The Windows Key is used to directly open the Start menu. It also has other functions, such as Win + R and Win + S. Because of the multiple functions of the Windows Key, it has become an indispensable part of the users’ toolkit, whether they are at a beginner or intermediate level.
The Windows Key is utilised in daily computer work regardless of the user’s goal or work. Users frequently complain about the issue that Windows Key Not working on their Windows 10 computer as a result of its regular use and activities.
As a result, individuals who spend a lot of time on their computers may become irritated. Users are unable to work quickly or fluently due to the failure of the Windows Key. However, we have alternative possibilities, such as working on our computer with a mouse.
The Windows Key, on the other hand, has its own importance. So, to solve this problem, we’ve come up with ten solutions that will get you out of trouble and allow you to work without interruption.
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How to Fix a Windows Key That Doesn’t Work In Windows 10
We’ve documented each process with meticulous experimentation and observation so that you can appreciate and understand every detail. Choose the best option from the options provided. Remember to take each step slowly and carefully, and make sure you understand the implications and outcomes of each strategy.
Method 1: Modify the Registry
Changing the registry in your Windows 10 PC is one of the simple remedies to the problem. Occasionally, the error is caused by a registry issue. But, most importantly, you must use caution when dealing with the problem to avoid causing damage to your computer’s hardware.
As a result, you may easily backup the registry by exporting it.
All you have to do is follow these simple instructions:
Step 1: Open the task manager and double-click a file, then start a new task.
Step 2: Next, type regedit into the address bar and press the enter key.
Step 3: Finally, go to the left pane and make a selection.
HKEY LOCAL MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetKeyboard Layout is a key in HKEY LOCAL MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetKeyboard Layout.
Step 4: Finally, expand the layout key and look for the Snap code Map registry entry, which you should remove or delete.
Finish by exiting the registry editor and restarting your computer.
If you are unable to view the Snap code entry, it is possible that it is missing from your computer. In that situation, you can also try a different solution.
Method 2: Disable the Gaming Mode
Another reason why the Windows Key isn’t working is when gaming mode is enabled. If you play games frequently, you almost certainly use a gaming keyboard. However, it’s worth noting that the gaming keyboard can sometimes prevent the Windows Key from working.
To avoid game disruption, software makers frame gaming keyboards and deactivate several other keys during gameplay sessions. If you accidentally press the Windows Key while playing a game, the game will be shrunk and the screen will display the start menu.
As a result, you may experience interruptions while playing online games with your friends and peers. Game keyboards are designed to promote gaming mode in order to avoid this problem. As a result, double-check if the game mode is ON or OFF.
Whether it’s on, check the keys on the F2 and F3 buttons on the keyboard to see if it’s switched off. Turn off the game mode on your computer by pressing those buttons, which also display an image of a joystick. Furthermore, different keyboards may have different methods for turning off gaming mode.
A keyboard like the Apex M800, for example, includes a hidden game mode. To turn off the game mode, simply maintain pressing the Steel Series button and tapping the Windows Key at the same time. As a result, before continuing, double-check which keyboard type you’re using.
To effectively disable the game mode, we recommend that you read the handbook thoroughly.
Method 3: Check out the Win Lock Button
The win lock button can be found on some keyboards and is used to disable the Windows Key on your computer, though some keyboards already have gaming mode turned on. As a result, check to see if your keyboard has a win lock button.
The key is near the right control button on the keyboard, so double-check it before proceeding. If you discover it in the on position, simply press it. The win lock button will now be disabled, and the Windows Key will resume normal operation on your computer.
Method 4: Create A New Account
Creating a new user account on your Windows 10 computer may help you fix some of the issues you’re having with the operating system. To fix the error of Windows Keys not working on your computer, follow the procedures outlined below.
Step 1: Go to the settings menu and select the accounts section.
Step 2: Next, move your pointer to the selections for family and other persons.
Step 3: In the other people area, click on add someone else to this PC.
Step 4: Select “I don’t have this person’s sign-in information” from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Select “Add a user without a Microsoft Account” in the second-to-last step.
Step 6: Last but not least, give your new account a name and click Next to finish the process.
Switch to the new account and check to see if the Windows Key is working properly. If the Windows Key in your new account starts working properly. The software is then causing an issue in your PC. Transfer your files and folders to the newly established account and use it as your primary account immediately.
Method 5: Scan for Malware & Viruses
Another reason for the Windows Key not working is the presence of a virus or undesirable software system, which can harm the hard disc and cause errors in the Windows Key. The virus or malware system has the ability to fully disable the Windows Key.
As a result, you must first scan your computer to determine the extent of the damage. Additionally, you can use and run anti-malware solutions like malware bytes and Windows defender to ensure that no harmful software is running on your computer.
The steps to scan the machine using Windows Defender are listed below.
Step 1: Select Settings from the Start menu.
Step 2: After selecting Update and Security Settings, click on Windows Defender.
Step 3: Click the shield icon on the left side.
Step 4: Finally, select the advanced scan option and then full-screen mode.
After completing all of these processes, check to see if the Windows Key is still functional following the elimination of unwanted software and viruses.
Method 6: Scan using a System File Checker
The system file checker scan, which is a useful but not often used method, is covered next. It is frequently used since the installed Windows 10 on a computer can become corrupt. As a result, the performance of functions on your Windows 10 computer suffers.
To perform an SFC scan, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the task manager, then go to File, and then run a new task.
Step 2: Make a new task window and choose the checkbox next to it.
Step 3: In the Command Window, type sfc/scannow and press Enter.
Step 4: Scanning is about to begin. Wait for it to finish and then double-check your Windows 10 installation.
Step 5: Shut down and restart your computer.
If the error of the Windows Key not working persists, enter command prompt again and run the DISM/ online / cleanup-image /restore health command. Check the error once more.
Method 7: Uninstalling Bad Keyboard Drivers
To make room on your computer for the installation of proper keyboard drivers, you must first delete the defective keyboard drivers.
Step 1: Right-click on the Start menu and select Run, or press and hold the Ctrl, Shift, and ESC keys at the same time to open the task manager, go to File, and then run a new task.
Step 2: To launch the device manager window, type devmgmt.msc and hit enter.
Step 3: Expand the keyboards area, right-click on the current drivers, and select Install Device from the menu.
Step 4: Select yes from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: If you’re using a USB keyboard unplug the driver and re-plug it.
Step 6: Alternatively, you can reboot your computer.
Step 7: Check to see whether the Windows button is still not working.
Method 8: Using a PowerShell Command
You can also fix the problem with just a PowerShell command. It’s a sophisticated command-line utility that cleans up the components of Windows 10 machines. With the PowerShell command, you can do a variety of tasks. However, make certain that you do so with caution.
Step 1: On the keyboard, press the ctrl + shift + Esc keys together to open task manager.
Step 2: In the task manager window, locate and run the new task.
Step 3: In PowerShell, select “create this task with administrative privileges” and tick the box.
Step 4: Finally, click OK.
Step 5: Type Get App X package in the PowerShell prompt.
Step 6: Press the Enter key on your keyboard.
Step 7: Run the command, and Windows will begin to function normally again.
We believe that PowerShell commands on Windows 10 can sometimes provide unexpected outcomes. As a result, you should create a new system restore point on your Windows 10 computer and use it.
Method 9: Restart Windows or File Explorer
Using this solution, the issue of the Windows Key Not Working on Windows 10 will be resolved. Because the Windows user interface is controlled by the file explorer. As a result, you can use the method by following the steps provided.
Step 1: Press the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys on the keyboard to launch Task Manager.
Step 2: Right-click on explore after selecting the process tab and locating it in Windows.
Step 3: Select the option to complete the task.
Step 4: Right-click the file and select the New Task option.
Step 5: Next, type “explore.exe” and hit Enter.
Step 6: Last but not least, look for the Windows Button Not Working error in the Windows Key.
Method 10: Turn the Filter Keys Off
Filter keys are another component in your computer that might cause errors. If they are switched on in your computer, it can result in a variety of problems, the most prevalent of which is a Windows Key error. They might change the speed of keystrokes or simply disregard them.
As a result, the problem of the Windows Key Not Working On Windows 10 is caused by your keyboard’s enabled filter keys. It may also cause memory problems.
To disable your computer’s filter keys. Take the actions outlined below.
Step 1: Select the option settings from the start menu by right-clicking on it.
Step 2: Scroll down to the Ease of Access section of the settings page and click it.
Step 3: Select the keyboard tab from the left-hand menu.
Step 4: Finally, when scrolling, go to the filter keys option and turn them off.
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Conclusion
That concludes our discussion of the Windows Key Not Working issue. We hope this post has been of assistance to you. We anticipate that after reading the above approaches, you will have addressed your problem because we have described all of the available strategies that can be applied effortlessly straight from your home.
However, if the problem persists, there is likely a problem with your keyboard.
If a keyboard has been used for a long period, it may develop mechanical or hardware issues. You have two options for resolving this problem: have your keyboard fixed or replace it with a new one. It’s possible that it will work. Finally, we can conclude that the ten strategies given above are sufficient.
