7 solutions for when the Windows key doesn’t work

The Windows 10 operating system is full of keyboard shortcuts. While using my Windows laptop, the Windows key is the most used key on the keyboard. The Windows key allows you to open the Start menu and search for apps and files within the system. It also works when you are in-app and want to quickly open and switch to an app. Sometimes the Windows key stops working on the keyboard. The problem can be irritating and disrupt your work.

There can be various reasons behind the strange behavior of the Windows keys on Windows 10. It can be a hardware issue or a bug due to the latest Windows 10 update, filter key bug, game mode issue, and more.

In this post, we will describe 7 solutions to fix Windows key not working problem on Windows 10. Follow the step by step and keep checking the Windows key on your keyboard.

1. Disable the game mode

Most gaming keyboards support the game mode on the keyboard. The game mode is designed to disable certain keys during gaming sessions that can interfere with the game.

For example, while playing games, you may accidentally press the Windows key and open the start menu. This can be a problem if you are playing an online game with your friends, which is why gaming keyboards offer a game mode.

Many keyboards have game mode turned on by default. Make sure you turn off the mode. You can also disable game mode from Windows 10 Settings.

1. Open the Settings app on Windows.
2. Vai a Games> Game Modes> Disable the option.

2. Disable the Win Lock key

Some third party keyboards support the Win Lock key. When enabled, the option disables the Windows key on the keyboard. You’ll find it mostly in the upper right corner of the keyboard. Disable the Win Lock option and try using the Windows key again.

When the Windows key does not work on Windows 10 the problem is often solved via this registry tweak. Follow the steps below.

1. Right-click the Start menu icon and select the Run menu.
2. A small run window will open. Type regedit to start Registry Editor.
3. Go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKeyboard Layout
4. In the right pane, locate Scancode Map.
5. Right-click and select Delete.

Close the registry and restart your PC and see if the problem is resolved. If you cannot find the Scancode Map entry, it may not be available on your PC, so you should skip this solution and try the following solutions.

4. Disable the Filter Keys option

The Filter Keys option causes the keyboard to ignore repeated keystrokes. The option is mostly disabled on your device, but if you’ve enabled it, it’s time to turn off the option from Windows Settings.

1. Open the Settings app on your Windows 10 PC.
2. Go to Accessibility> Keyboard.
3. From the right pane, scroll down to the Filter keys and disable the option.

5. Usa PowerShell

PowerShell is a powerful tool for making changes to your Windows computer and for troubleshooting. It gives you the ability to execute commands and directly tell your Windows 10 PC what to do via a scripting language. It is an effective command line tool that allows you to remove Windows 10 core components.

Let’s fix the problem with the Windows key not working with the help of PowerShell. Follow the steps below.

1. From Windows Search, search for Windows PowerShell and open the software.
2. Copy and paste the following command into PowerShell: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) AppXManifest.xml”}
3. Hit enter and let the command run.

After the command has been executed, the Windows key should start working again.

6. Update the keyboard drivers

Windows key not working may be due to outdated keyboard drivers on your device. It is necessary update drivers to the latest version.

There are a couple of ways to update the keyboard drivers on your laptop. You can search for keyboard drivers on the manufacturer’s website or download the necessary drivers from the Device Manager utility.

• Right-click on the Windows icon and go to Device Manager.
• Scroll down to Keyboard and find the connected keyboard.
• Right click and select “Update Driver”.

7. Scan your PC for Malware

Recently, I downloaded a number of unknown files or software from the web. You may need to scan your PC using Windows Defender to remove malware or suspicious files.

1. Open the Windows Security app.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection and scan your PC.

It usually takes about 15-20 minutes depending on the files stored on the PC. Remove the threats and restart your PC.

If the above-mentioned tricks don’t work for you, it could be a hardware problem. Although it is very rare, but still likely. The reason could be physical damage or a hot coffee or water accidentally dropped on the keyboard.

Fix the problem with the Windows key on Windows 10

The Windows key not working on Windows 10 can be irritating, considering the number of times you use the Windows key daily. Of course, you can remap another key to integrate the Windows key that no longer works, but the location of that other key can be annoying. Instead, read the article and find the right way for you to fix the problem.