Fix Windows Key Not Working
Windows key plays a very important role in the functioning of the computer. This key was added to the keyboards after the start function was introduced in the windows. Some keyboards have two windows keys on the keyboard (one on the right and the other on the left side of the keyboard).
This key has a direct link to the start function of the windows. This key has a logo of windows on it. It is linked to the Start Menu. Whenever someone presses this key, the start menu is opened up on the screen.
It becomes very frustrating when someone finds his windows key not working. Anyone can easily open the start menu by clicking on the icon of Windows that is available at the bottom right corner of the screen. But it is not only about the start menu, but you also can’t run commands like Windows +R and all other commands that involve the Windows key.
Reasons behind this problem
If you find your windows key not working, there may be two possible reasons behind this: either there is a problem with the Windows key on your keyboard or there is some problem in your PC. We will be mentioning all the possible solutions to this problem in detail.
Solution:
1. Check whether Gaming mode is enabled on your PC:
Many keyboards of this age (especially the gaming keyboards) have two modes in them: Standard mode and the Gaming Mode. When you enable gaming mode on your keyboard, certain keys on your keyboard will not work. It is simply to avoid any hindrance while gaming.
It becomes very embarrassing when the start menu appears on the screen while playing games because you have pressed the windows key accidentally. So, enabling gaming mode on your keyboard will avoid this embarrassment. Now, we will be mentioning the ways you can disable gaming mode on keyboards from different brands.
a) MS SideWinder keyboards: Go to MS Keyboard and Mouse Center. There you will find the options windows key in the dashboard. Disable it.
b) ibuypower keyboards: Press function key + windows/ibuypower key together.
c) Alienware keyboards: Press Function key + F6.
d) MSI keyboards: Go to the Dragon Gaming Center and then click on the System Tuner tab. There you can see the option to disable/enable the windows key of your keyboard.
e) Azio keyboards: In model MGK1 there is a switch to disable/enable windows key.
f) Corsair keyboard: You can disable/enable windows key using the software of the keyboard.
g) Logitech keyboards: In these keyboards, you can find a switch to disable/enable windows key above the function key.
h) Some keyboards have a Win Lock key just beside the right control key. You can enable/disable the windows key by pressing that key.
2. Use Registry Edit:
- If you find your windows key not working after trying the above fix, you can try this fix. Follow the steps mentioned below to do this:
a) Click on the start logo (at the bottom-left corner of the screen).
b) Type Run in the search bar in the taskbar.
c) Click on the Run option.
d) Then, run utility box will open on the screen.
e) In that box, type regedt32 and then hit Enter.
f) Click on HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE on Local Machine from the Windows Menu.
g) Double-click on System\Current Control Set\Control Folder.
h) Then, from the Left Panel, select the option Keyboard Layout.
i) Right-click on the Scancode map registry entry, then select delete from the context menu.
j) Confirm by clicking on yes if you are asked for confirmation.
k) At last, close the registry editor and restart your computer.
3. Enable Start Menu:
- Many users have found their windows key not working when they had disabled start menu on their PC. In case your start menu has been disabled without you knowing it, you can enable your start menu feature by following the steps mentioned below:
a) Open Windows Task Manager on your PC. (You can do it by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc simultaneously)
b) Click on the File option that is at the top-left corner of the screen.
c) Select the option Run a new task.
d) Then, type regedit in the space provided.
e) Once a new window has opened, navigate to the following path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software> Microsoft> Windows> Current Version> Explorer>Advance.
f) In the right portion of the screen, right-click (not on an option).
g) Select DWORD (32-bit) Value.
h) Click on the option EnableXamlStartMenu.
i) After doing this, restart your PC.
4. Check whether you have turned off the filter key:
- Many users find their widows key not working when they have turned on the Filter key. This feature is found on Windows 10 or 8. You can turn on Windows Filter key by following the steps mentioned below:
a) Right-click on Start Menu icon and then select Settings from the list.
b) Once you are in the Windows Settings, select the option Ease of Access.
c) From the left panel, click on the option Keyboard.
d) Find the option Filter keys and turn it OFF if it is ON.
In this article, we have discussed every possible solution to your problem of the windows key not working. In case, your problem persists, you can contact us through our website and the other contact details provided below. We have got a team of experts to solve all your issues related to PCs and phones.
