Unlock the full potential of your Windows device as we unravel the solutions to fix the Windows key not working issue on Windows 10/11.
Causes of the Windows Key Not Working Issue
There are several reasons why the Windows key may not be functioning properly on Windows 10/11. One common cause could be a hardware issue with your keyboard. To troubleshoot this, try connecting a different keyboard to your computer and see if the Windows key works.
Another possible reason could be a software issue. The Windows registry, which holds important system settings, might be corrupted. You can try fixing this by running the Registry Editor and navigating to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout” to delete any key entries related to the Windows key.
Additionally, some system applications or settings may interfere with the Windows key functionality. You can try disabling the Game Mode feature or checking your keyboard settings to ensure the Windows key is not disabled or remapped.
If none of these solutions work, there may be a deeper issue with your system that requires further investigation. It’s always a good idea to back up your important files before attempting any troubleshooting steps.
Turn off Filter Keys
To turn off Filter Keys on Windows 10/11 and fix the Windows key not working issue, follow these steps:
1. Press the Windows logo key and type “Ease of Access keyboard settings” in the search bar.
2. Click on the “Ease of Access keyboard settings” option that appears.
3. In the settings window, scroll down and locate the “Filter Keys” section.
4. Toggle off the “Use filter keys” option.
5. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
By turning off Filter Keys, you can restore the functionality of the Windows key and resolve keyboard issues.
Use a PowerShell command to restore Windows key functionality
To fix the issue of the Windows key not working on Windows 10/11, you can use a PowerShell command. First, press the Windows key + X and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu. Then, enter the following command: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.
InstallLocation)\AppXManifest. xml”}. This command will help restore the Windows key functionality by re-registering the system applications. Once the command is executed, restart your computer and check if the Windows key is working properly.
This method has been proven to be effective in resolving keyboard issues for many users.
Adjust Registry settings
Adjusting Registry settings can help fix the issue of the Windows key not working on Windows 10/11. Here’s a concise guide to resolve this problem.
1. Press WinKey + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout.
4. Right-click on Scancode Map (if present) and select Delete.
5. If Scancode Map is not present, right-click on an empty area in the right pane and select New > Binary Value.
6. Name the new value Scancode Map.
7. Double-click on Scancode Map and enter the following hex values: 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 03 00 00 00 00 00 5B E0 00 00 5C E0 00 00 00 00.
8. Click OK and close the Registry Editor.
9. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
This method can help fix the Windows key not working issue on Windows 10/11.
Disable Game Mode
To disable Game Mode and fix the Windows key not working on Windows 10/11, follow these simple steps:
1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows logo key on your keyboard.
2. Type “Game mode settings” and select it from the search results.
3. In the Game mode settings window, toggle off the “Game mode” option.
4. Close the settings window.
5. Test if the Windows key now works as expected.
By disabling Game Mode, you can resolve issues with the Windows key not functioning properly. This user-friendly solution can help improve your workflow and eliminate any frustration caused by the problem.
Create a new user account
To create a new user account on Windows 10/11, follow these steps:
1. Open the Start menu and click on the “Settings” icon.
2. In the Settings window, click on “Accounts” and then select “Family & other users” in the left sidebar.
3. Under the “Other users” section, click on “Add account” to create a new user account.
4. Enter the email address or phone number associated with the new user account, or click on “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” to create a local account.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup of the new user account.
By creating a new user account, you can easily switch between different user profiles and personalize settings to suit your preferences.
Perform a System File Checker scan
Performing a System File Checker (SFC) scan can help fix the Windows key not working issue on Windows 10/11. Here’s how to do it:
1. Press the WinKey + X combination on your keyboard to open the Power User Menu.
2. Select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the menu.
3. In the command prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. The SFC scan will start and check for any corrupted system files.
5. Wait for the scan to complete. If any issues are found, the scan will attempt to fix them automatically.
6. Once the scan is finished, restart your computer.
Performing an SFC scan can help resolve software-related issues that may be causing the Windows key not to work.
Use DISM from the Command Prompt
If your Windows key is not working on Windows 10/11, you can use DISM from the Command Prompt to fix it. DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a powerful tool that can help resolve various issues with your operating system. To use DISM, follow these steps:
1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete. It may take some time.
4. Once the process is finished, restart your computer.
DISM will scan your system for any corrupted files and repair them if necessary. This can often fix issues with the Windows key not working.
Check for malware on your computer
To run a scan with Windows Defender:
1. Open Windows Security by clicking on the Start menu and selecting Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security.
2. Click on “Virus & threat protection” in the left-hand menu.
3. Click on “Quick scan” or “Full scan” to start the scan.
If malware is detected, follow the recommended steps to remove it.
Check for hardware issues
Check for hardware issues if your Windows key is not working on Windows 10/11. Hardware problems can often be the primary reason behind this trouble. To start, ensure that your keyboard is connected properly and functioning correctly. If you are using a desktop computer, try connecting a different keyboard to see if the issue persists.
For laptop keyboards, check if the Windows key is physically damaged. Additionally, make sure that the Windows Lock or Win Lock key on your keyboard is not activated, as this can disable the Windows key functionality. Rebooting your system can also help resolve any temporary glitches. If none of these steps work, consider reaching out to a professional for further assistance.
Update keyboard drivers and software
To fix the issue of the Windows key not working on Windows 10/11, it is recommended to update your keyboard drivers and software. This can be done in a few simple steps.
1. First, go to the manufacturer’s website and locate the latest drivers for your keyboard model.
2. Download and install the updated drivers.
3. Restart your computer to apply the changes.
If the issue persists, you can try resetting the keyboard settings.
1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Device Manager” from the menu.
2. Expand the “Keyboards” category and right-click on your keyboard.
3. Select “Uninstall device” and check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device.”
4. Restart your computer and Windows will automatically reinstall the keyboard drivers.
Updating your keyboard drivers and software should resolve the issue of the Windows key not working. If you continue to experience trouble, it may be a hardware issue and you should consider contacting your keyboard manufacturer for further assistance.
