How To Fix Window Key Not Working In Windows 10 PC?

The most important key on your keyboard is the Windows key which can be combined with other keys to act as a shortcut for various applications and system tools. It becomes tough when you face issues with Windows key not working in Windows 10 because it takes more time and effort to access different system apps and tools. This guide will discuss a few steps to resolve this issue without you having to purchase a new keyboard.

Quick & Easy Methods To Resolve Windows Key Not Working In Windows 10 PC

Method 1: Turn Off The Gaming Mode

It you are an avid gamer, then there is quite a possibility that you have a gaming keyboard. A gaming keyboard is designed to provide the least interference to the user and allow them to enjoy a flawless experience. One of the functions of the gaming keyboard is to disable the Windows key and bring up the start menu while you are playing online. The Windows key not working in Windows 10 can occur if the Gaming mode is on even when you are not playing the game. To manually disable the gaming mode from Windows 10, follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch the Settings app on your Windows 10 PC.

Step 2: Locate Gaming option and click on Game Mode and then toggle this option towards the left to turn it off.

Method 2: Turn Off The Win Lock Key

Some special keyboards have a unique option integrated that allows the users to turn off the Windows Key. This helps the users to prevent any popups from bulging out if they accidentally pressed the Windows key while typing something.

Check if this option is enabled and turn it off to activate your Windows key. Even if it is turned off, try enabling it once and then disable it almost immediately. Check if the Windows Key not working in Windows 10 issue has been resolved.

Method 3: Tweak the Windows Registry

Another method to fix the Windows key not working in Windows 10 is to make suitable changes in the Windows Registry Editor. Here are the steps that you must follow:

Step 1: Press Windows + R on the keyboard to open the RUN dialog box.

Step 2: Type regedit in the text space to open Windows Registry Editor.

Step 3: Open the follow path or copy and paste it in the search bar on the top:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout

Step 4: Check the right side of the pane and search for Scancode Map.

Step 5: Make a right-click and from the contextual menu choose Delete.

Step 6: Exit the Registry Editor and Restart the computer.

Note: Check if the Windows Key not working in Windows 10 PC has been resolved. If you do not find the ScanCode Map registry key in your system, then move to the next step.

Method 4: Turn Off The Filter Keys

Most Gamers turn on the Filter Keys option so that the keyboard can start ignoring repeated keystrokes. By default, this option is turned off in Windows but can be easily enabled, and it disables the Windows Key on the keyboard. To turn off the filter keys, use these steps:

Step 1: Press Windows + I to launch the Settings Window on your computer.

Step 2: Locate and click on Ease of Access and then click on Keyboard in the left pane.

Step 3: Now, scroll down in the right side and locate Filter keys where you have to turn the toggle button towards left and disable it.

Method 5: Initiate Windows PowerShell

The settings in Windows 10 Operating system can easily be configured and altered by using a powerful in-built tool like the Windows PowerShell. It requires command lines which can add, remove, and modify the core components of Windows 10 Operating system. But in this case, all you have to do is launch the program and copy and paste a command line. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Type PowerShell in the search box located on the bottom left of the taskbar.

Step 2: Once the PowerShell Window opens, copy the command mentioned below and paste it in the PowerShell window.

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) \AppXManifest.xml”}

Step 3: Press Enter on your Keyboard and wait until the process completes.

Step 4: Close the PowerShell window and restart the computer.

Check if you are still facing the issue of Windows Key not working in Windows 10.

Method 6: Update Your Keyboards Drivers

Your Keyboard is a hardware device that communicates with the Windows operating system and receives instructions and sends error messages and other prompts. However, the Hardware devices can only communicate in binary languages involving zeros and ones, whereas the Windows operating system is built on the dotnet framework. To bridge the communication gap, one requires drivers that act as a translator or intermediator between the OS and Keyboard.

Thus, it is important to use updated drivers at all times to enhance the smooth functioning of your computer. Drivers can be updated using the manual method of using the Windows 10 in-built tool known as device Manager by using these steps:

Step 1: Type Device Manager on the search box located on the left bottom corner of the taskbar and click on the relevant result that states Device Manager App.

Step 2: In the Device Manager window, scroll down until you locate Keyboard and click on it once.

Step 3: Make a right-click on keyboard and choose ‘Update Drivers’ from the contextual menu.

It is challenging to update drivers using the manual method, and it does not find the latest drivers every time. Therefore, I recommend using a driver updater software that can automatically scan your computer and update all the drivers within a couple of clicks. This will fix all your driver issues and boost your computer’s speed and even enhance the performance, maintaining the smooth functioning of the system.

One of the best applications for this job is Smart Driver Care which can not only update your drivers but also fix corrupted drivers and install missing ones if needed. It also takes a back of drivers before updating them so that the user can restore to a previous driver version on his/her discretion.

Download Now: Smart Driver Care to fix Windows keys not working in Windows 10.

Method 7: Check Your Computer For Malicious Software

 The final resolution for Windows key not working in Windows 10 is to scan your computer for any malicious content like virus, malware, spyware, worm or Trojan. Many applications support to scan and remove malicious content from your computer. I prefer Systweak Antivirus, which is a complete app offering real-time protection. Once you install it, scan your system and stay assured that it will detect all traces of potentially harmful files and apps and delete them. It will also not allow any such files to enter your system and quarantine in the first go.

The Final Word On How To Fix Windows Key Not Working In Windows 10 PC?

If the above fixes are unable to fix the Windows key not working in Windows 10 PC, then this suggests a hardware issue where you have to replace the keyboard. Until then there is a tweak which involves remapping your keyboard keys which means you can remap your less frequently used keyboard key to function as the Windows key. If you have two ALT and CTRL keys, then you can reassign one ALT or CTRL key to function as a Windows Key until you purchase a new keyboard.

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