When the Windows key is locked, the problem of the Windows key not working frequently arises. In case you were wondering, the manufacturers included a lock key on the keyboard Windows Key Not Working to prevent minimizing when playing games, so it’s likely that you mistakenly pressed it and blocked your Windows key.
It is possible that additional factors, such as filter keys, a faulty driver, and active game mode, restrict you from using the Windows key, even when the locked Windows key is not visible on your keyboard.
keyboard Windows Key Not Working: Primary Causes
Now that we know the primary cause, let’s examine a few more contributors:
Disabled Windows key: Until you unlock your locked Windows key, you won’t be able to use it. You need to carefully search your keyboard for the lock key in order to accomplish it.
Corrupted Keyboard Driver: If this sounds like a problem, it’s possible that your keyboard driver is corrupted. The keyboard driver can be readily fixed, though, if it is corrupted. Update or reinstall it.
Hardware Problem: Alternatively, a faulty Windows key may be the source of the problem. Try connecting a different keyboard to your computer to see if the problem is with your keyboard and to make sure your Windows key is functioning. Therefore, if your other keyboard is locked or if there is another reason why this is happening, your Windows key should not function on it. If not, you’ll have a problem with the keyboard windows key not working.
Enabled Game Mode: Although the purpose of Game Mode is to improve performance on both high-end and low-end systems, it occasionally prevents the Windows key from working. Therefore, to resolve this issue, consider turning off Game Mode.
Interference of Filter Keys: According to those who are impacted, filter keys frequently prohibit people from using Windows keys. To resolve this problem, you can try turning off the filter key in the settings.
You need to be sure that your Windows key is working properly before attempting to diagnose and resolve this problem. To test your key, visit this Microsoft website and continuously press the Windows key. Your Windows key is operational if the website is able to identify it. If so, simply use the troubleshooting steps listed below to solve your problem.
To make sure it’s functioning, you may also try tapping the other Windows key. If it’s not functioning, your keyboard may have deactivated it. It may be broken if one Windows key functions properly while the other does not.
To distract yourself from your keys, you can use the Power Toys application. Scroll down to the eighth method to accomplish it.
1. Get Your Windows Key Unlocked
The Windows key is disabled by the “Game Mode” feature on some contemporary gaming keyboards. The Windows key isn’t working for the likely reason that you unintentionally hit the lock key. You will need to unlock the key by pressing the lock key once again in order to correct this. The lock key is located in the functions keys at the top of the keyboard; you can identify it by looking for the lock icon.
You can press Fn + F12 in HyperX to enable or disable the Windows key. In the event that your keyboard lacks a lock key, you can attempt to unlock the Windows key by simultaneously hitting FN + F6, FN + F12, or FN + Win. Proceed to the next method if that fails to resolve the issue.
2. Make use of the Registry Editor
Using the registry editor to remove the Scan code Map item is an additional way to resolve this problem. By disabling the Windows key, the user can prevent accidental Windows key presses from minimizing the game. Using the registry editor, remove the Scan code Map item to resolve this problem.
- Press the Win + R to launch Run Window
- Type Regedit and click OK to navigate
- Go to the following directory
- In the right pane, locate the entry named Scan Code Map
Note: If you did not find the scan code map entry, move on to the next method. - Right-click the scan code map entry, and click Delete
- After removing the entry, click Start Menu and type Windows PowerShell
- Right-click the PowerShell and click Run as Administrator
- Now paste the following command to reset all apps
- Ignore the errors and close the terminal Once done, restart your computer and check if the issue is fixed.
3. Launch Keyboard Diagnostic
Troubleshooting tools typically automatically resolve a variety of problems. Microsoft created troubleshooting tools to address frequently occurring problems. Therefore, if this problem is occurring for a common reason, using the keyboard troubleshooter may help resolve it. The steps are as follows:
- To access Settings, use the keyboard shortcut Win + I.
- Next, proceed to the Security & Update
- Once done, check if the Windows key is working.
4. Disable the filter keys
The unique keys known as filter keys let users write without using the same keys repeatedly. Microsoft implemented filter keys to help users with hand tremors ignore short or repetitive typing. On the other hand, impacted users have stated in forums that one solution to the Windows key not working problem is to disable the filter keys. The steps below can be used to disable the filter keys:
- Right-click the Start Menu icon and click Settings
- Navigate to the Ease Of Access, click on the keyboard from the left pane
- Scroll down a little bit and disable the Filter Keys by toggling off the Use Filter Keys option
- Once done, check if the Windows key starts working.
5. Install or Update the Keyboard Driver
It is possible that the keyboard driver is corrupted; in such a scenario, you will need to replace the driver. It’s extremely easy to reinstall the keyboard driver; however, you should try updating it first. Choose to reinstall the driver if the device manager is unable to locate the most recent version. Take these actions:
- To open the Run Window, simultaneously press Windows and R.
- Type devmgmt.msc and select OK.
- Right-click the keyboard driver and click Update Driver
- Choose Search Automatically For Drivers
- If the device manager did not find the latest driver for your keyboard
- Right-click the keyboard driver and click Uninstall Device
- Restart your computer for complete installation
- Once done, check if the Win key is now working. If it’s not, follow the below method
6. Use a generic keyboard driver instead
If updating or reinstalling the driver does not resolve your Windows key issue, you might attempt to use the generic keyboard driver. The instructions for switching to a generic keyboard driver are provided below.
- Select Device Manager with a right-click on the Start menu.
- Extend the menu for keyboards
- Select Update Driver by doing a right-click on your keyboard driver.
- To find drivers, select Browse My Computer.
- Choose Let Me Choose from A List Of Available Drivers after that.
- Choose a HID keyboard.
- Next, click to begin the driver installation.
- After that, see if the problem has been fixed.
7. Redirect the Windows Key Using Power Toys
You can download the Power Toys application to temporarily work with your Windows key if it isn’t working because of hardware damage. With Power Toys, you may remap keys to other keys and customize Windows functions. To access the start menu, just switch the Windows key function to a different keyboard key. The instructions for remapping your Windows key are as follows:
- Look for Power Toys at the Microsoft Store.
- Open the Microsoft Store and install the Power Toys app.
- After installation, open the programme.
- Select Keyboard Manager from the menu on the left.
- Click Remap A Key and then click the Plus Icon
- Now, choose the key you wish to use in place of the Win key under the Physical Key.
- Next, choose the Win key from the Mapped to list.
- After that, click OK, and when the warning message shows, click Yes.
- Once finished, tap the key you chose beneath the physical key to access the start menu.
8. Turn on the Start Menu
It’s possible that while the start menu is not functioning, your Windows keys are. If you want to make the start menu functional again, we have a thorough guide on how to do so. The article “How to Fix Start Menu Not Working in Windows 10/11?” can be found here.
If none of the fixes have been successful, it’s also conceivable that your taskbar is broken. You can visit this article on How to Fix Taskbar Not Working on Windows 10 to resolve this problem. Nevertheless, if you utilize any third-party applications from the start menu, uninstall them and see whether the problem is fixed.
9. Get a New Keyboard
All of the above-mentioned options are plausible in this particular circumstance. If, however, none of the techniques have been successful for you, consider switching keyboards. You can use the link provided at the start of this post to test your keyboard and see whether it’s broken. To find out, try pressing the Win key. If so, swapping out the keyboard Windows key not working will resolve the problem.
FAQS
Why is the Windows Key Not Working on My Computer?
- . Restart the Computer The problem of Windows Keys not working on your computer might be due to a stuck app,program or process, preventing the Windows Key from working properly. …
- 2. Check the Start Menu …
- 3. Switch OFF Gaming Mode …
- 4. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter …
- 5. Update Keyboard Drivers …
