Why Is My Windows Key Not Working?

Last updated on February 10th, 2024 at 05:04 pm

Windows key, or WinKey, is an essential part of the operating System. Users of both basic and advanced levels can take advantage of the multifunctional Windows key. It has many keyboard shortcuts that help you accomplish tasks on your PC more quickly. Aside from this, I find that the Windows key on an IBM-compatible keyboard is the most frequently used key, so when it stops working, my whole world stops.

Nevertheless, driver faults and system upgrades are some of the most likely causes of Windows Key not working. So, do you also get frustrated while thinking, why is my Windows keys not working? How do we fix this issue? Then, you are in the right place. We have some fixes that will surely help you troubleshoot this issue on Windows 10/ 11 PC.

Contents

It has been reported that there are several causes behind this issue. You can find some of the most popular ones below:

Physical Keyboard Issues
Driver Problems
Faulty Windows Updates
Third-Party Software Interference
Accessibility Settings

How to Fix If Windows Key Not Working

So, do you know why is my Windows keys not working? Therefore, now it’s time to know how to troubleshoot this. Thus, let’s check out the fixes for Windows 10/ 11 PC:

Fix 1: Physical Keyboard Inspection and Cleaning

The first thing you should do is physically check your Keyboard for signs of damage. To remove debris and dust, blow compressed air onto the keys. You may need to test the Keyboard on another computer that has a different operating system to determine whether the problem is hardware-related.

Fix 2: Disable Game Mode

In the next step, you must disable game mode. Normally, this feature is enabled once the Xbox Game Bar has been opened on your computer. It is, however, fairly easy to disable it. To get started, follow these steps:

Go to the System Settings.
Click on Gaming.
Go to the sidebar and select Game Mode.
Disable Game Mode.

If you disable Windows settings, the Windows key will no longer be stopped. However, if the Windows keys not working problem persists, you can try the next solution.

Fix 3: Re-register the App Package

You may find that you can’t resolve the Windows key not working problem by disabling the game mode. If you can’t resolve the issue by disabling the game mode, then there may be some issues with the system app package. In order to resolve this issue, I recommend that you re-register the app package by using the Command Prompt. Here are some steps to follow:

Run Command Prompt as an administrator.
Copy and paste this command. Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) \AppXManifest.xml”}
After that, press enter and let it finish.

Fix 4: Turning Off Filter Keys

Microsoft Windows has an accessibility feature called Filter Keys that can be toggled on or off to adjust the behavior of the Keyboard. This feature can be helpful to individuals with trouble controlling their motor skills since it ignores short or repeated keystrokes. Filter Keys may affect the normal operation of keys, including the Windows key, if configured improperly or accidentally enabled.

It’s worth checking if Filter Keys is enabled if you are experiencing issues with Windows keys, particularly if they seem unresponsive or delayed. To disable Filter Keys, follow these steps:

First, in the search box, type Control Panel and click on it.
To make it easier to access, click Ease of Access.
Select Change how your Keyboard works.
To turn off this feature, deselect the Turn on Filter Keys option and click OK.

Fix 5: Check the System Files

SFC can be run when there are issues with your Windows system, including issues with the Windows key. During the SFC scan, corrupted or missing system files may be found and repaired. So, to run an SFC scan, follow these steps:

Run CMD as an administrator.
Then type SFC /scannow and press Enter.

After the scan is complete, review the results. When SFC is run, it will either find issues and repair them or, if there are no issues found, it will not report them.

Fix 6: Use the DISM Command

You should perform a Deployment Image Service and Management Tool (DISM) check after running the System File Checker (SFC). Windows is also capable of being repaired using DISM, especially when the operating System’s image is corrupted. You can run a DISM check to fix the Windows keys not working by following these steps:

Run CMD as an administrator
Enter the following command: Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Fix 7: Try Updating Your Driver

Windows keys not working issues can potentially be resolved by updating your keyboard driver. Your operating system cannot effectively communicate with your device hardware if your drivers are out of date or corrupt. When you update the drivers, your operating system ensures that it can communicate with the hardware effectively. So to update your keyboard driver, follow these steps:

Click Start and search for device manager.
When Device Manager appears in the search results, click it.
Then, expand the Keyboards section and right-click your Keyboard to select Update driver.
Then select Search automatically for drivers and let Windows update the Keyboard automatically.

Fix 8: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

You can also diagnose and resolve problems with the Windows key by running the keyboard troubleshooter. Windows has built-in troubleshooters that automatically identify and fix Windows keys not working problems. To run the keyboard troubleshooter, follow these steps:

Go to Start, then Settings, then System.
To continue, click Troubleshoot.
Thereafter, choose Other troubleshooters or Additional troubleshooters.
Scroll down to Keyboard and hit the run.

Fix 9: Check for the Win Lock Button on Your Keyboard

There is a Gaming mode switch on some keyboards and a Win Lock button on others, so you are facing a Windows keys not working problem.

If your Keyboard has this key available, be sure to check if the Win Lock button will disable the Windows key.

Several users have reported finding this key next to the right Ctrl button on their keyboards, so if you don’t see it, be sure to look for it. Once you’ve found the Win Lock button, press it to restore your Windows key’s functionality.

Additional Fixes For Windows Keys Not Working:

Test on Another Computer.
Check for Physical Damage.
Use an External Keyboard.
Try a Different USB Port.
Check for Software Conflicts.
Consider a System Restore.

Some Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

What is the Sticky Keys Feature?

Using Sticky Keys in Windows makes it easier for users to use keyboard shortcuts even if they press and release modifier keys. Using keyboard shortcuts is more convenient with Sticky Keys because you don’t need to hold keys. If you want to create a shortcut, you only need to hold down a modifier key, such as Ctrl, Alt, or Shift, and then press the next key.

How Do I Update My Keyboard Driver?

You can easily update your keyboard driver just by going to Device Manager> keyboard device/driver> Right-click on the Driver> Select Update driver. For more info, refer to the Fix 7 mentioned above.

Can You Tell Me More About Gaming Mode?

In some keyboards and operating systems, a gaming mode manages interruptions during gameplay and boosts performance during gameplay so that you can have the best gaming experience. There are several types of gaming modes, depending on the Keyboard or software implemented, but the main objective is to create a gaming-friendly environment by reducing input latency, disabling specific keys, and preventing accidents.

Also Read:

So, that’s all we have for you on how to troubleshoot the Windows keys not working issue on your Windows 10/ 11 PC. It’s our hope that this guide has helped you. In case you need further info regarding the Win key, comment below and let us know.

Why Is My Windows Key Not Working? – Here’s What to Do

Why Is My Windows Key Not Working?

How to Fix If Windows Key Not Working