Windows Key Not Working in Windows 10? 10+ Ways to Fix It

From the easiest to the most complex

The Windows key is incredibly helpful when used in combination with other keys on your keyboard. Besides opening the Start menu, the Windows key can do all kinds of things including rearranging windows,opening the Action Center, locking your screen and managing virtual desktops.

If the Windows key isn’t working, it breaks lots ofhandy keyboard shortcutsthat execute system applications.

Fortunately, there are troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve the Windows key not working problem for good.

Causes of the Windows Key Not Working Issue

There are several reasons why the Windows key stops working in Windows 10. The most common causes include:

How to Fix Windows Key Not Working in Windows 10

Losing the Windows key’s functionality can be frustrating to deal with, but there are many ways to resolve the problem.

Enable the on-screen keyboard to navigate Windows 10 menus, especially if you don’t have a spare keyboard. However, if the Windows key is disabled on a system level, you may not be able to use it with the virtual keyboard.

You can enable the on-screen keyboard viaSettings>Ease of Access>Keyboard>Use the On-Screen Keyboard.

If you can’t enable the on-screen keyboard via Settings, turn to our guide with more ways toenable on-screen keyboard on Windows 10.

The built-in keyboard troubleshooter helps detect any issues that may cause your keyboard not to work properly and helps fix the problems automatically.

Game Modeis a feature in Windows 10 that’s designed to make gaming better. The feature gives games priority access to your computer’s CPU and GPU resources for a more stable frame rate. The feature may cause conflicts with your keyboard and make the Windows key unusable, but you can disable it and see if the key works again.

Note: Depending on your keyboard, you can disable Game Mode using a switch above the function keys or beside the CTRL key. Consult your keyboard manual or manufacturer’s website for more information about the Game Mode feature.

The Windows registry can restrict many things including menu items and keyboard keys. You can enable the Windows key using a registry edit and check whether it works again.

Note: The Windows key may be disabled due to the Scancode Map, whose function is to change how the standard keys on your keyboard work.

Re-registering all the apps may clear any software conflicts with your keyboard that could be causing the Windows key not working issue.

If you press the Windows key and it doesn’t bring up the Start menu, you can enable the menu via the Windows Registry.

Filter Keys is anaccessibility feature in Windows 10that ignores repeated keys and helps you control the keyboard repeat rate. This feature may interfere with the Windows key owing to a bug or other software glitch that causes issues with your keyboard.

You can disable Filter Keys and restore your Windows key functionality.

If your keyboard drivers are incompatible or outdated, they may break several keys including the Windows key. Updating the drivers may help restore the key and its related functions.

Note: You can also check your keyboard manufacturer’s site for software updates or new drivers.

You can also uninstall and reinstall drivers to get the correct ones for your keyboard.

Get the Windows Key Working Again

We hope one or more of these fixes have helped you restore your Windows key back to normalcy. For other keyboard issues, turn to our guides onhow to fix Windows keyboard keys which stop working, what to do when@ and “ keys are swapped on Windows 10, andhow to fix a broken Windows keyboard key.

If all else fails, you may have toreset Windowsor replace your keyboard altogether. Check out our favoritemechanical keyboards under $100and thebest wireless keyboards and mouse combos for any budget.

Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio

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Windows Key Not Working in Windows 10? 10+ Ways to Fix It#

Causes of the Windows Key Not Working Issue#

How to Fix Windows Key Not Working in Windows 10#

Get the Windows Key Working Again#