On the IBM compatible keyboard, the Windows key is used the most. It is a dynamic key with innumerable functions used for both the basic and advanced users.
But sometimes you may encounter a problem while you find the Windows key not working in your Windows 10. Sometimes when you enable your game mode, the windows key may be disabled.
Some users have reported that even after they have updated their graphics drivers, they are facing problems to operate the multi-functional Windows Key.
What Triggers Windows Key Not Working Issue?
The Windows key may get disabled due to some registry related problems. Sometimes a simple registry tweak may play the trick to fix the issue at once.
If there is any bad sector or corrupted file in your system, it may give birth to several issues along with Windows key is not working error.
There may be plenty of issues causing this window key-related problem, so, through this article let us find out some handy solutions to get rid of the problem.
Solution 1: Perform A Registry Tweak
Sometimes there may be a problem with your registry and this may cause the Windows key to stop working. You can perform a registry tweak and modify the registry to find a solution to the problem.
Before you commence the process, we highly recommend, you keep a backup of the registry file and be extra cautious while you perform the steps.
Step 1: First of all, go to the Task Manager and click on File. Then from the option, choose Run New Task.
Step 2: Type regedit and then hit the Enter button. Now, find the key from the displayed section:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKeyboard Layout
Step 3: Next proceed to expand Keyboard Layout Key and find Scancode Map Registry Entry in order to remove it.
Step 4: Now you may close the window to come out of the Registry Editor and give your PC a fresh restart.
Solution 2: Use PowerShell Command
If you are stuck with the Windows key stopped working you can try this simple trick to use the PowerShell command to mend the problem.
This is a quite common remedy that you may try with a useful tool like PowerShell.
Follow the given steps to execute the process:
Step 1: We generally hold Windows Key and press the S key to start PowerShell.
But if your Windows key is not working anyway, you can hold Ctrl + Shift Keys and then press the Esc key on the keyboard and this will open your Task Manager.
Step 2: From the Task Manager move on to File and then choose the option- Run New Task.
Step 3: Now enter PowerShell and proceed to check the Create This Task With Administrative Privileges option.
Step 4: Now, press the OK button and then hit Enter. Now, PowerShell will get opened. This time type the following command and press the Enter button:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) AppXManifest.xml”}
When you run this command, you will find your Windows key is again working properly.
Solution 3: Disable The Gaming Mode
In case you are having a gaming keyboard, you must be knowing that the Gaming mode has been designed in such a way that it will disable specific keys while you are gaming.
This happens because those may interfere with your gaming session. When you press the Windows Key accidentally, it will minimize the game and go back to the Start Menu.
This mainly happens when you are enjoying your online game and in this way, the gaming keyboards support your Gaming mode.
Some users are unaware of this fact and they accidentally turn that on maybe while they are cleaning the keyboard or so.
Just check whether your gaming mode is on by chance when you find the Windows Button Not Working On Keyboard. In case it is turned on somehow, turn it off.
Many keyboards have a Gaming mode switch on them, so be sure that the switch is not set to Gaming mode. You can find the key above F2 and F3 keys.
Apex M800 comes with a hidden Gaming mode and if you wish to disable it, you will have to press hold the SteelSeries option and hit the Windows key for switching off the Gaming mode.
Always go through the instruction manual of the keyboard to properly disable the gaming mode as different keyboards may have different procedures for disabling the Gaming mode.
Solution 4: Revert The Changes To Services And Packages
You can easily revert to the earlier state if you have made any changes to the Windows 10 services and packages.
You have the DISM service to do so. Many users have reported utilizing these images for reinstalling Windows and this remarkable DISM tool enables you to alter the components that Windows 10 will install.
So, by using this process some users faced problems with the Windows key and if you revert the process and remove the changes done earlier the problem may get addressed.
Solution 5: Check For the Win Lock Button
Instead of the gaming mode switch, your keyboard may have the Win Lock button. This button is designed in such a way that it will disable your Windows key.
You will find the Win Lock key just beside the Ctrl key. So, make sure you check the keyboard whether you are having the Win Lock key on your keyboard.
When you find the key, hit the button and check whether your Windows Key is working again.
Solution 6: Run A SFC Scan
When your Windows button not working on the keyboard, some corruption in the system files may create the problem and once you scan it you will be able to fix the problem.
You can take the help of the Command Prompt and by using the SFC utility you can fix the problem.
To execute the process, I am describing the steps below. Please follow these steps to commence the procedure successfully:
Step 1: First of all, run Command Prompt as an administrator and open the SFC utility by pressing Windows Key and X hotkey.
Step 2: Now enter DISM.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and then hit the Enter button. You must do this before initiating the SFC scan.
Step 3: In Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow, and hit the Return Key. Wait till the scan gets completed. It may take thirty minutes to accomplish the entire process.
Step 4: After finishing the scan, give your Windows a fresh restart and check whether the step has repaired the corrupted files.
Solution 7: Create A New User Account
Sometimes, user profiles get corrupted and may cause the Windows key won’t work.
In this case, create a new user account and see if your Windows key works properly.
You may transfer all your data to the new account and delete the older one. This may easily fix the issue but keep a backup of your entire data so that you can access the same as and when needed.
Step 1: Type Settings in the Start menu dialogue box and click on Accounts.
Step 2: Select Family and other users options from the left side of the window.
Step 3: From here, choose the menu, and select Add someone else to this PC.
Step 4: Now Windows will guide you on how to create a new account. When the new window appears, click I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Step 5: Now choose to Add a user without Microsoft. You will be now prompted to make a new Microsoft account and display a window.
Step 6: Enter all the details and give a password. Remember to check if this new account is working properly.
Step 7: Log into the new account and check if it is having any further issues. Check if the Windows key is working now.
Solution 8: Check Antivirus Software Interference
Often you may have antivirus interference with your keyboard, and this may create a lot of trouble for you along with your windows key.
Your antivirus may become overprotective sometimes and cause the issue.
Sometimes your antivirus protection interferes with the other applications you have installed. It will prevent the apps from running.
For the time being block, the antivirus software to provide an easy remedy to the Windows key won’t work-related problems.
Closing Words
So, I hope by now, you are able to find out a suitable solution if got annoyed with the windows key is not working.
If you still have queries related to this issue or any other folder, please communicate with us in the comments section provided below.
Feel free to shoot us a mail with your ideas or suggestions. We always look forward to hearing back from you.
