How to fix the Windows Key or button not working on Windows 10
The Windows key is a dedicated key you will find on most keyboards sold for desktop PCs. The key toggles the Start Menu open or closed when the keyboard is connected to a Windows system. It also serves as a modifier key and shortcuts that are executed with it open specific Windows apps and tools.
How to Enable and Disable the Windows Key
Your Windows key will be enabled by default, so you don’t need to do anything special to activate it. However, you may want the option to toggle it on and off, especially if you’re using your computer for gaming. The combination to toggle this key on and off may differ, depending on the type of system or keyboard you use. This brings us into one troubleshooting method to try.
Press FN + F6 or FN + Windows Keys
One common culprit for the Windows key not working is accidentally (or purposefully) toggling it off for gaming mode, as it disables this function. Not all keyboards do this, however, but it’s worth a try to see if it resolves your issue.
- Some laptop types, such as HP and Acer, may support pressing Fn and F6 at the same time to activate the Windows key lock.
- Other types, such as external gaming keyboards like MSI, will use the keyboard shortcut Fn and the Windows key, which may toggle on the Gaming Mode function. If supported, this consequently de-activates the Windows key.
Fixes for Windows Key or Button Not Working
The Windows key is used to execute lots of commonly used keyboard shortcuts e.g. Win+L will lock your system, Win+R will open the run box, and Win+I will open the Settings app. All of this is possible without using the Windows key but keyboard shortcuts make it much easier to navigate the OS. Note that this should work for both Windows 10 and 11.
If the Windows key isn’t working on your system, try the following first:
- Connect a different/external keyboard to your system and check if the button works.
- Make sure the keyboard you’re using is switched on.
- Change the battery if the keyboard is wireless.
- If you’re using a Bluetooth keyboard, unpair it and pair it again.
- If you’re running an app or script that remaps keys, quit or uninstall it.
- Clean the keyboard. If there is something stuck under the key, it won’t press.
If the Windows key still doesn’t work, try the fixes below.
1. Change Registry Settings/Delete the Registry Key
There may be a registry key that is causing problems with the Windows key. Deleting it should get the Windows key working again. Simply follow these instructions for Windows 10 or 11:
- Open the Registry Editor by pushing the Windows key and R at the same time.
- Input the word regedit in the field and press Enter.
- If prompted to allow Windows to make changes to your device, then select Yes.
- A window will pop up with several options that look like little folders. Click the expansion icon to navigate to where you need to be.
- In the Registry Editor, navigate through the folders in this order:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
- SYSTEM
- CurrentControlSet
- Control
- Keyboard Layout (Make sure this is the singular “Keyboard Layout,” not “Keyboard Layouts.”)
- In the right pane, look for a value named Scancode Map.
- If Scancode Map does not exist, the registry is not causing the Windows key issue, and you can close the Registry Editor without making changes.
- If Scancode Map does exist, back up the registry, then right-click Scancode Map and select Delete.
- Close the Registry Editor.
- Restart your computer for the change to take effect.
2. Run PowerShell command
Try re-registering the apps on your system. You can do this with a PowerShell command as follows:
- Open PowerShell with admin rights.
- Run this command: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) AppXManifest.xml”}
- Restart the system.
3. Turn off Win Lock
Some keyboards, normally internal ones found on laptops, have a Win Lock functionality. This disables the Windows key and is meant to prevent it from interfering during gaming or other full-screen activities.
On your keyboard, look for a key with a lock icon and ‘W’ or ‘Win’ on it. Press it to unlock the Windows key. If that doesn’t work, look in the user manual or online for how to turn Win lock off on your particular keyboard model.
4. Run SFC scan
Corrupted system files can cause problems with keyboard input. Use the SFC scan tool to scan for and repair problems with the system. Here’s how:
- Open Command Prompt with admin rights.
- Run this command: sfc /scannow.
- Restart the system after the command completes.
5. Run DISM tool
The SFC scan tool can fix many problems with Windows 10 but not all of them. If the Windows key still doesn’t work, use the DISM tool to fix problems with the operating system as follows:
- Open Command Prompt with admin rights.
- Run this command: DISM /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
- Next, run this command: DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
- Restart the system.
6. Disable Gaming mode
Gaming Mode on Windows 10 hasn’t been especially reliable since its release. Sometimes it doesn’t make much difference, but other times it can interfere with games or general system behavior. Here’s how to disable it:
- Open the Settings app from the Start Menu.
- Go to Gaming.
- Go to the Game Mode tab.
- Turn the Game Mode switch off.
7. Run a system scan
Check your system for malware. We recommend scanning it with both Windows Defender and the free version of Malwarebytes.
To run a scan with Windows Defender:
- Open Windows Defender.
- Go to Virus & threat protection.
- Click Scan options.
- Select Full scan andclick Scan Now.
- Allow the scan to complete and remove all infections that it finds.
8. Create a new user account
If all else fails, creating a new user account might give you the results you’re looking for. It will give you a fresh OS environment where everything will work. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app and go to Accounts.
- Select Family and other users.
- Click Add someone else to this PC.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and set up a local account.
- Sign in with the local account and the Windows key should work.
9. Clean the Keyboard
Cleaning your keyboard could potentially resolve your Windows key not working issue. Depending on the brand and model, the process can differ slightly, but here’s how it’s done:
- Turn off your PC or laptop.
- If applicable, unplug your keyboard. If you have a battery-operated keyboard, remove the batteries.
- For external keyboards only (not laptops), flip the keyboard upside down and hold it over a garbage can. Gently shake and tap it to get rid of loose debris, like crumbs.
- Afterward, use compressed air by spraying it in quick bursts between the keys in a zigzag pattern. This can be done on keyboards or laptops. Be sure not to hold the can of air upside down as it could leak liquid into your keyboard and cause damage.
- You can also use “keyboard slime” by gently pushing it onto the keyboard and between the keys. When you lift it up, dust and dirt will stick to it.
- Another option is to use a slightly damp microfiber cloth, which you can also apply with isopropyl alcohol, if needed. Be sure not to use this around the battery area of laptops, and always dry it with a clean, soft cloth when finished.
10. Replace the Keyboard
If you’ve tried everything else, you may want to just replace the keyboard. This is easy enough for external keyboards, such as those used with PCs, but laptop keyboards can also be replaced at a higher cost. When replacing a laptop keyboard, you’ll want to refer to the manufacturer for advice. Alternatively, you can use an external keyboard with your laptop instead.
For Computer/PC Users
Many troubleshooting methods for Windows Key problems are similar, regardless of whether you use a desktop PC or laptop. However, if you use a desktop PC, these tips may be more relevant:
- Look for a feature that indicates the Windows key is locked (such as a light on the keyboard that may be on or a dedicated Win lock key).
- Plug your external keyboard into a different port and see if it works.
- Try using a different keyboard.
- Look for the Scancode Map within the Windows Registry.
- Access your keyboard configuration software.
For Notebook/Laptop Users
The fixes that laptop users should try for Windows key issues focus more on:
- Toggling the function key on and off (as covered earlier) that may activate gaming mode.
- Reinstall or update your laptop keyboard drivers.
- Try using an external keyboard.
- If you have software that uses Gaming Modes, try disabling it.
Conclusion
The Windows key isn’t required for typing, but it makes navigating Windows faster and easier if you prefer using the keyboard instead of the mouse. When it stops working, even simple tasks can feel more frustrating than they should. In most cases, the fixes above will help you pinpoint the cause and get the key working again without much trouble. We hope at least one of our fixes did the trick!
