How to Resolve the Windows Key Not Functioning in Windows 10/11

Are you experiencing issues with your Windows key? Let's assist you in resolving the problem.

One of the many reasons people adore using Windows is its user-friendliness, which is why it dominates 70% of the operating system market, encompassing Desktops, Laptops, and certain tablets. Numerous factors contribute to Windows keyboard issues, such as the Windows 10 activation key not functioning, with one recurrent culprit being keyboard shortcuts.

What is the Issue with the Windows Key Not Working?

A computer keyboard boasts numerous intriguing keys among its array. One such key is the Windows button, which enables you to promptly access the start menu with a single keystroke. However, its functionality extends further when combined with other keys like CTRL, ALT, or Shift, allowing you to navigate through files, folders, and applications with ease.

However, when the Windows key malfunctions, users are unable to carry out any of these actions. Not only are you unable to promptly access the Start menu, but you also can't switch between windows or desktops, etc.

Therefore, users will be inclined to attempt various solutions to fix the Windows key not functioning issue. Let's delve deeper to discover the ways to address it.

What Leads to the Windows Key Not Functioning Issue

There are numerous reasons why a Windows key might cease functioning. Some experts suggest that it could be due to malware infection or a disabled setting within your computer. In other instances, manufacturers design keyboards that deactivate the Windows key when in gaming mode.

So, to summarize, your Windows key might not be functioning due to:

• Windows has disabled it
• It's been locked by your keyboard (a common issue with Corsair, Razer, and other gaming keyboards)
• Malware or virus infection may have disabled it
• An application or service is blocking it
• Windows 10/11 Game Mode or Xbox Game bar has disabled it
• Your keyboard is malfunctioning

These are the primary reasons why the Windows key might not be working. Other possibilities could include a bug within your Windows operating system. So, let's proceed to explore how to resolve this issue.

How to Resolve the Windows Key Not Functioning in Windows 10/11

Keyboard shortcuts enable users to perform numerous tasks efficiently. The Windows key is one of the most convenient keyboard shortcuts or standalone keys. However, users often encounter issues when it stops functioning properly. What causes this problem, and how can you resolve the issue of the Windows key not working? Let's explore further.

• Method 1. Turn Off Filter Keys
• Method 2. Registry Editor Fix
• Method 3. Disable Game Mode
• Method 4. PowerShell Command
• Method 5. Perform An SFC Scan
• Method 6. Create another User Account
• More Methods...

Method 1: Disable Filter Keys

The first method is to disable the Filter Keys feature. To accomplish this, you'll need to access the Control Panel. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Open the "Control Panel".

Step 2. Search for "Ease of Access" in the search bar.

Step 3. Navigate to "Ease of Access" and locate the "Make the keyboard easier to use" option.

Step 4. Scroll down, locate, and uncheck the Turn on Filter Keys option.

Step 5. Click Apply, then OK.

This will resolve the issue if the option is initially enabled. If the choice wasn't available, proceed with the subsequent method.

Method 2: Registry Editor Fix

With this method, you'll be accessing a specific section of your Registry Editor. Hence, it's crucial to copy and paste the directory into the Registry. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Open "Registry Editor" with administrator privileges.

Step 2. Enter the following address in your registry editor's search bar: "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout"

Step 3. Then find and delete the Scancode Map key.

This will most likely fix the issue, as games typically create this registry key to prevent the Windows key from interfering. If this doesn't work and you don't find this critical entry, proceed to the next step.

Method 3: Disable Game Mode

The next step is to disable Game Mode. This is typically enabled when you open the Xbox Game Bar on your computer. However, turning it off is quite simple. Here's how:

Step 1. Head into system settings.

Step 2. Locate "Gaming" and click on it.

Step 3. Navigate the sidebar and find Game Mode.

Step 4. Toggle "Game Mode Off" and Disable It.

Disabling this option will prevent Windows from preventing the Windows key from functioning. However, if the problem continues, proceed to the next solution.

Method 4: PowerShell Command

Windows PowerShell is a vital component of the Windows operating system. It enables you to address issues that might appear irreparable through conventional methods. Here's how you can utilize it to resolve your problem: 1. **Open PowerShell**: Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard, then select "Windows PowerShell" (or "Windows Terminal" in newer versions of Windows) from the menu that appears. 2. **Run as Administrator**: Right-click on the PowerShell icon and choose "Run as Administrator" to ensure you have the necessary permissions to execute commands. 3. **Identify the Problem**: Determine the specific issue you're facing. For instance, if it's a problem with a service, you might need to restart or enable it using PowerShell commands. 4. **Type the Command**: Type the appropriate PowerShell command related to your issue. If you're unsure which command to use, you can search online for relevant solutions. Always make sure to understand what a command does before executing it. 5. **Execute the Command**: After typing the command, press Enter to run it. PowerShell will process the command and display any output or results. 6. **Check for Resolution**: Once the command has executed, check if the issue has been resolved. If not, you may need to try a different command or approach. Remember, PowerShell can be powerful and might alter system settings if used incorrectly. Hence, it's crucial to exercise caution and research properly before running any commands.

Step 1. Click on the Start menu button and locate PowerShell

Step 2. Open PowerShell as an Administrator

Step 3. In PowerShell, copy and paste this command.

"Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | ForEach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}"

Step 4. Then press the Enter key and let it finish.

Depending on your PC and internet speed, this process might take a few minutes. If the Windows key still isn't working, try the alternate method below.

Method 5: Perform an SFC Scan

An SFC scannow command can assist you in identifying corrupted files in your Windows 10/11 system. Here's how to execute this method:

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Type "SFC /scannow" and press Enter.

This process might take a minute or two, depending on your computer's performance. After it's completed, restart your device and see if the Windows key is functioning properly now.

Method 6: Create Another User Account

Sometimes, a simple issue like a user account could be the root of the problem. Thus, it's essential to attempt creating a new account. Here's how to do it:

1. Go to "Settings" and navigate to "Accounts." 2. On the sidebar, locate and select "Family & other users." 3. Click on "Add someone else to this PC."

Click on "I don't have this person's sign-in information."

Click "Add a user without a Microsoft Account."

Enter your Username and password.

Once the new user account is created, log out from your current account or restart your PC. Afterwards, log in to the newly created user account and check if the Windows key functions properly. If it does, you can safely delete the other user accounts.

Method 7: Utilize the DISM Command

A corrupted Windows or missing system file could be another possible reason the Windows key isn't functioning. In this case, you can utilize the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management (DISM) tool to detect and repair any corrupted files. Here's how to do it:

Open CMD as an administrator. Enter the following command: "Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup, Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth." Press Enter.

This will restore missing files or repair/reinstall corrupted Windows applications, services, or files, thereby resolving the issue. If the problem persists, proceed to the next step.

Method 8: Verify the Keyboard Layout for the Windows Lock Button

If you own a gaming keyboard, it probably includes a Windows lock button. Alternatively, it might have a shortcut that disables the Windows key temporarily. Here's an illustration:

What you're looking at is Corsair's Windows key lock feature, which prevents accidental activation of the Windows button. This ensures that you don't unintentionally open the Start menu while gaming. If it appears red, as in the image, press it to turn the function back on.

Other keyboards might have different keys. Some keyboards require you to press the FN + Windows key to lock/unlock the Windows key. Therefore, examine your keyboard layout to see if it has any similar keys or options.

Method 9: Unplug and Plug it Back In

Gaming keyboards also often have onboard memory. This memory enables them to save lighting configurations and other shortcuts, like macro keys. So, here's what you need to do:

1. Unplug the keyboard
2. Untangle the wire
3. Restart the PC
4. Plug it back in

This might resolve the issue if your keyboard's driver was not loading properly. If not, it is most likely at this point that your keyboard has a hardware problem.

Method 10: Attempt to Use Another Keyboard/Replace Your Keyboard

Get another keyboard or borrow one from a friend as a last resort. If the new keyboard works, then it was definitely your old keyboard that was faulty. If your keyboard is still under warranty, try to take advantage of the warranty.

Method 11: Replace the Mechanical Key

While you can't directly repair a malfunctioning Windows key, some mechanical keyboards enable you to swap out individual keys. If you'd like, you can attempt to replace the key with another. Here's how to do it:

Step 1. Remove the critical cap from your Windows button.

Step 2. Use a tweezer to grab the mechanical key and pull it out.

Step 3. Remove another key using the same method. Try extracting keys from the Numeric Pad or any other key that you don't typically use.

Step 4. Replace the removed key.

Step 5. Try to press the start button now.

If this method works, then the specific mechanical key is the problem. In this case, you should order a replacement for that individual key instead of the entire keyboard.

Conclusion

These are the most common solutions to ensure your Windows key functions properly again. Often, the problem is more software-related rather than hardware. If the keyboard hardware has failed, it's unlikely to start working again.

However, there are always exceptions, and the best approach is to try out these 11 methods. Continue testing each one until you successfully resolve the issue with your keyboard.