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

With the Windows key on your keyboard, you may rapidly launch system app shortcuts, enter the Start menu, and do a variety of other tasks. Losing this feature may slow down your work or make it more difficult to navigate your system, which is annoying. The Windows key on your keyboard not only allows you to access the "Start Menu," but it is also a crucial component of the vast majority of keyboard shortcuts, such as locking Windows, opening the "Settings" menu, and launching an application. If the "Windows" key does not function, Windows 10 will operate more slowly and differently. This problem can be solved in numerous ways, which is encouraging. This article will demonstrate several methods for reactivating the Windows key on both internal and external keyboards. If your Windows key is not working the way you want it to, here are some ways to fix it and get it back to full functionality.

What causes the Windows key not working issue?

Numerous people have complained that their Windows key stopped functioning for a variety of reasons. We were able to determine some of the most common causes for this Windows 10 issue by analyzing user reports from various sources. Examine the following list to identify the problem. It may be easier to determine what went wrong if you know what caused it.

If your keyboard is physically damaged, it may not function as efficiently as it should. Typically, this is due to a broken cable connecting the hardware to the computer. Wireless keyboards reduce the likelihood of this happening.

A new significant update for Windows 10 was released: Major Windows 10 updates can occasionally create PC issues. For your gaming keyboard to function again, you may need to upgrade the driver.

Windows 10's Game Mode interferes with your keyboard: It is known that certain keyboards, such as the Razer Blackwidow, are incompatible with Windows 10's Game Mode. Follow our instructions below to disable game mode and resolve the issue.

Some users have observed that the Windows key is no longer functional. This is because the system has disabled the feature. It could have been disabled by a human, an application, malicious software, or Game Mode.

The Windows 10 Filter Key flaw: The Windows 10 Filter Key function has a bug that makes it difficult to text on the login screen.

After identifying the problem's common causes, we can move on to its resolution. The purpose of this post is to provide the most effective methods for reactivating your Windows key on Windows 10. If you follow our procedures, even if you've never mended anything before, you can easily fix everything.

How to Fix the Windows Key Not Working on Windows 10

1. Check the Hardware

If the "Windows" key does not function, check for hardware issues. Verify that the keyboard is properly connected and that the "Windows" key functions as expected. There is a significant likelihood that something is lodged underneath it, preventing it from functioning properly. Use a soft blower to clean the area beneath the keys and check if the "Windows" key now functions properly.

If the Windows key continues to function, you may wish to try a different keyboard. Test the Windows key to see if it functions. If so, the keyboard itself was defective and would need to be replaced. If not, the issue is caused by a system bug or setting. Proceed to the next repair.

2. Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows has tools for detecting and fixing computer issues. In this instance, "Keyboard Troubleshooter" assists you because the "Windows" key is malfunctioning.

To launch the "Keyboard Troubleshooter," follow these steps:

1. To access the "Update & Security" section, press WINDOWS + I and then click "Update & Security."

2. On the right side of the "Update & Security" settings, there are various tabs. Select "Troubleshoot" from the drop-down menu, followed by "Additional troubleshooters."

3. Select "Keyboard" by navigating down. Now, the option "Run the troubleshooter" will appear on the screen. Select it to launch the troubleshooter.

Windows will now examine the system for issues affecting the keyboard's functionality and fix them if it discovers any. Once the issues have been resolved, try the "Windows" key to check whether it now functions.

3. Turn off Game Mode on Windows 10

Windows 10's Game Mode ensures that high-end games operate smoothly by providing them with more resources, such as the GPU. However, the mode typically modifies the keyboard settings, and occasionally disables the Windows key. It disables some keys so that you do not lose your game progress if you accidentally press one.

To turn off Game Mode on Windows 10

1. Open the "Settings" menu by pressing WINDOWS + I, or search for "Settings" in the Start Menu.

2. In the settings window, click "Gaming" to open it.

3. In the "Gaming" section of the options, select the "Game Mode" tab.

4. Click the "Game Mode" switch on the right to disable it.

After disabling "Game Mode," verify that the "Windows" key is once again functional. If not, proceed to the next option.

4. Disable Filter Keys

Filter keys is a built-in Windows function that makes typing easier by disregarding repeated taps of the same key. This makes typing simpler for those with shaky hands, but it can interfere with the use of the "Windows" key. Due to this, disabling the "Filter Keys" may help resolve the issue.

To deactivate Filter Keys:

1. Press WINDOWS + I to enter the "Settings" menu, then select "Ease of Access" from the menu that appears.

2. To activate the keyboard, scroll down the list of tabs on the left and click "Keyboard" under "Interaction."

3. In the "Keyboard" options, locate the "Use Filter Keys" option and click the "Toggle" button to disable it.

After disabling the feature, you should be able to utilize the "Windows" key normally.

5. Enable the Windows Key in Registry

Using the Registry editor, you can disable particular elements, such as the keys on your keyboard. If none of the above options worked, you must modify the Registry. However, you should be aware that if you make a mistake when making these adjustments or altering other settings without having done so previously, the system could be damaged or rendered worthless. Therefore, use extreme caution while you follow the actions below.

To launch the "Run" command and enable the Windows key in Registry, press WINDOWS + R. Next, put "regedit" into the search box and hit "OK" or "Enter" to proceed. When the following box appears, click "Yes" in it.

In "Registry Editor," go to the following address or copy it and paste it into the address bar at the top, then press "Enter."

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout

The registry file "ScanCode Map" is located in the "Keyboard Layout" folder. Right-click on it and select "Delete" from the resulting menu. Click "Yes" in the confirmation box that appears.

After making the registry modifications, restart the computer to determine if you can utilize the "Windows" key. Also, depending on the configuration of the computer, the "ScanCode" entry may not be present on all of them. Therefore, if you cannot locate it, it is likely not the source of the mistake. Proceed to the next repair.

6. Enable the Start Menu in Registry

If you can use the Windows key to access keyboard shortcuts but cannot access the "Start Menu," the "Start Menu" must be enabled in the registry. Additionally, as we will be modifying the Registry once more, pay close attention to each step and ensure that there is no opportunity for error.

Launch the "Registry Editor" as outlined in the last patch, and then travel to the following address or copy and paste it into the address bar at the top of the window before pressing ENTER.

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

Next, right-click on the empty space, move the cursor over "New," and then choose "DWORD (32-bit) Value" from the menu that appears.

Type in the name of "EnableXamlStartMenu."

After making the key, close the registry editor and turn the computer back on. Now, check to see if the "Start Menu" opens when you press the "Windows" key.

7. Re-register All the Apps with Powershell

If any of the applications interact with the system configuration, the "Windows" key may stop operating. Therefore, the best course of action is to re-register all applications using PowerShell.

To re-register the application, search the "Start Menu" for "Windows PowerShell," right-click on the result, and then select "Run as administrator" to run the application.

Input the following script and hit ENTER into the "Windows PowerShell" box.

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
After running the script, restart the computer and see if the "Windows" key works. If not, try the next solution.

8. Run Full System Scan

When malware is present on a computer, the Windows key may cease to function. Using "Windows Security" or any other third-party antivirus software, perform a "Full Scan."

To initiate a scan, search for "Windows Security" in the "Start" menu and then launch the application from the search results.

Choose "Virus and threat protection" within "Windows Security."

Now, the option "Quick scan" will appear on the screen. However, we want to perform a comprehensive scan, so click "Scan options" to view the other alternatives.

You will now see three additional scan options. Select "Full scan" and click "Scan now" at the bottom of the page.

The scan will begin immediately, and you may monitor its progress.

You can continue working on the system throughout the scan. After the scan is complete, you will be notified if any risks were discovered and eliminated.

9. Restart the Windows/File Explorer

If the issue with the Windows key persists, you should restart the 'explorer.exe' process. This solution has helped many individuals, so you should give it a shot.

To restart, press CTRL+ALT+DEL and then select "Task Manager" from the list of alternatives. Examine the "explorer.exe" process using the "Details" tab in "Task Manager." Right-click it and select "End task" from the resulting menu.

When the confirmation dialog box appears, click "End procedure."

After the process is complete, the screen will go dark for a minute, and the taskbar may not be visible. It is typical and a necessary occurrence. To open the "Task Manager" again, press CTRL+ALT+DELEL.

Click "File Menu" in the upper-right corner of the "Task Manager" interface and select "Run new task."

10. Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

Broken drivers may also contribute to keyboard issues. If the problem is still present, it is time to reinstall the drivers. The procedure may sound complicated, but it is actually rather easy and quick.

To reinstall keyboard drivers, click "Start" and type "Device Manager" into the search bar. Then, click the result to launch the application.

Then, double-click the "Keyboards" option to enlarge it.

Now, right-click on the keyboard driver and select "Uninstall device" from the context menu.

If you are using an external keyboard, simply disconnect and reconnect it. If the keyboard on your laptop is integrated, you must restart the machine to reload the driver. Now, verify that the Windows key works

11. Run SFC Scan

The SFC scan is used to fix any damaged Windows System files. It's a good fix that you should use if none of the others have worked.

To run the SFC scan:

1. Search in the "Start" menu for "Command Prompt," right-click on Command Prompt, and then choose "Run as administrator" from the menu.

2. Type or copy and paste the following command into the command prompt window, and then press ENTER.

sfc /scannow

3. The scan will begin right away and take about two minutes to finish.

The error should be fixed when the scan is done. If not, go to the next solution.

12. Run DISM Tool

You can run the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool as a last resort. It is a command that only an administrator can use to check the health of the Windows image and fix it if necessary.

To run the DISM tool:

1. Open the "Command Prompt" as an administrator, as was explained in the last fix.

2. Type or copy and paste the following command, then press the ENTER key.

DISM/online/clean-image/restorehealth

3. The scan will begin right away and take a while to finish. Also, it may look like it's stuck sometimes, but don't close it. Give it time to finish.

After completing these steps, the "Windows" key on your keyboard should function properly. One of the solutions we've discussed thus far will unquestionably correct the error.