Are you frustrated because the Windows key on your keyboard is not working as expected on your Windows 10/11 system? This can be a frustrating issue that hampers your productivity and ease of navigation. When the Windows Key stops functioning, it can be quite inconvenient.
The Windows key not working issue can occur due to various reasons. One common cause is a software conflict or glitch that affects the functionality of the key. It could also be caused by outdated or incompatible keyboard drivers. In some cases, the issue may be related to a physical problem with the keyboard itself, such as a stuck or faulty key. Additionally, certain Windows settings or third-party applications can interfere with the Windows key functionality, leading to it not working properly.
Fortunately, there are multiple solutions that can fix your problem. In this article, we’ll explain to you all the effective & working solutions that can fix your Windows key not working on Windows 11/10 issue.
Why Windows key is not working in Windows 11?
The Windows key not working issue in Windows 11/10 can be caused by various factors. Some possible reasons include:
- Software conflicts: Certain software programs or utilities installed on your system may interfere with the functionality of the Windows key. This can occur if they override or modify the default key behavior.
- Keyboard driver issues: Outdated or incompatible keyboard drivers can lead to the Windows key not working properly. If the drivers are not properly installed or configured, it can result in the key becoming unresponsive.
- System settings: Incorrect or misconfigured system settings can affect the functionality of the Windows key. This can happen if certain settings or options related to the key are disabled or modified.
- Physical keyboard problems: In some cases, the issue may be related to a physical problem with the keyboard itself. Stuck keys, damaged wiring, or other hardware issues can cause the Windows key to malfunction.
How to Fix Windows Key Not Working on Windows 11/10
If you’re experiencing the Windows key not working on Windows 10/11 issue even after the update, then try these potential fixes;
1. Cover the Basics
In some cases, dirt and grime can prevent the Windows key from being pressed properly. Ensure your keyboard is clean and free from dirt or grime that may hinder the Windows key’s functionality.
If cleaning doesn’t help, try connecting another keyboard to check if the Windows key works. If it does, your original keyboard may need to be replaced. Otherwise, the issue is likely software-related and requires further troubleshooting.
2. Unlock the Windows Button
Some modern computers and laptops have a Windows lock key or switch that can disable the functionality of the Windows button. If the Windows key is not working, it’s possible that you have accidentally activated the lock key.
This lock key is often found in the Fn keys row or on the side of the keyboard deck. To resolve this issue, make sure the Windows lock button is disabled on your machine. Refer to the user manual provided by your manufacturer for instructions on how to disable the Windows lock key.
3. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
The Windows troubleshooter is a helpful tool that can identify and fix problems caused by corrupted or damaged files. It can also detect larger underlying issues that may be contributing to the problem.
While the troubleshooter may not always be able to completely solve the problem, it can provide valuable diagnostics and insights into the issue at hand.
- Head to the Start Menu and click on the ‘Settings’ tile to proceed. Alternatively, you can type Settings in the menu to perform a search for it.
- Make sure you have selected the ‘System’ tab from the left sidebar to proceed.
- After that, locate and click on the ‘Troubleshoot’ tile from the right section of the window to continue.
- Then, click on the ‘Other troubleshooters’ tile.
- Locate the ‘Keyboard’ tile and click on the ‘Run’ button to initiate the troubleshooting. Then, follow the instructions on the screen to troubleshoot the issue.
4. Update Keyboard Drivers
An outdated display driver is a common culprit for Windows key not working on Windows 10/11 on your PC. Updating your display driver is an effective solution to unlocking the Windows key on Windows 11/10. To update the GPU drivers, follow the below steps;
- Press Win + X on the keyboard and then click on Device Manager and expand Keyboards.
- Right-click on the HID Keyboard Device, and click on Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and update the driver.
You can update the keyboard manually but it’s difficult for many users. So, we suggest downloading Driver Easy to update the keyboard driver quickly and efficiently. Unlike the device manager, it can update all drivers with a single click and has a broader database for detecting the latest drivers.
5. Disable Filter Keys
Filter Keys is an accessibility feature incorporated into the Windows operating system, designed to disregard consecutive keystrokes occurring within a specified time interval.
It is possible that Filter Keys might have been unintentionally enabled, resulting in a potential problem with the Windows key not working on Windows 11/10.
To enable filter keys, just follow the below steps;
- Open Settings and navigate to Accessibility followed by Keyboard.
- Now turn off the toggle next to the Filter keys.
6. Disable Game Mode
An often-encountered issue that can cause the Windows key to stop functioning is the activation of Game Mode. Game Mode is a feature that optimizes your system’s resources to enhance your gaming experience.
As part of this optimization, certain background processes and keys, including the Windows key, are deactivated. Consequently, the Start menu does not appear while you are engaged in gaming activities.
To turn off the game mode, follow the below steps;
- Open your Settings app and go to Gaming followed by Game Mode.
- Now turn off the toggle next to Game Mode in order to stop your computer from switching off background processes.
7. Make Windows Rescan the Keyboard
To resolve your Windows 11/10 Windows key not opening on the start menu issue, try to make Windows rescan the keyboard. This is the nuclear option. Using the Registry Editor or PowerShell, you can delete the already scanned keyboard layout and force Windows to rescan the keyboard.
To force Keyboard rescan, follow the below steps;
- Head to the Start Menu and type Registry to perform a search. Then, from the search results, click on the ‘Registry Editor’ tile.
- Now, a UAC window will appear on your screen. If you are not logged in with an admin account, enter the credentials for one. Otherwise, click on the ‘Yes’ button to proceed.
- Then, type or copy+paste the below-mentioned address in the address bar and hit Enter on your keyboard to navigate to it.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout
- On the right section of the window, right-click on the ‘Scancode’ DWORD file and choose the ‘Delete’ option to delete it.
- From the appeared dialog box, click on the ‘Yes’ button.
- Restart your PC from the Start Menu and check if the problem persists.
In case you do not have the ‘Scancode’ DWORD file, or you are not comfortable tinkering with the Registry Editor on your system, you can also use PowerShell to achieve the same result.
To use PowerShell to rescan the keyboard layout, just follow the below steps;
- Head to the Start Menu and type Terminal to perform a search. Then, from the search results, right-click on the ‘Terminal’ tile and click on the ‘Run as administrator’ option to proceed.
- A UAC window will appear on your screen. If you are not logged in with an admin account, enter the credentials for one. Otherwise, click on the ‘Yes’ button.
- Type or copy+paste the below-mentioned command and hit Enter on your keyboard to execute it.
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) AppXManifest.xml"}
- Once the code has been executed, restart your system from the Start Menu and check if it has resolved the issue for you.
8. Perform a Boot into Safe Mode
Performing a clean boot on your PC can fix system boot-up issues by preventing resource-heavy tasks and apps from starting up. This has been reported to work by multiple users and can improve your overall system performance. To perform a clean boot, follow the simple steps below and enjoy a smoother, more efficient PC experience.
- Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.
- Type msconfig and hit Enter to open System Configuration.
- Go to Services > Click on Hide all Microsoft services to enable it.
- Now, click on Disable all so that the rest of the services gets turned off.
- Click on Apply and then OK to save changes.
- Next, go to Startup > Click on Open Task Manager.
- Click on the Startup tab > Ensure to select the specific task that has a higher startup impact.
- Now, click on Disable to turn it off.
After applying all these steps, just restart your PC.
