In this article you will learn how to fix Windows Key not working in Windows 10 and what are the causes of this issue. There are ten ways to fix Windows Key not working in Windows 10 problem. When combined with other keys on your keyboard, the Windows key is helpful. The Windows key can accomplish a lot of things, including rearranging windows, opening the Action Center, locking your screen, and controlling virtual desktops, in addition to opening the Start menu.
If the Windows key isn’t working, it disables a slew of helpful keyboard shortcuts for launching system programs.
Fortunately, there are troubleshooting methods you may do to resolve the problem with the Windows key not working permanently.
Causes of Windows Key Not Working Issue
The Windows key in Windows 10 stops working for a variety of reasons.
• Debris stuck in your keyboard or the Windows key
• Windows key disabled
• Windows 10 Game Mode clashing with your keyboard
• Mechanically or electrically damaged keyboard
• Bad, incompatible, or outdated keyboard drivers
• Software issues such as a Windows 10 update or a bug in the Filter Key feature
How to Fix Windows Key Not Working Windows 10
It can be aggravating to resolve the Windows key’s functionality, but there are several ways for resolving the issue.
1. Try These Quick Fixes
• Remove any trash lodged in your keyboard and Windows key with a compressed air can.
• To test whether the problem goes away, try using a different keyboard. If not, it could be a software problem rather than a Windows key or keyboard problem.
• Scan your PC for malware that may be preventing your Windows key from working.
• Close any background apps that might override any Windows key shortcuts. Close the background apps one by one with the Task Manager and test the Windows key after each. If you discover a malicious software or process, disable or uninstall it.
• Unplug your gamepad and make sure no buttons on your keyboard or gaming pad are pressed.
2. Enable the On-Screen Keyboard option.
Especially if you don’t have a extra keyboard, enable the on-screen keyboard to explore Windows 10 menus.
You may not utilize the Windows key with the virtual keyboard if it is deactivated on a system level.
Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard > Use the On-Screen Keyboard to enable the on-screen keyboard.
If you can’t get the on-screen keyboard to work through Settings, check out our tutorial for more ways to get the on-screen keyboard to work on Windows 10.
3. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter on Windows 10.
To fix Windows key not working in Windows 10, The built-in keyboard troubleshooter assists in detecting and instantly resolving any issues that may be causing your keyboard to malfunction.
1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security from the Start menu.
2. Select Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters from the drop-down menu.
3. Go to Keyboard > Troubleshooter > Allow the troubleshooter to detect and fix any issues with your keyboard.
4. Turn off the Game Mode
Game Mode is the feature in Windows 10 that makes gaming more enjoyable. This feature provides games priority access to your computer’s CPU and GPU resources for a more steady frame rate. Unfortunately, the feature may generate keyboard conflicts and disable the Windows key useless, but you can turn it off to test whether the key works again.
- To begin, go to Start > Settings > Gaming.
2. On the left pane, select Game Mode and flick the switch to disable it.
3. After disabling Game Mode, see if the Windows key works again.
Note: You can disable Game Mode using a switch above the function keys or beside the CTRL key, depending on your keyboard. Consult your keyboard manual or the manufacturer’s website for further details on the Game Mode feature.
5. Using a Registry Edit, Enable Windows Key
Multiple things, including menu items and keyboard keys, can be restricted using the Windows registry. Then, using a registry edit, you can re-enable the Windows key and see if it works to fix Windows key not working in Windows 10. Here you can get best Registry Cleaner Software for Windows
1. Right-click Start > Run, then type Regedit into the Run box.
2. After that, go to HKEY LOCAL MACHINE and select SystemCurrentControlSetControl Folder.
3. Go to the Keyboard Layout folder and select it.
4. Right-click Scancode Map, select Delete and then confirm the action by selecting Yes. The Windows key can be disabled due to the Scancode Map, which modifies the behavior of the regular keys on your keyboard.
5. Reboot your computer after closing the Windows Registry.
6. Re-register All Apps
It’s possible that re-registering all of your programs will resolve any software issues with your keyboard that are causing the Windows key to stopping working.
1. Select Task Manager from the context menu on the taskbar.
2. Go to File > New Task, type PowerShell, and then click OK.
3. Copy and paste the following script:
Press Enter after running Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml”
4. Restart your computer and see if the Windows key functions properly.
7. Turn on the Start Menu
If the Start menu does not appear when you hit the Windows key, you can enable it in the Windows Registry.
1. Select Start > Run from the menu bar, then type Regedit and hit Enter.
2. Go to the HKEY CURRENT USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer > Advanced key in HKEY CURRENT USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer > Advanced.
3. Next, right-click on the right-hand side panel and choose New > DWORD (32-bit) value from the context menu.
4. Write EnableXamlStartMenu in the key EnableXamlStartMenu.
5. Restart your computer and see if the Windows key functions correctly.
8. Turn off the Filter Keys
Filter Keys is also an accessibility feature in Windows 10 that enables you to regulate the keyboard repetition rate by ignoring repeated keys.
Due to a bug or other software fault that creates issues with your keyboard, this feature may interact with the Windows key.
You can turn off Filter Keys and get back to using your Windows keys.
1. Select Start > Settings > Ease of Access from the Start menu.
2. Next, go to the left pane, select Keyboard, then scroll down to Filter Keys and disable it.
9. Make sure your keyboard drivers are up to date.
Several keys, including the Windows key, maybe break if your keyboard drivers are incompatible or obsolete.
Updating the drivers might assist you in restoring access to the key and its functionalities.
1. Select Device Manager from the Start menu by right-clicking.
2. Expand the Keyboards category, right-click your keyboard, and choose Update Driver from the menu that appears.
3. Choose the option to search for drivers automatically.
Note: You can also check for software updates or new drivers on the keyboard manufacturer’s website.
10. Uninstall and Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
You can uninstall and reinstall drivers to find the ones compatible with your keyboard.
1. Expand the Keyboards category by right-clicking Start > Device Manager.
2. Select Uninstall device > Uninstall from the context menu when you right-click your keyboard drivers.
3. Restart your computer to have Windows automatically reinstall the drivers.
Also check Windows 10 cmd Commands List to fix issue in Command Prompt
Get the Windows Key Working Again
We wish that one or more of these solutions has helped you restore normalcy to your Windows key. If all else fails, you may need to reinstall Windows or obtain a new keyboard.
