The Windows key is a dedicated key available in most keyboards which is linked to the Start button on the Windows operating system. Most of the time pressing on this key will automatically bring up the start menu. Sometimes though this is not the case. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle the Windows key not working issue.
How To Fix Windows Key Not Working Issue
Before performing any of the recommended troubleshooting steps listed below it’s best to restart your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.
Try disabling the gaming mode on your keyboard
Some of the popular gaming keyboards available in the market allow you to customize the way the keys work. It’s possible that the Windows key has been disabled which is causing this problem.
- If you have aLogitech keyboard there is a switch above the F1, F2 & F3 function keys that you can flip to the right for gaming mode and to the left for regular use. Flip it to the left.
- Other gaming keyboards have a “Win Lock” button beside the right Ctrl button. Press the FN key and the Windows key to enable the Windows key.
- Corsair keyboards have their own software to the keyboard functionality. Run the Corsair software and enable your Windows key.
- If you have an MSI computer/laptop keyboards you can switch turn on the Windows key from the Dragon Gaming Center – System Tuner.
- If you are using the Alienware gaming keyboard, press Fn + F6 to toggle gaming mode on and off
- If you are using the MS Sidewinder keyboard, go into MS Keyboard & Mouse Center and you can click the Windows key in the dashboard and set it to enabled/disabled
Check if the Windows key not working issue still occurs.
Enable the Windows key using Registry Edit
- Click Start, type “Run” and click Run
- Type “regedt32”, and then click OK. Click Yes if you get any EULA message asking for confirmation
- In the Windows menu, click HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local Machine.
- Double-click the System\CurrentControlSet\Control folder, and then click the Keyboard Layout folder.
- Right-click the Scancode Map registry entry, and then click Delete.
- Click Yes on the confirmation/warning message.
- Close Registry Editor
- Restart the computer.
Check if the Windows key not working issue still occurs.
Register all apps again
This procedure will eliminate any conflicts between the keyboard and the apps.
- Click on the Windows button.
- Type “PowerShell” and then right click on “Windows PowerShell” and Run as an Administrator.
- Type or copy and paste the script below into the PowerShell window and press enter: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
- Restart the computer.
Check if the Windows key not working issue still occurs.
Enable the start menu
If the start menu has been disabled then this can be what is causing the problem.
- Right click on the Start Button and select “Run” or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and go to File > click Run a New task from Task Manager.
- Type “regedit” (without the quotes)
- Navigate to this key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer > Advance
- Right click on the right hand side panel and create a new DWORD (32-bit) value
- Call the new key “EnableXamlStartMenu”
- Restart your computer
Check if the Windows key not working issue still occurs. Uninstall and reinstall your keyboard drivers
If the keyboard drivers have been corrupted then there’s a chance that this problem can occur.
- Right click on the Start Button and select “Run” or press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open task manager and go to File > run a new task.
- Type devmgmt.msc and hit enter to Open Device Manager
- Expand the ‘Keyboards’ section
- Right click on your keyboard drivers and select ‘Uninstall device’
- On the warning message that appears, click on ‘Yes’ or ‘Uninstall’ to remove these drivers
- Restart your computer. Windows will reinstall the drivers automatically.
Check if the Windows key not working issue still occurs.