In such a beautiful day, you suddenly realize that the Windows key ( ) is not functioning anymore, preventing you from performing common shortcuts, such as + R to open the Run window, or Shift + + S to quickly capture a screenshot using the Snipping Tool. However, don't rush to conclude that your Windows key is "paralyzed" and take it to a repair shop. Instead, follow the methods below to quickly troubleshoot this issue.
FIX: Windows Key Not Working
1. Update keyboard drivers
Go to the manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers for your keyboard. Install the updated drivers to ensure compatibility with your operating system.
Recommend for try this First: I was facing the same problem and after trying all the solutions and not worked, I updated the keyboard driver and it was working, only this solution solve the problem. Try this first so you would not waste your time trying those below.
2. Sure, check for physical obstructions
Ensure that there are no physical obstructions, such as dirt or debris, preventing the Windows key from being pressed down.
3. Disable gaming mode or hotkey software
Some keyboards have a gaming mode or special hotkey software that can interfere with the Windows key functionality. Disable any such software and test if the issue persists.
4. Enable Windows Key using registry edit
Be cautious when making changes to the Registry, as incorrect modifications can cause system instability. Save the Backup before doing any changes.
Here's how to proceed:
- Click , type ‘Run’ and click Run, or in Windows 8/10 right click on the start button and click Run
- Type ‘regedit32’, and then click OK. Click Yes if you get any EULA message asking for confirmation.
- On the Windows menu, click HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local Machine.
- Double-click the System\CurrentControlSet\Control folder, and then click the Keyboard Layout folder.
- Right-click the Scancode Map registry entry, and then click Delete.
- Click Yes on the confirmation/warning message.
- Close Registry Editor and Restart the computer.
If you need to disable Windows key again, go to the Microsoft page here and follow the instructions for disabling windows key. You can also use the easy fix tool from here to enable and disable the Windows Key.
5.Re-Register all apps
This will clear any software conflict with your keyboard
- Click on button.
- Type ‘PowerShell’ and then right click on ‘Windows PowerShell’ and Run as an administrator.
- If your start button doesn’t work when you click on it, go to this location: C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Windows PowerShell\ and right click on “Windows PowerShell” and Run as administrator.
- Type or copy and paste the script below into the PowerShell window and Press Enter:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
Restart your PC
6. Enable the start menu
In cases where your start key does not bring up the start menu, there is a possibility the start menu was disabled. To enable it, follow the steps below.
- Right click on and select “Run” or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and go to File > click Run a new task from Task manager.
- Type “regedit” (without the quotes)
- Navigate to this key
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer > Advance
- Right click on the right hand side panel and create a new DWORD (32-bit) value
- Call the new key “EnableXamlStartMenu”
Restart your PC or restart Explorer using task manager as explained in method 7 below.
7. Restart Windows/File Explorer
Explorer controls your Windows user interface. This method will restart Windows/File Explorer and clear any errors that prevented it from starting correctly.
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Del on the keyboard and click on task manager.
- Click on the Process tab and locate Explorer in the windows and right click on it and select End task.
- Click on File and then click on Run New Task.
- Type ‘explorer.exe’ and press Enter.
8. Turn off Filter keys
This has been seen as one of the culprits in Windows 8 and Windows 10 issues. Turning on Filterkeys ignores or slows down repeated key strokes and adjusts repeat rates. Somehow, the windows key is also affected on some keyboards.
To turn off Filter keys:
- Drag your mouse to the right edge of your Windows 8 PC and click settings. In windows 10, right click on your start menu and select settings.
- From the Windows settings page, scroll down and click on Ease of Access.
- Click on the keyboard tab on the left hand pane.
- Scroll down to ‘filter keys’ and turn it off.
Here are the methods to fix the Windows key not working issue on your PC. If none of the above solutions work, it's advisable to consult a professional or reach out to your device manufacturer for further assistance.