Fixing Windows Key Not Working on Windows 10/11

The Windows key on your keyboard is an essential tool for executing shortcuts, accessing the Start menu, and performing various other functions. However, if this key stops working, it can cause disruptions to your workflow and navigation. Luckily, there are several methods to resolve this issue and restore the Windows key’s functionality. This guide will assist in resolving the issue of the Windows key not functioning on both internal and external keyboards. To resolve this problem on your Windows 10/11 PC, continue reading and follow the instructions provided.

First, the Best Website for Safe and Low-Cost Purchases of Windows and Microsoft Office

If you’re looking for a genuine Windows 10 key, this video provides instructions on how to get one at a discounted price.

What are the factors contributing to the Windows key malfunction?

Numerous users have reported instances where the Windows key ceases to function, and there could be several underlying reasons for this occurrence. By analyzing users’ feedback from different sources, we’ve identified some of the most frequent causes of this issue in Windows 10. Below is a list of these causes to help you verify the problem you’re facing. Identifying the underlying cause can be useful in the troubleshooting process later on.

• If your keyboard has been physically damaged, it can cause problems with its functionality. This issue commonly arises from damage to the cable connecting your keyboard to the computer. Wireless keyboards are less prone to this issue.
• A major Windows 10 update was released. It may cause issues on your computer, especially if you use a gaming keyboard. In that case, a hardware driver update may be necessary.
• Windows 10’s Game Mode can cause conflicts with certain keyboards, such as the Razer Blackwidow. Our guide below explains how to resolve this by disabling Game Mode.
• The Windows key may not be working because it has been disabled due to various reasons such as an application, malware, Game Mode, or human error.
• There is a known issue with Windows 10’s Filter Key feature that causes typing problems on the login screen.

After identifying common causes, let’s proceed to address the issue. Our guide is crafted to offer you effective solutions for restoring the functionality of your Windows key. Even if you’re new to troubleshooting, you can resolve the issue by following our step-by-step instructions.

How to Fix the Problem of Windows Key Not Working on Windows 10

Prerequisite: Enable the On-Screen Keyboard

Before troubleshooting, it’s advisable to activate the on-screen keyboard in Windows 10. This facilitates easier navigation through menus and allows you to follow instructions, especially if you need the Windows key to launch specific applications. Keep in mind that the virtual keyboard may not permit Windows key usage if it’s disabled at the system level.

Follow these steps to enable the on-screen Windows keyboard in Windows 10:

1. You can access the Settings application by selecting the gear icon in the Start menuor by simultaneously pressing the Windows and I keys on your keyboard.
2. Select the Ease of Access tile.
3. Click on Keyboard under the Interaction section in the left-side panel.
4. Switch on the option labeled “Use the On-Screen Keyboard” to enable the virtual keyboard functionality in Windows 10.

Method 1: Disabling Filter Keys Feature

As previously discussed, the Filter Keys feature may cause keyboard issues. To resolve this, follow these steps to disable Filter Keys and potentially restore the functionality of your Windows key:

1. Use the on-screen keyboard to simultaneously press the Windows + R keys, opening the Run utility. Type “control” and click OK to open the Control Panel.

2. Make sure that your view mode is set to Category.

3. Navigate to the Ease of Access section and select it.

4. Choose the “Change how your keyboard works” hyperlink located in the Ease of Access Center.

5. Ensure that the checkbox labeled “Turn on Filter Keys” is not checked. If it’s checked, click on it to remove the checkmark.

6. Click Apply and then OK. You can now check if your Windows key functions correctly.

Now, you can begin troubleshooting.

Method 2: You can restore the functionality of the Windows key by using a PowerShell command.

With the use of a scripting language, it allows you to directly instruct your PC what to do and execute commands. PowerShell is a potent tool for modifying your computer settings and resolving issues. It empowers you to execute commands and communicate directly with your PC using a scripting language. At first, everything could seem overwhelming, but do not worry—we will lead you through every step of the process.

Note: You will need a local user account with administrator access in order to perform the majority of the tasks in the guide below.

PowerShell is a robust utility for adjusting computer configurations and addressing concerns. It enables users to execute commands and interact directly with their PCs using a scripting language.

 With the use of a scripting language, it allows you to directly instruct your PC what to do and execute commands.

At first, everything could seem overwhelming, but do not worry—we will lead you through every step of the process.

1. Utilizing the on-screen keyboard, press the Windows + R keys. keys on the on-screen keyboard. The Run utility will launch as a result.
2. Enter “Powershell” and hit the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + Shift + Enter. By doing this, you are starting PowerShell with administrator access.
3. To allow PowerShell to make modifications on your device, select Yes when prompted.
4. After copying and pasting “Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) \AppXManifest.xml”} into PowerShell, execute the command.
5. You ought now be able to utilize the Windows key once more once the command has completed. If it does not work right away, move on to our article’s alternative technique.

Method 3: Modify your Registry

Trying a little Registry modification will do the trick to get everything back in functioning condition.

Note: We advise backing up your Registry before starting this tutorial. If you’re uncertain about how to create and import Registry backups, you can watch the “Registry Backup, Restore, Import And Export” video from Windows Ninja for step-by-step guidance.

This is what you should do.

1. To open Run, simply press the Windows + R keys on your on-screen keyboard, and then type “Regedit” into the input area. To open the Registry Editor, click the OK button.
2. By utilizing the arrow icon next to each folder’s name, you can expand it and traverse the Registry Editor. Locate the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout Registry key using this.

For easier navigation, you may also copy and paste the key into the Registry Editor’s URL bar.

1. To delete the “Scancode Map” registry key, right-click on it and select “Delete.” ” option to remove the key. If this key is not shown on your device, it is probably not available there. Try the alternate technique listed below.
2. Shut off the Registry Editor and restart your computer after removing “Scancode Map.”

Method 4: Turn off Windows’ game mode

Microsoft is aware of the need for Windows 10 to have computer gaming add-ons. Microsoft acknowledges the need for gaming enhancements in Windows 10.The Game Mode option is present for this reason. It is still far from ideal, though, and could lead to conflicts, disable features you depend on, or make gaming unpleasant all around.

According to user reports, Game Mode throws keyboards into a loop, rendering the Windows key useless. According to user reports, Game Mode has been identified as causing conflicts with keyboards, rendering the Windows key unusable in some cases.

Using our brief guide, you may quickly disable it and see if it is causing any issues.

To access Settings from the Start menu, click on the Windows icon situated on your taskbar.

1.  Alternatively, if you’ve enabled the on-screen keyboard, you can use the Windows + I keyboard shortcut.
2. From the various menu options, select “Gaming”.
3. Use the menu in the left panel to navigate to the “Game Mode” tab.
4. Make sure “Off” is displayed on the toggle under “Game Mode.”

Method 5: Make a fresh account for yourself

Creating a new user account is an intriguing yet simple workaround for Windows key problems. One potentially effective solution to address Windows key issues is to generate a new user account, which is both interesting and straightforward to implement.Move your files over and start using the new account if everything functions properly on the new user.

1. Alternatively, you can utilize the Windows + I keyboard shortcut from the on-screen keyboard. Next, navigate to the Start menu and select the “Settings” option.
2. Select the tile labeled “Accounts.”
3. Using the panel navigation on the left, navigate to the “Family & other users” tab.
4. After swiping down, locate and click on the “Add someone else to this PC” button. We will be creating the account offline since it is the quickest option for you to create a new user.
5. Choose to click on the “I do not have this person’s sign-in information” link rather than logging into a Microsoft account.
6. Then select the link that says, “Add a user without a Microsoft account.”
7. After inputting a username and, if preferred, a password, proceed by clicking the Next button. You should be able to utilize the newly created user right away.

Method 6: Run a scan with System File Checker

One utility that comes pre-installed in Windows 10 is the System File Checker. This process is commonly referred to as an “SFC scan,” offering the fastest method to automatically repair corrupted system files and address other related issues.

It has been demonstrated that running this scan resolves problems related to Windows 10 reset failure. These are the steps to running it.

1. Utilizing the on-screen keyboard, press the Windows + R keys. keys on the on-screen keyboard. As a result, the Run utility will start.
2. Use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + Shift + Enter to input “cmd.” . By doing this, you are opening the Command Prompt with administrator rights.
3. Choose Yes if the Command Prompt requests that you make changes to your device.
4. Input “sfc /scannow” within the Command Prompt and hit Enter to initiate the command.
5. Await the conclusion of the corrupt file repair and SFC computer scan. This may take some time, so be careful not to shut off your computer or close the Command Prompt.
6. Reboot your device once the scan is complete.

Method 7: Use the DISM command prompt.

The ability to repair a Windows 10 image is a feature shared by the DISM and System File Checker commands. Running it could help you resolve the problem that is causing your Windows key to stop working.

1. To access the on-screen keyboard, use the Windows + R keyboard shortcut. Consequently, the Run utility will launch.
2. To enter “cmd,” use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl + Shift + Enter to input “cmd.”. You are launching the Command Prompt with administrator privileges by doing this.
3. If the Command Prompt asks you to make changes to your device, select Yes.
4. Enter Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup and Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth into the Command Prompt. To perform each instruction, press Enter.
5. Start your computer again after the commands have completed executing. . You ought to be able to confirm whether the Windows key is broken.

Method 8: Check for viruses on your computer

This is a quick tutorial on how to use it. You may be able to remove any malicious software that was keeping your Windows key from functioning by doing this. You may be able to remove any malicious software that was keeping your Windows key from functioning by doing this. By doing this, you might be able to get rid of any harmful software that was preventing your Windows key from working. Use the antiviral program that best fits your needs; this is by no means an exhaustive guide.

1. Start the security application. Again, we’re using the free version of Malwarebytes to demonstrate this process.
2. Choose “Scan” from the application’s menu on the left.
3. To initiate a virus scan on your device, click the “Start Scan” button.
4. Allow Malwarebytes to complete the scanning process on your computer for any potential viruses.
5. Alternatively, you might instruct Malwarebytes to erase the malicious files from your computer.

We really hope that the guidance provided here helped you to fix any problems you were experiencing with your Windows key.

Final Words

Should you subsequently discover that your system is having problems akin to these, kindly revisit this topic and attempt alternative solutions. If none of the above suggested solutions work, we suggest contacting Microsoft customer support or seeking advice from an IT specialist regarding the condition of your computer.