The Windows key has a variety of functions, and it is utilised by both novice and advanced users. Unfortunately, a small number of people have complained that the Windows key does not work with Windows 10, and we’ll teach you how to fix it in this article.
How To Fix a Non-Working Windows Key in Windows 10 Solution
Take a look.
1. Modify The Registry
Many customers claim that if there is a problem with your registry, the Windows key will stop working. However, you should be able to repair this problem by simply updating your registry.
We strongly advise you to export your registry and use the exported registry file as a backup because altering the registry can cause problems if you are not careful.
To alter your registry, take these steps:
Step 1: To begin, open Task Manager and select File > Run new task from the File menu.
Step 2: Now type regedit into the command prompt and hit Enter or OK.
Step 3: Go to HKEY LOCAL MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKeyboard Layout Key on the left pane.
Step 4: Next, expand the Keyboard Layout key and locate the Scancode Map registry entry, which you should delete.
Step 5: When you’re finished, exit Registry Editor and restart your computer.
If you are unable to locate the Scancode Map entry, it is possible that it is not installed on your computer.
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2. Run a Malware and Virus Scan
Malware and viruses can sometimes cause problems with the Windows key, entirely disabling it. If you have any doubts if your computer is infected with malicious software, run a thorough system scan.
Additionally, to check for infection, download and run malware removal software such as Malwarebytes.
Advanced users frequently use the Windows key since it has several functionalities. If the Windows key on your Windows 10 computer isn’t working, make sure Gaming mode is turned on.
3. Run a System File Checker Scan
Your Windows 10 installation can become corrupted at times, causing certain Windows features to stop operating.
If your PC’s Windows key isn’t working, you may need to run a sfc scan.
Follow these steps to do so:
Step 1: Open Task Manager and select File > Run new task.
Step 2: When the Create New Task window appears, type CMD and then select Create This Task with Administrative Permissions.
Step 3: When the Command Prompt appears, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
Step 4: Now sit back and wait for the scan to finish checking your Windows 10 installation.
Step 5: When the scan is finished, restart your computer.
Step 6: After your computer has restarted, check to see if the problem has been resolved. If the problem persists, open the Command Prompt again and run the Dism/Online /Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth command.
After this procedure is completed, check to see if the issue has been resolved.
4. Turn Off The Gaming Mode
If you have a gaming keyboard, it is likely that you have access to Gaming mode. During game play sessions, the gaming mode disables certain keys that may interfere with your game.
For example, you might accidently click the Windows key while playing a game, which will usually close the game and open the Start Menu.
Many people are unaware that their keyboard supports Gaming mode, and they may accidentally activate these keys while cleaning their keyboard. If the Windows key on your keyboard isn’t working, make sure Gaming mode is turned on.
Check your keyboard for this switch, which is normally located above the F2 and F3 buttons and has a joystick image next to it; use it to turn off Gaming mode.
Some keyboards, such as the Apex M800, include a hidden Gaming mode that must be disabled by holding the SteelSeries button and then pressing the Windows key.
As you can see, many different keyboards utilise different techniques to disable Gaming mode, so consult the instruction manual for your keyboard to see how to disable Gaming mode properly.
5. Check Out The Win Lock Button
A Gaming mode switch is found on some keyboards, while a Win Lock button is found on others. The Windows key on your keyboard will be disabled if you press this button. Check to see if this key is available on your keyboard.
This key, according to several users, should be next to the right Ctrl button on your keyboard, so keep an eye out for it. After you’ve found the Win Lock button, hit it to restore your Windows key’s functionality.
6. Uninstalling Bad Keyboard Drivers
To fix the Windows key not working error, you’ll need to uninstall the defective keyboard drivers to allow room for the correct keyboard drivers to be reinstalled. Take the following steps:
Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu and select Run, or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch Task Manager, then go to File > Run a new task.
Step 2: Open the device manager window by typing devmgmt.msc and pressing Enter. Expand the keyboards section and right-click on the current keyboard drivers, then select “Uninstall device.”
Step 3: In the warning window, select Yes or Uninstall to confirm the removal of the defective drivers.
Step 4: If you’re using a USB keyboard, unplug it and reconnect it, or restart your computer. Here, Windows will automatically reinstall the necessary drivers, and if there is a problem with USB ports, you may resolve it from here.
Check to see if the Window key is now operational.
7. Use a Powershell Command
A few customers have claimed that with just one PowerShell command, they were able to resolve the Windows key issue.
If you’re not familiar with PowerShell, it’s a sophisticated command-line programme that lets you uninstall Windows 10’s essential components.
You can perform a lot of things using PowerShell, but because it’s such a powerful tool, we recommend that you use it with caution and care, as it could harm your Windows 10 installation if you don’t.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + S to start PowerShell ( which is a shortcut ). You can alternatively use the methods below to launch PowerShell:
Step 2: To open Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard.
Step 3: Go to File > New Task when the Task Manager appears.
Step 4: Now open PowerShell and run a test. This task should be created with administrative rights. Now Press OK or Enter to continue.
Step 5: After PowerShell has loaded, type Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach -Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) -Register “$($_.InstallLocation
The Windows key should start working again after you run the command.
8. Restart File Explorer or Windows
Your Windows user interface is controlled by File Explorer. By restarting Windows or File Explorer in your PC and using this method, you can fix the Windows key not working error.
It also removes the issue that prevents it from booting up properly. Take the following steps:
Step 1: Open Task Manager by pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Del buttons on your keyboard at the same time.
Step 2: Next, go to the Process tab and look for Explorer in the list of windows. Right-click on it and select End Task.
Step 3: Select File, then New Task from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Hit the Enter key and type “explorer.exe.”
Step 5: Verify that the issue with the Windows key not working has been rectified.
9. Disable The Filter Keys
If your PC’s Filter keys are enabled, it might result in a variety of problems, including the Windows key not working issue. Repeated keystrokes may be ignored or slowed down by the filter keys.
Due to the filter keys on some keyboards, it can also be affected. Furthermore, it may result in a low memory problem in Windows. To disable the filter keys on your computer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Select Settings from the Start menu by right-clicking on it.
Step 2: Scroll down the Settings page and select Ease of Access.
Step 3: Then, on the left side, click on the keyboard tab.
Step 4: Now scroll down and turn off any filter keys you find.
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Conclusion
I hope this post on how to fix the Windows Key Not Working Error in Windows 10 was helpful. Also keep in mind that this problem could be caused by faulty hardware, an electric or mechanical issue with your keyboard. This may necessitate replacing or repairing your keyboard.
