If you use the Windows key frequently to perform the shortcut functions, then any problems with the key will make the functions a lengthy process. The Windows key may stop working due to any number of software and hardware issues. The common causes include physical damage, manual deactivation, and software glitches. Irrespective of the reason, it is pretty easy to fix the Windows key. We have listed the different causes and the appropriate troubleshooting steps to fix your Windows key.
Reasons for your Windows Key Not Working
First things first. Understanding why your Windows key stopped working will help you to fix the issue easily. It will also help you to prevent the occurence of the same issue in future. It might be due to software glitches or you might have unknowingly changed any settings that disrupt the working of your keyboard. Read on below to know the different causes that disable the functionality of the Windows key,
1. Hardware Issue
One of the most obvious reasons for your Windows key not working is due to physical damage. If the cable connecting the keyboard to your PC is damaged, then the keys will not function. The hardware issue is less likely to occur in wireless keyboards as there are no connecting cables.
2. New Updates
Whenever there are new Windows updates, it can cause certain issues with your drivers. These driver issues can cause your Windows key to stop working. In these cases, you have to update your driver to the latest version to fix the issue.
3. Game Mode Interference
Windows 10 has a dedicated gaming mode. But certain keyboards such as Razer Blackwidow will have conflicts with the gaming mode. The only way to fix this error is to disable the gaming mode.
4. Disabled Windows Key
If the Windows key has been disabled in your system, then it will not function. The key might have been disabled due to third-party applications, malware, gaming mode, or another user.
5. Filter Key Bug
Windows 10’s filter key has a known bug that causes issues with the login screen. Sometimes, the login screen will not appear and you will get locked out of your PC. It might also cause your Windows key to stop functioning.
How to Restore the Functionality of your Windows Key?
If you were able to find the reason why your Windows key stopped working, then you can use the relevant method from this list to resolve the issue. But, if you are unable to determine the reason, then we suggest you try our methods one by one to fix the issue.
Method 1: Scan for Malware and Viruses
If your system is infected by virus or malware, then it will cause a lot of problems including your Windows key not working. To resolve this issue, all you have to do is install an antivirus program and perform a system scan. The antivirus program will detect malicious software and will remove the virus. Plus, having the antivirus program will prevent the infection of viruses.
Method 2: Turn Off the Filter Keys Feature
As mentioned previously, the filter keys have a bug that can disrupt the functioning of your keyboard. To resolve this issue, you will have to turn off the filter keys feature. Type control in the Windows search and click on the Control Panel to open it. Change your view mode to Category. Under the Ease of Access Center section, you will see the option change how your keyboard works. Click on it. Uncheck Turn on Filter Keys. Click on the Apply button and then the Ok button. Now, check if the functionality of your Windows key has been restored.
Method 3: Check for Win Lock Button
Some keyboards come with a Win Lock button, instead of the gaming mode switch. As the name has it, pressing the Win Lock button disables your Windows key. The Win Lock button is located next to the right Ctrl button on your keyboard. Pressing the button again will activate the Windows key and fix the problem.
Method 4: Disable Gaming Mode
Many gamers who have a gaming keyboard prefer to use the gaming mode for an effective gaming experience. The gaming mode disables certain keys that can interfere when you are playing a game. One such key is your Windows Key. When you unknowingly press the Windows key in the middle of a game, it will minimize the game screen and open the Start menu. This is the reason the Windows key is disabled in gaming mode. Sometimes, you might have unknowingly turned on the gaming mode on your keyboard. Different keyboards have different ways to disable the gaming mode. You will have to check your keyboard’s instruction manual to know this. However, in most keyboards, there will be a key located between F2 and F3 keys. There will be a joystick image next to it. Pressing this key will activate and deactivate the gaming mode.
Method 5: Create a New User Account
If you have still not resolved the issue after trying all the steps, then you can create a new user account to fix the problem. Many users have said they were able to make their Windows key functional by just creating a new user account. Open Settings and visit the Accounts section. Navigate to the Family and other people section. Click on the option to add a new user. In the next screen, select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information. You will see a window to create a new user using Microsoft account. At the bottom of the window, there will be an option to create a user without using Microsoft account. Click that. Type your name for the new user account and click Next. Once a new account is created, log out of the existing account and login to the new account. Now, check if the Windows key is working. If the key still does not work, then it means that it is due to a software issue. The next methods will help you fix the issue.
Method 6: Use Powershell
Powershell is a command-line tool using which you can remove core Windows 10 components. It is a powerful tool that allows you to perform a wide range of functions. We strongly advise you to be extra careful when using this tool because any changes made using this tool will have adverse effects on your system’s functionalities. For enabling your Windows key using Powershell, please follow the steps below: Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc together. Alternatively, you can open the Task Manager by right-clicking on the Task Bar and clicking on Task Manager. On the Task Manager, click on File and then select Run new task. Now, type powershell and check the option Create this task with administrative privileges. Click on the Ok button and hit Enter. This will open the Powershell window. Type the below command and hit Enter to execute the command. Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) AppXManifest.xml”} Now, the problem of your Windows key not working should be fixed. Executing Powershell commands can cause problems to your system. Just to be on the safer side, you can create a System Restore point before executing the commands. If anything goes wrong, you can restore the settings.
Method 7: Modify your Registry
Your PC’s Windows key will stop working if there is a problem with your registry. In order to make the key function again, you will have to fix your registry. Making changes to your registry can lead to unpredictable problems if you are not careful. So, it is safe to export your registry and use it as a backup if something goes wrong. To modify your registry, please follow the steps below: Open the Task Manager, click on File and select Run new task. Type regedit and click on the Ok button to run the command. Locate the following key HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKeyboard Layout Click on Keyboard layout and expand it. Now, select Scancode Map registry and delete it. Once done, close the window and restart your PC to save the changes. The main problem of using this method is that some systems do not have Scancode Map entry. If your system does not have it, then you will have to enable regedit manually or reset your system.
Method 8: Perform an SFC Scan
The problem of your Windows key not working can likely be due to corrupted Windows OS. To resolve this issue, you have to perform an SFC scan. Open Task Manager, click on File and select Run new task option. This will open a new window. Type cmd and check the create this task with administrative privileges option. On the Command Prompt window, type sfc/scannow and hit Enter. This will scan your computer to fix the issue. Restart your PC once the scan is completed to save the changes. If the problem is still not resolved after restarting your PC, then open the Command Prompt again by following the same steps. But this time, run the command Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Again, restart your PC to save the changes. Now check if the issue is fixed.
Method 9: Use the DISM from the Command Prompt
DISM is another powerful tool that allows you to change the functionalities of your Windows 10 OS. It lets you decide which components of Windows 10 have to be installed. Using this, you can fix your Windows key. Type run in the Windows search bar and press Enter. This will open the Run Command box. Type cmd and launch the Command Prompt by pressing Shift + Ctrl + Enter together. If a prompt window pops up, click on the Yes button to allow the command prompt to make changes to your system. In the command prompt, you have to type two commands and execute them one after the other. The first command is Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup. Type in and press Enter. Once the first command is executed, type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and execute the second command by pressing Enter. After executing the two commands, restart your computer to save the changes. Now, check if your Windows key is fixed.
Conclusion
Windows key has become a standard key on all keyboards designed for Windows operating systems. Many users have become accustomed to using the key for performing shortcuts. If the Windows key stops working, then you use our troubleshooting methods to resolve the issue in no time. Which method did the trick for you? Let us know using the comments section. You can also post your thoughts and opinions in the comments box. Comment * Name * Email * Website
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