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Best Fix: Windows Key Not Working on The Keyboard (Win 10 & 11)

It can be frustrating when the Windows key stops working on your keyboard.

Fortunately, there are several ways to resolve this issue and get this critical shortcut key up and running again.

This guide will walk you through steps to fix the Windows Key not working on both Windows 10 and 11 operating systems.

Make sure you follow each step closely to get the best results.

1. Make Sure You Have Connected Your Keyboard Properly

For external keyboards, the first step is to ensure you have connected your keyboard properly and that there are no loose connections.

If you are using a wired keyboard, ensure that the USB connection is plugged in firmly to both your PC and the back of the keyboard. Check for possible obstructions between your device and the receiver for wireless keyboards.

Once you have checked your connections, the next step is to restart your computer. This can help refresh the system and allow changes to take effect.

After restarting, check if the Windows key starts working again. If it does not work after restarting, try unplugging your keyboard and then plugging it back in.

2. Disable Game Mode On Your Keyboard 

The game mode is critical, especially when gaming, as it prevents you from accidentally crashing out of your game.

However, the game mode may cause your Windows key to stop functioning by locking this key. Fortunately, you can fix this issue by disabling Game Mode on your keyboard. 

Here are the steps to disable Game Mode on your keyboard: 

  • Open the Windows Settings menu by pressing the Windows Key + I. Note you can use the on-screen keyboard to press the Windows key.
  • Find and click on “Gaming” in the settings menu.
  • Select the “Game Mode” tab from the left-hand side panel. 
  • Toggle the switch to turn off Game Mode and restart your computer to save changes. 

Additionally, some gaming keyboards have a dedicated key to the game mode on and off. Turn off the game mode on your keyboard if it has this dedicated key, and check if the Windows key will start functioning. 

Once you have disabled Game Mode, your Windows key should work again. If this doesn’t solve the issue, you may need other solutions, such as resetting your PC or uninstalling and reinstalling keyboard drivers. 

Note: Ensure you disable any gaming-specific software when you disable Game Mode. This will ensure that the issue is fixed and your Windows key will work properly. 

3. Enable The Windows Key

Another solution you can try to fix a non-functioning windows key is to enable the windows key.

Follow these steps to enable the Windows key using this method. 

  • Press the Windows key + R and type in ‘regedit’ into the run dialogue box. This will open the Registry Editor.  You can also open the run dialog box by typing run on the search icon box.
  • Navigate to ‘HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout.’ 
  • Right-click on ‘Scancode Map’ and select ‘Delete.’ 
  • Restart your computer to see if the Windows key works again. 

If it doesn’t, try restoring a previous registry version to restore your original settings. You can also try updating your keyboard drivers or reinstalling them altogether. With these solutions, you should be able to get the Windows key working again. Good luck! 

If you’re still having trouble with your Windows key, contact a professional for help troubleshooting and fixing any underlying issues. It’s always best to leave complex computer problems to an experienced technician who can diagnose and solve them quickly and professionally.

4. Shut Down or Restart your computer 

Is your windows key refusing to cooperate? If you’re experiencing a Windows Key failure, try restarting or shutting down your machine. You can do so from the Windows icon at the bottom left-hand side of your screen. 

Follow these easy steps to shut down or restart your machine. 

1. Click on the Windows Icon and tap the Power Button.

2. Choose the Restart or Shut Down option as per your preference. Remember that if you chose ‘Shutdown,’ allow some seconds before switching On again! 

5. Check Whether The Problem Is Hardware Or Software Related

You need a clear plan before you attempt to fix your Windows key. Determine if the problem is software or hardware related. Understanding the source of the problem will make your work much easier. 

Test your keyboard in a pre-boot setup to determine the root cause of the Windows key not working.  The pre-boot mode will clearly indicate whether the problem is hardware or software related. If the Windows key works without issues in the pre-boot system, the problem may be software related. 

Below are the steps you should follow to test your keyboard in the pre-boot setup.

  • Click on the Windows icon, which you will find at the bottom left corner of your screen
  • Click on the Settings Icon
  • Type “Recovery” in the Settings Search Box 
  • Click on Recovery Options In the drop-down menu.
  • Click on Restart Now in the Advanced Startup Section 
  • After your computer reboots, select Troubleshoot from the available options.
  • Select Advanced Options on the screen that will appear
  • Now you are in the pre-boot setup where you can start testing your keyboard immediately. 
  • Command Prompt opens. 

If the Windows key does not work in this setup, the problem may be hardware related. If that is the case, you can take your keyboard to a qualified computer technician. Or try out the next suggested solutions. 

6. Clean Your Keyboard To Get Rid Of Any Debris Or Accumulated Dust

Dust, debris, and crumbs can also find their way into the keyboard if you frequently type with food or drinks nearby. Drinks can spill from glasses or cans, and the liquid may seep into keyboards. Additionally, dirt particles in the air might settle onto the surface of your laptop and eventually make their way into the keyboard. 

It’s important to regularly clean and maintain your keyboard to keep it functioning properly. This means periodically wiping down the surface of your keyboard with a soft, dry cloth and using compressed air to remove dust from between keys. You can also use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to clean off any sticky residue. Doing this at least every few weeks may reduce the number of issues with your keyboard. 

It’s also a good idea to avoid excessive force when typing and limit eating and drinking near your computer, to prevent dust, debris, and crumbs from getting into the keyboard. These simple steps may help you keep your Windows Key functioning properly and improve its performance. 

7. Check If Your Keyboard Has Been Affected By A Virus Or Malware

A virus or malware can affect the functioning of your machine, including the keyboard. There is no specific type of virus or malware that affects your keyboard, but different types of viruses or malware can disrupt the functioning of the Windows key. 

Fortunately, you can eliminate the virus or malware by following these steps.

1. Type Windows security on the Search Bar at the bottom left corner of your computer screen. 

2. Choose Windows Security among the options that will pop up. 

3. Select the Virus and Threat Option 

4. Click on Scan.

5. Select Windows Defender Offline scan.

6. Start the scan process by clicking on the Scan Now option.

Remember, the scan process may take a few minutes, so you should exercise patience. Your computer will restart after the process, and you will have successfully eliminated any malware or virus causing the Windows key to fail. 

8. Go Through Your Keyboard Drivers And Settings

You can also rectify the issue of the Windows Key not working by checking your keyboards drivers and settings. Follow these steps to do so:

  1. Type “Device Manager” on the Search bar window. 
  2. Locate the keyboard device in the list of installed hardware.
  3. Right-click on it and choose “Update Driver.” 
  4. Follow the instructions to complete the driver update process, then restart your laptop to apply all new changes. 

If you find that the driver is already up-to-date, you can check for other settings related to your keyboard. Double-click the “Keyboards” tab on the same Device Manager window and select “Properties” from the context menu.

You’ll be able to customize various options, such as the speed and sensitivity of your keyboard. After changing the settings, click “OK” to apply them and restart your laptop once again for the changes to take effect. 

By going through these steps, you’ll have a better idea of whether or not the failure of the Windows key not working is due to software issues. If you don’t notice any improvements after the process, it’s time to look at hardware-related solutions. 

If you’ve exhausted all your software troubleshooting options and still can’t get your laptop keyboard to work properly, it’s time to focus on hardware-related solutions. Consider taking a closer look at the physical keyboard to ensure there are no broken parts or visible signs of damage that could be causing the malfunction.

9. Disable Sticky Keys On Windows

Some software settings may cause the Windows Key to malfunction or stop working altogether. However, you can adjust these settings to fix the issue. Here are the steps to adjust the settings by disabling sticky keys on windows.  

  1. Type Control Panel on the Search Bar, which you will find at the bottom left corner of your computer.
  2. Click on Ease of Access which will appear after you type Control Panel. 
  3. Click on Change How Your Keyboard Works under the Ease of Access Center. 
  4. Turn off the sticky keys by swiping the Toggle Bar to the Off position.

10. Turn Off The Filter Keys On Your Keyboard 

The Windows key may refuse to work on your keyboard if you have enabled filter keys. Fortunately, disabling Filter Keys on Windows is a relatively simple process. To do so, follow the steps below: 

  • Open the Control Panel. You can do this by searching for it in the Start Menu, type “control” and press Enter. 
  • In the Control Panel, click on “Ease of Access.”
  • Select “Make the Keyboard Easier to Use.” This will open a window with various options related to keyboard use.
  • Find and uncheck the box labeled “Turn on Filter Keys.”
  • Click “OK” to confirm the changes and exit the window. 

Filter Keys should now be disabled on your Windows device. If you ever need to use them in the future, simply reverse these steps and check the box for “Turn on Filter Keys” again. That’s all there is to it! Your Windows key should start working again if the sticky key feature is the issue. 

11. Use The Onscreen Keyboard. 

You can use the onscreen keyboard as a temporary solution if your Windows Key is not working. The onscreen keyboard can help you work before you get a permanent solution. Follow these steps to turn on the online keyboard. 

Turning the onscreen keyboard on your Windows 10 and 11 is quite straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

  • Open the Windows search bar, type “keyboard settings,” and press Enter.
  • Select the Settings Icon from the list of options.
  • Click on Ease of Access in the Settings Section.
  • Go to the Interactions Section and click on Keyboard.
  • You should now have activated the online keyboard.

The on-screen keyboard is incredibly useful even when your computer doesn’t have a touchscreen. You can use the mouse to point at the onscreen Windows key before you get a permanent solution. 

Conclusion 

The above solutions should help when facing the issue of your Windows key not working on Windows 10 and 11.

It is important to remember that it is often a simple problem that you can resolve by adjusting the keyboard settings.

Additionally, sometimes hardware issues may be at play and require more in-depth troubleshooting steps.

We hope that the solutions provided above will help resolve this issue. If the problem persists, it is advisable to seek professional help from a qualified technician.

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