You can find efficient remedies for the Windows key not working on Windows. Our detailed guide includes professional advice and practical techniques for resolving this frequent issue. Don't let a broken Windows key stymie your productivity.
The Windows key on your keyboard allows you to quickly run system program shortcuts, activate your Start menu, and accomplish a variety of other tasks. Losing this feature might be unpleasant since it may slow down your productivity or make your system more difficult to manage.
Fortunately, there are several approaches to resolving this issue. In this post, you will learn about many methods for potentially restoring the functioning of your Windows key on internal and external keyboards. Continue reading to find out how to solve the Windows key not working on your Windows PC.
A computer keyboard contains several fascinating keys. One is the Windows button, which lets you enter the Start menu with a single keystroke. However, it can move between files, directories, and apps by using combination keys like as CTRL, ALT, or Shift.
However, while the Windows key is depressed, users are unable to do any of those functions. You can't just launch the start menu fast; you can't even navigate between Windows, desktops, and so on.
As a result, users will want to attempt a variety of solutions to remedy the Windows key not working issue. So let's keep digging to figure out how.
There are several reasons why a Windows key can cease functioning. According to some experts, it might be the result of spyware or a simple setting that has been deactivated on your computer. Other times, manufacturers design keyboards that deactivate the Windows key while in gaming mode.
Many consumers have claimed that their Windows key stops working due to a variety of reasons. Using user complaints from numerous sources, we were able to pinpoint some of the most prevalent causes of this Windows issue. Examine the list below and confirm the problem at hand. Identifying the problem may assist later in the troubleshooting procedure.
Hardware problem
If your keyboard is physically damaged, it may not operate properly. The most typical cause is damage to the connection that connects the hardware to your PC. Wireless keyboards are less likely to cause this problem.
A new big Windows 10 update was released
Major Windows 10 upgrades might occasionally cause issues with your machine. A driver update may be necessary to correct your hardware, particularly if you use a gaming keyboard.
Windows 10's Game Mode conflicts with your keyboard
Specific keyboards, such as the Razer Blackwidow, have been reported to interfere with Windows 10's Game Mode. To repair the problem, disable game mode and follow our advice below.
The Windows key has been disabled
Some users have reported that the Windows key is not working since it has been deactivated in the system. It might have been deactivated by a program, a user, spyware, or Game Mode.
Windows 10's Filter Key Bug
There is a known fault in Windows 10's Filter Key function that creates problems while typing on the login screen.
After identifying some frequent reasons, we may go on to solve the problem. Our post will show you the most efficient techniques for recovering the functioning of your Windows key. Even if you have no prior troubleshooting knowledge, following these procedures will allow you to effortlessly resolve all issues.
Users may swiftly do a variety of activities thanks to keyboard shortcuts. The Windows button is one of the most useful keyboard shortcuts or single keys. However, people come into problems when this stops operating.
So, before debugging, we recommend that you enable the on-screen keyboard in Windows 10. This will make it easier to explore menus and follow instructions, even if you need to use the Windows key to start certain programs. It's worth noting that if the Windows key is disabled on the system level, the virtual keyboard may not enable you to use it.
Here's how to use the on-screen keyboard in Windows 10:
To open the Settings app, click on the gear symbol in the Start menu. Alternatively, you may access the program by hitting the Windows and I buttons on your keyboard. Select the Ease of Access tile. Scroll down in the left-side panel and choose Keyboard from the Interaction section. To enable the virtual keyboard in Windows, click the toggle next to "Use the On-Screen Keyboard".
As previously stated, the Filter Keys function contains a known fault that causes problems with your keyboard. You may easily disable Filter Keys by following the methods below, possibly restoring Windows key functionality in minutes.
To launch the Run utility, press the Windows + R keys on the on-screen keyboard, then type "control" and click the OK button. This will open the Control Panel. Make sure the view mode is set to Category. Then, click on the Ease of Access heading.
Click the "Change how your keyboard works" link in the Ease of Access Center. Ensure that the checkbox next to "Turn on Filter Keys" is empty. If you notice a checkmark, just click to erase it.
Click the Apply button, then OK. You should be able to test whether your Windows key works properly now.
PowerShell is a very powerful tool for making changes to your computer and troubleshooting. It allows you to run commands and directly instruct your PC what to do using a scripting language. This may seem hard at first, but don't worry; we'll guide you through everything you need to accomplish.
Note: To complete the majority of the tasks in the instructions below, you must have a local user account with administrator privileges.
PowerShell is a very powerful tool for making changes to your computer and troubleshooting. It allows you to run commands and directly instruct your PC what to do using a scripting language.
This may seem hard at first, but don't worry; we'll guide you through everything you need to accomplish.
Press the Windows + R keys on the on-screen keyboard. This will bring up the Run utility. Type "Powershell" and then press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter buttons on your keyboard. You're launching PowerShell with administrator privileges. If asked, select Yes to enable PowerShell to make modifications to your device.
Once in PowerShell, copy and paste the following command and press the Enter key to run it: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}.
After the command has done executing, you should be able to use the Windows key again. If it doesn't work right away, try another approach in our post.
You may just attempt a Registry edit to get everything back in working order.
Warning: Before you begin this procedure, we recommend making a backup of your Registry.
To launch Run, press the Windows + R keys on your on-screen keyboard, and then type "Regedit" into the input area. To start the Registry Editor, press the OK button. You may move about the Registry Editor by expanding folders with the arrow symbol next to their names.
Use this to locate the following Registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\ Keyboard Layout Alternatively, you may copy and paste the key into the Registry Editor's address box for speedier navigation.
To delete the "Scancode Map" registry key, right-click it and select "Delete". If you can't discover this key, it's most likely not on your device; try an alternative technique below. After removing the "Scancode Map," exit the Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Microsoft acknowledges the need for game enhancements in Windows 10. This is why the Game Mode function exists. However, it is far from flawless and may cause conflicts, deactivate necessary functionality, or otherwise deliver a poor gaming experience.
Users have claimed that Game Mode creates keyboard conflicts, rendering the Windows key useless. You may quickly turn it off using our easy instructions to see whether it causes any issues.
Click the Start menu (Windows icon) on your taskbar and select Settings. If you've enabled the on-screen keyboard, you may also utilize the Windows + I keyboard shortcut. Select "Gaming" from the available menu selections. Navigate to the "Game Mode" tab using the menu in the left panel. Make sure that the toggle under "Game Mode" is set to "Off."
Making a new user account is an unusual but simple remedy for problems with the Windows key. If everything works OK for the new user, just transfer your files and start using the new account.
Go to the Start menu and select "Settings." You may also use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut from the onscreen keyboard. Select the "Accounts" tile. Using the panel navigation on the left, select the "Family & other users" option.
Scroll down and select the "Add someone else to this PC" option. The quickest approach to establish a new user for yourself is offline; we'll utilize this method to set up the account.
Instead of signing in to your Microsoft account, select the "I don't have this person's sign-in information" link. Next, select the "Add a user without a Microsoft account" link. Enter a username and optionally a password, then click Next. You should instantly notice a new user created, which you may now use.
Windows 10 includes the System File Checker by default. It's also known as a "SFC scan," and it's the quickest approach to automatically resolve damaged system files and other issues.
Running this scan has proved to resolve difficulties with the Windows 10 reset failing. Here's how to run it.
Press the Windows + R keys on the on-screen keyboard. This will bring up the Run utility. Type "cmd" and then hit the Ctrl + Shift + Enter buttons on your keyboard. By doing so, you give the Command Prompt administrative privileges. If asked, select Yes to let the Command Prompt make modifications to your device.
Wait for the SFC scan to finish scanning and fixing your computer's faulty files. This may take a long time; do not close the Command Prompt or shut down your machine. Restart your device after the scan is finished.
DISM, like System File Checker, is a command for repairing an image of Windows 10. By executing it, you may be able to resolve the issue that has caused your Windows key to lose functioning.
Press the Windows + R keys on the on-screen keyboard. This will bring up the Run utility. Type "cmd" and then hit the Ctrl + Shift + Enter buttons on your keyboard. By doing so, you give the Command Prompt administrative privileges. If asked, select Yes to let the Command Prompt make modifications to your device.
Once at the Command Prompt, enter the following two instructions and press Enter to run them: StartComponentCleanup, Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
Wait for the instructions to finish executing before restarting your computer. You should be able to determine whether the Windows key has ceased working.
If you encounter similar problems with your system in the future, please refer back to our page and try some additional remedies. If nothing else works, we recommend contacting Microsoft's customer service staff or finding an IT professional to assess the health of your computer.
In many situations, the problem is more tied to software than hardware. Because if the keyboard hardware breaks, it will most likely stop working. However, there are always exceptions. And the best way to find out is to try these 11 approaches. So, try each approach until you have fixed your keyboard.