Windows Key Not Working. Causes And Solutions

the key of Windows on your keyboard not only helps you access the Start menu, but it is also a key component in most of the keyboard shortcuts. One Windows key does not work, it will impede your workflow and affect your experience with Windows 10.

Whether to lock Windows, start the “Configuration"Or the command"Run”, the Windows key has a great weight in the functionality of the operating system. That is why there is only one key dedicated to it.

In most cases, it is quite easy to fix the error that prevents the Windows key from working. But before we move on to the fixes, it is imperative that you understand the various issues that lead to the Windows key not working.

Where is the Windows key located?

Taking its design from the Windows logo, the Windows key looks like a Microsoft advertising sticker and has been present on every Windows keyboard since the launch of the Microsoft Natural Keyboard in 1994.

Originally, computer keyboards with 101 or 102 keys did not have a Windows key. However, since the release of Windows 95 and the shift to keyboards with 104 or 105 keys, the Windows key has become the standard.

Initially, it was placed both to the left and right of the space key between the Alt key and the Ctrl key. However, on most current keyboards, the Windows key is located to the left of the space key only.

Despite this, it has retained its role as a “superkey” for activating key functions via Windows shortcuts.

What function does the Windows key perform?

The Windows key works when combined with other keys, but it also works if pressed alone. Its function is to allow the start menu to open.

Pressing the Windows key prevents you from having to move the mouse cursor to the bottom left of the screen to click the Windows icon.

To close the boot menu, simply press this button again.

Windows Key Not Working. Causes

There are several issues that prevent the Windows key from working. While some are related to the hardware, others are related to software. We have listed some of the issues for your understanding.

We've been able to gather the most common causes reported by Windows 10 users and put together a list that might have a cause that applies to you as well.

1. The keyboard is damaged

If something were to happen to your keyboard itself physically, it could cause operational issues. This is usually due to damage to the cable used to connect the hardware to your PC, physical blocking of the key by dirt or grime, etc.

It may also happen that the plus USB the keyboard is damaged and you cannot communicate with the computer, although in these cases, the failure would be general for all the keys and not just the Windows key.

2. Corrupted or outdated drivers

Drivers are necessary to ensure that all parts of your computer work as expected, even if they are not supported by Microsoft.

If some drivers are missing or outdated, the system will not be able to work.

3. You are using an inappropriate USB port

You may have connected the keyboard to a USB port which is not compatible. It could also be that your USB port is damaged and needs to be replaced.

4. Your power settings are configured incorrectly

Windows offers many ways to save energy. One of these features allows your computer to disable devices, which can affect the operation of the keyboard.

5. Filter key failure

There is a known bug in the Windows Filter key feature that causes typing issues at system startup, affecting multiple keys including the Windows key.

6. A new big update

Sometimes major updates can cause problems on your computer.

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Windows Key Not Working. Solutions

All the problems discussed above are simple and quick to fix. Let's look at the methods to fix it.

We will guide you through the various fixes. Perform them in the sequence they are mentioned for a quick resolution of the error. Let's get started.

1. Check the hardware

Whenever you have problems with the Windows key, check for hardware issues. Check if the keyboard connections are correct and if the Windows key presses and moves as usual.

There is a good chance that something is stuck underneath it, which will prevent it from working effectively. Clean the space underneath the keys with a soft blower and check if the Windows key starts working.

If the Windows key still doesn't work, try using a different keyboard altogether. Now, check if the Windows key works with the new keyboard.

If so, there is a problem with the keyboard itself, and replacing it would do the trick. If not, there is a bug or system setting that is causing the fault, and therefore, you should move on to the next solution.

2. Use the Troubleshooter

Windows has built-in troubleshooters to identify and resolve problems on your computer. In this case, since you are having problems with the Windows key, the “Keyboard troubleshooter” can help you.

To run the “Keyboard troubleshooter” do the following:

• Click on the Windows start menu.
• Now select "Configuration".
• When opening “Configuration", Choose "Update and security".
• In the settings of “Update and security”, you will find a menu on the left, select “Solve problems".
• The “Solve problems”. Choose "Additional troubleshooters".
• Now scroll down, and click on “Keyboard".
• The “ button is displayedRun the troubleshooter”, click it.

Windows It will now scan your system for any issues that are affecting the keyboard performance and fix them. Once the issues are fixed, check if the Windows key starts working fine now.

Sometimes, you will need to restart your computer for the solution to take effect.

3. Disable game mode in Windows 10

Game mode in Windows 10 ensures the smooth running of high-end games by allocating additional resources such as the GPU.

However, the mode tends to mess with your keyboard settings, and in some cases, disables the Windows key entirely. Game mode disables certain keys to make sure you don't lose game progress by accidentally pressing one.

To disable game mode in windows 10, proceeds as follows:

• Click on the Windows start menu.
• Now select "Configuration".
• When opening “Configuration", Choose "Games".
• Once you are in the “Games”, select the “Game mode” from the left.
• Then click the switch on the right under “Game mode” to disable the setting.

After having disabled the “Game mode”, check if the Windows key starts working fine. If not, move on to the next solution.

It is worth noting that there are some desktop versions of Windows that do not have game mode as part of their features. If this is your case, just ignore this method and move on to the next one.

4. Disable filter keys

The filter keys are a built-in feature in Windows that helps make typing easier by ignoring repeated key presses. This helps people with hand tremors to type effectively, but the feature may affect how the Windows key works.

Therefore, disabling the “Filter keys” might help fix the error. To disable the “Filter keys”, proceeds as follows:

• Click on the Windows start menu.
• Now select "Configuration".
• When opening “Configuration", Choose "Accessibility".
• Scroll down the left menu and select “Keyboard" in the section "Soil-structure".
• In the settings of “Keyboard”, locates the option “Use filter keys” and click the switch below it to disable the feature.
• Once you disable the feature, you should be able to use the Windows key without any hindrance.

If this has not solved the problem, continue to the next method.

5. Enable the Windows key in the registry

The Registry Editor has the option to restrict the operation of various functions, including keys on your keyboard. If none of the above fixes have resolved the error, it's time to make some changes to the Registry.

However, you should be aware that any mistake when making changes or modifying other settings, without prior experience, can seriously affect the system and even render it unusable. Therefore, perform the following steps with great caution.

To enable the Windows key in the Registry, do the following:

• Right click on the windows start menu.
• From the drop-down menu, select “Run".
• In the search bar of the new window, type “regedit".
• Then click on "Accept".
• Click on "Yes” in the confirmation box below.
• At "Registry Editor”, navigate to the following address:
  • Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout
• In the folder “Keyboard Layout”, you will find the log file “ScanCode Map”, right click on it and select “Delete” in the context menu.
• Click on "Yes” in the confirmation box that appears.

Once you have made the changes to the registry, restart your computer and check if you can use the “Windows".

In addition, the entry “ScanCode Map”' won't be present on all computers, depending on the configuration. So, if you can't locate it, it's not giving rise to the error, and so, move on to the next solution.

6. Enable the boot menu in the registry

If you can use the Windows key for keyboard shortcuts, but you cannot access the “Start menu”, the “Start Menu” must be enabled in the registry. Also, since we will be making changes to the Registry again, pay close attention to each step and make sure there is no room for error.

• Right click on the windows start menu.
• From the drop-down menu, select “Run".
• In the search bar of the new window, type “regedit".
• Then click on "Accept".
• Click on "Yes” in the confirmation box below.
• At "Registry Editor”, navigate to the following address:
  • Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
• Then right-click on the open space.
• Hover over “New".
• Then select "DWORD value (32 bits)” in the context menu.
• Enter the name of the “EnableXamlStartMenu".

Once you have created the key, close the registry editor and reboot the machine. Now check if pressing the Windows key launches the “Start Menu".

7. Re-register all applications with Powershell

If any of the applications conflict with the system settings, it may prevent the Windows key from working. Therefore, re-register all the applications with PowerShell is the ideal solution.

To re-register applications, proceed as follows:

• Right click on the Windows start menu.
• In the drop-down menu, click on “Search".
• Then in the search bar, type “Windows PowerShell".
• On the first result, right click and select “Run as administrator".
• Confirm by selecting “Yes” in the next window.
• In the window "Windows PowerShell”, enter the following script:
  • Get-AppXPackage-AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$ ($ _. InstallLocation) \ AppXManifest.xml"}
• Then press “Enter".
• Once the script has run, restart your computer and check if the Windows key is working.

8. Run a full system scan

In some cases, the Windows key may stop working if the system is infected by malware. You should run a “Full Scan” with “Windows Security” or any other third-party antivirus.

• Click on windows start menu.
• Now, find and select the application “Windows security".
• In "Windows security”, select the option “Antivirus and threat protection".
• Now you will find the option “Quick test” on the screen. However, we plan to run a full scan, so click “Exam options” to see the other options.
• Now you will find three more scan options, check the “Full Scan” option.
• Then click the “Browse Now” button at the bottom.

The scan will start immediately and you will also be able to see its progress. While the scan is in progress, you can continue working on the system. Once the scan is complete, you will be informed if any threats were found and removed.

9. Restart Windows / File Explorer

If you still haven't been able to fix the Windows key issue, it's time to restart the process.explorer.exeThis solution has worked for many users, so it is worth a try.

• To restart, press the “Ctrl + Alt + Delete".
• Then select "Task Manager” from the list of options.
• At "Task Manager”, select the “Details” tab.
• Here you can find the process “exe".
• Right click on it and then select “Finish homework” in the context menu.
• Click on "End process” in the confirmation box that appears.
• Once the process is complete, the screen will go black for a while and you may not be able to see the taskbar. This is normal and part of the process.
• Press the “ keys againCtrl + Alt + Delete".
• Then select "Task Manager” from the list of options.
• On the screen “Task Manager”, click “File Menu” in the upper right corner.
• Choose "Run new task".
• In the frame "Create new task«, enter «exe«.
• Click on "Accept" on the bottom.

Once the process is up and running again, check to see if the Windows key starts working.

10. Reinstall the keyboard drivers

Corrupted drivers can also cause keyboard issues. In case the error is still not fixed, it is time for you to run and reinstall the drivers.

The process may seem complicated, but it is quite simple and quick. To reinstall the keyboard drivers, proceed as follows:

• Right click on the windows start menu.
• From the drop-down menu, select “Device administrator".
• Next, look for the option “Keyboards” and double-click on it to expand it.
• Now, right click on the keyboard driver and select “Uninstall the device" on the menu.
• Then, if you are using an external keyboard, simply unplug it and plug it back in.
• While in the case of built-in keyboards for computers portable, you need to restart your computer for the system to reinstall the driver.
• Now, check if the Windows key starts working.

11. Run SFC Scan

SFC scan is used to repair Windows system files that may be corrupted. It is an effective solution and you should run it, in case none of the other methods have worked.

To run the SFC scan, do the following:

• Right click on the Windows start menu.
• In the drop-down menu, click on “Search".
• Then in the search bar, type “Symbol of the system".
• Right click on the first result and select “Run as administrator".
• In the command prompt window, type the following command:
  • sfc / scannow
• Then press “Enter".

The scan will start immediately and will take a couple of minutes to complete.

Once the scan is complete, the error should be fixed. If not, move on to the last solution.

12. Run the DISM tool

The last solution you have is to run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool. It is an administrator-level command that checks the status and repairs the Windows image.

To run the DISM tool, do the following:

• Right click on the Windows start menu.
• In the drop-down menu, click on “Search".
• Then in the search bar, type “Symbol of the system".
• Right click on the first result and select “Run as administrator".
• In the command prompt window, type the following command:
  • DISM / online / cleanup-image / restorehealth
• Then press “Enter".

The scan will start immediately and take some time to complete. It may also appear stuck at times, but do not close it and give it time to complete.

To close

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Windows key Your keyboard should be working fine, after you have run these fixes. The fixes discussed above cover almost all the issues and one of them will definitely fix the error on your machine.