The Windows key has a plethora of functions, making it useful to both novice and expert users. The Windows key has stopped working for a small number of users on Windows 10, and we’ll show you how to fix it in this article.
Solution for Windows Key Not Working
1. Changing the Registry
Many people report that the Windows key stops working if there is a problem with your registry. However, this problem may be fixed by simply editing your registry.
As a precaution, we advise you to export your registry and utilise the exported registry file as a backup in case something goes wrong. In order to alter your registry, perform the following steps:
Step 1: To begin, open Task Manager and select File Run new task from the drop-down menu.
Step 2: Type regedit into the search bar and hit Enter or OK.
Step 3: Go to HKEY LOCAL MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKeyboard Layout Key on the left pane now. Step 4:
Step 4: Locate and delete the Scancode Map registry entry by expanding the Keyboard Layout key. Close Registry Editor and restart your PC after you’ve completed this step.
If you are unable to locate the Scancode Map item on your computer, it is possible that it is not installed on your computer.
2. Run a Virus and Malware Scan
Malware and viruses can sometimes cause issues with the Windows key and even disable it. If you’re unsure if your computer is compromised with malware, run a thorough system scan.
In addition, run malware removal software like Malwarebytes to see whether anything has been infected. Using the Windows key is a common practise for expert users. You should check if Gaming mode is on if the Windows key does not work on your Windows 10 computer.
3. A System File Checker Scan
Some parts of Windows 10 may stop operating if your installation becomes corrupted. An sfc scan may be necessary if your PC’s Windows key isn’t working.
Simply follow these guidelines:
Step 1: To begin, open Task Manager and select File Run new task from the menu options. Next, when the window for creating a new task pops up, type CMD and select the option to grant this task administrative privileges.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow into the Command Prompt and hit Enter. Sit tight as Windows 10 does a system scan.
Restart your computer after the scan is complete.
Next, restart your computer and verify that the problem has been repaired. Run Dism/Online /Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth command again if the problem persists. Check to see if the issue has been resolved once the procedure has been completed.
4. Disabling the Gaming Mode
If you have a gaming keyboard, it’s likely that Gaming mode is an option you can utilise. When you’re playing a game, you don’t want to accidentally press a key that could disrupt your progress.
If you unintentionally press the Windows key while playing a game, for example, the game will be minimised and the Start Menu will be opened. Inadvertently activating the Gaming mode when cleaning the keyboard is a common occurrence for those who don’t realise their keyboard supports it.
If the Windows key on your keyboard doesn’t work, check to see if the Gaming mode is enabled. Check your keyboard for this switch, which is normally located above the F2 and F3 buttons, and has a joystick picture next to it. Use it to disable Gaming mode.
To turn off the gaming mode on some keyboards, such as the Apex M800, you must hold down the SteelSeries button and click the Windows key at the same time.bThere are a variety of ways to disable Gaming mode on different keyboards, so read the instructions in your keyboard’s manual to find what technique works best for your device.
5. The Win Lock Button
In certain keyboards, a Gaming mode switch is included, whereas in others, a Win Lock button is included. When you press the win Lock button, the Windows key on your keyboard will be disabled. Check to see if this key is available on your keyboard.
Find it near the right Ctrl button on your keyboard, as this is where many users say it should go. The Windows key should work again after you locate and push the Win Lock button.
6. Disable or Remove Corrupted Keyboard Drivers
Windows Key Not Working problem can be fixed by uninstalling poor keyboard drivers and then reinstalling the correct keyboard drivers to make space for them. The procedure is as follows:
Step 1: Right-click Start, pick Run, or press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to launch Task Manager, and then select File Run a new task from the menu options that appear.
Step 2: Open the Device Manager by typing devmgmt.msc and pressing the Enter key. To remove the present keyboard drivers, expand the keyboards section and right-click on them and select “Uninstall device.”
In the window that pops up, select either “Yes” or “Uninstall” to remove the problematic drivers.
Step 3: Unplug and replug your USB keyboard if you’re using one, or restart your PC if you’re not. Windows will automatically reinstall the correct drivers, and you may fix any problems with USB connections from this screen.
Check to see if the Window key now works.
7. Powershell
Only a few customers have claimed success utilising a single PowerShell command to remedy the Windows key issue. This sophisticated command-line tool, which you may not be familiar with, allows you to uninstall essential Windows 10 components.
You can use PowerShell to do a variety of things here, but because it’s such a powerful tool, we strongly advise you to exercise caution and care when using it.
Step 1: Normally, Windows Key + S is used to launch PowerShell ( which is a shortcut ). Alternatively, you can run PowerShell by doing the following steps: To open Task Manager, hold down the Ctrl, Shift, and Esc keys on your keyboard.
Step 2: When the Task Manager is open, select File > Run new task from the drop-down menu. Using the command line, type “powershell -i” and press enter. To do this, you must have administrator access. Now Press Enter if you’re using a keyboard shortcut.
As soon as PowerShell is open, type Get-AppxPackage and press Enter. Then, type Add-AppxPackage and press Enter. Finally, type Get-AppxPackage and press Enter. Finally, type Get-AppxPackage and press Enter.
The Windows key should once again function after running this command.
8. Restart Windows or File Explorer
Your Windows user interface is controlled by the File Explorer. The Windows key doesn’t function error can be fixed by restarting Windows or File Explorer on your computer. It also fixes any errors that were preventing it from booting properly in the first place. The procedure is as follows:
Step 1: Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Del at the same moment on your keyboard. Go to the Processes tab, then right-click on Explorer in the list of open windows and select End task. File, then Run new Task, is the third step.
Step 2: Type “explorer.exe” and press Enter key to open it. To be sure that the Windows Key Not Working error has been fixed, proceed to step.
9. Disable the Filter Keys
If your PC has the Filter keys enabled, it can create a variety of problems, including the Windows Key Not Working issue. Repeated keystrokes may be ignored or slowed down by the filter keys.
The filter keys on some keyboards can exacerbate the problem. This could also result in Windows running out of RAM. To disable the PC’s filter keys, follow these instructions:
Step 1: To begin, select Settings from the shortcut menu that appears when you right-click on the Start button.
Step 2: Select Ease of Access from the Settings menu.
Step 3: Next, select the keyboard tab on the left side of the screen.
Step 4: Scroll down and disable any filter keys you find.
Conclusion
You may have found this article helpful in solving the Windows Key Not Working Error on your Windows 10 PC. Also keep in mind that your keyboard could have a faulty component, an electrical problem, or a mechanical problem causing this problem. This may necessitate a keyboard replacement or repair.
