming it's not a space issue? Thank you.
Hmmm. I'm doing some reading on this error message. Do you have FileVault on by chance? If so, you may have to disable that to run the Combo Updater.
This discussion on Apple's forums might be helpful. Look over this before doing anything with FileVault.
This volume does not meet the requirement… - Apple Community
EDIT: just as an FYI, I used to have a 2010 iMac and my keys all worked fine when I was maxed out to High Sierra. So hang in there... this should be fixable. BTW, what keyboard are you using? One thought I just had... if it's a wireless keyboard, pop out the batteries to reset it if they are removable. Also check this: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Apple+Wireless+Keyboard+Reset/138509
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Hmmm. I'm doing some reading on this error message. Do you have FileVault on by chance? If so, you may have to disable that to run the Combo Updater.
This discussion on Apple's forums might be helpful. Look over this before doing anything with FileVault.
This volume does not meet the requirement… - Apple Community
discussions.apple.com
EDIT: just as an FYI, I used to have a 2010 iMac and my keys all worked fine when I was maxed out to High Sierra. So hang in there... this should be fixable. BTW, what keyboard are you using? One thought I just had... if it's a wireless keyboard, pop out the batteries to reset it if they are removable. Also check this: https://www.ifixit.com/Guide/How+to+Apple+Wireless+Keyboard+Reset/138509
Filevault is turned off. It's a brand new Apple magic keyboard with touch ID that I just bought a few days ago. I just connected it to a 2015 macbook pro and all keys work normally so it's probably not a hardware issue with the keyboard. I think the imac is just too old and I should probably upgrade to a new one. It's probably a lost cause but thanks for your help.
Aha. There's the problem. That keyboard requires macOS 11.3 or later.
Not only does the keyboard require macOS 11 or higher, the TouchID only works on M-series Macs.
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I've noticed the caps lock key is randomly reversing, where when the caps light is on the letters will be lowercase and vice versa. It's super annoying. I understand the keyboard isn't compatible with the OS, but typing works fine other than that and it seems like a weird issue considering it will work fine and then randomly reverse. Do you think there's a fix for that or just something I will have to deal with until pairing the keyboard with an acceptable OS?
I have no good idea. I don't have one so I can only speculate. If it's a firmware bug, you likely can't update it because it's not compatible with your version of macOS. It may well be defective for all we know. Unless you have a good reason to keep it, I'd return it if able and get something more suitable.