How To Fix ESC Key Opening Start Menu Issue

Published 2023-01-17

A strange problem with some Windows PC has been brought up in complaints. They state that pressing the Esc key causes the Start Menu to appear. Since the Esc key is frequently used to close or minimize presentations, this issue is highly bothersome. Therefore, here is a short and simple guide to quickly fix the problem.

Here are a few prerequisites to try out before you get into hard-core troubleshooting.

Simply restarting the PC should be your first line of defense. In this manner, the problem will be fixed if it is a one-time hiccup.
If you’re using an external keyboard, you must unplug it from your computer, wait a moment, and then replug it to test.
Users using wireless keyboards should unplug them from their computer, wait for a little, and then plug it back in.

Also Read: Best Three Ways To Change Keyboard Language on Windows 10

How To Fix ESC key Opening Start Menu Issue On Windows

1. Verify That The Ctrl Key Is Depressed

The Start Menu can only be accessed by holding down Ctrl while pressing the Esc key. So, if you accidentally press Ctrl and Esc simultaneously, the Start Menu will appear. Pressing the Esc key will launch the Start menu even if the Ctrl key is stuck on your keyboard.

Step 1: Press them separately to see if the Ctrl and Esc keys are stuck.

Step 2: If these keys appear dusty, use a blower or cloth to remove the dust.

Step 3: You can also use the Key-Test to determine whether the Ctrl key is stuck.

Step 4: If it is stuck, the Ctrl key will repeatedly appear in the page’s status bar. Try running the keyboard troubleshooter after the next fix if the Ctrl key isn’t stuck.

Also Read: My Windows 10 Keyboard’s Typing Automatically, What To Do?

2. Make Use Of The On-Screen Keyboard

The on-screen keyboard can be used to monitor whether the Ctrl key is depressed or not.

Step 1: Open the Run box by pressing the Win key and R simultaneously.

Step 2: After that, enter “OSK” into the box.

Step 3: Check to see if any keys appear to be stuck or to be pressed automatically when the on-screen keyboard displays.

This on-screen keyboard can also be used as a traditional keyboard for typing.

Also Read: How To Fix Keyboard Keys Typing Wrong Characters

3. Activate The Keyboard Troubleshooter

The keyboard troubleshooter can help identify and resolve this issue.

Step 1: Press the Win, and I keys simultaneously to display the Settings panel.

Step 2: To access it, click “System” settings.

Step 3: To access it, navigate to the system settings in the right-hand pane and press the “Troubleshoot” option.

Step 4: To view the whole list of troubleshooters, click “Other troubleshooters” after this.

Step 5: Find the “Keyboard” troubleshooter among the others right away.

Step 6: To launch the keyboard troubleshooter and resolve the issue, tap “Run.”

Step 7: Now that Windows has launched the troubleshooter, it will check for errors and correct any bugs that are the root of the issue.

Also Read: Keyboard not Working? Here’s the Fix!

4. Turn Off The Sticky Keys

To solve the issue, disable the Sticky keys in the Settings Utility.

Step 1: Pressing the Win key and the I key simultaneously will launch the Settings directly.

Step 2: Next, select “Accessibility” from the list in the left-hand pane.

Step 3: To access the keyboard, click “Keyboard” on the right-hand pane. You will now find several settings connected to the keyboard here.

Step 4: To begin, set the “Sticky keys” to “Off.” Tap the identical Sticky keys again to open that next.

Step 5: You can flip all these settings to “Off” inside to make them inoperable.

The keyboard shortcut for Sticky keys
Show the Sticky keys icon on the taskbar
Lock shortcut keys when pressed twice in a row
Turn off Sticky keys when two keys are pressed at the same time
Play a sound when shortcut keys are pressed and released

Step 6: Close the Settings page after that. Then, press the Esc key once more to see if the Start menu appears this time.

Also Read: How To Fix Alt + F4 Keyboard Shortcut Not Working on Windows 11

The Final Word

If none of the above-mentioned solutions worked, it might be the time to get a new keyboard. Typically, the keystrokes draw dirt and dust, causing the key to slow down. So, before getting a new keyboard, try cleaning the keys.

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