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This tip is about the how to Fix ‘Windows Key Not Working’ Issue on Windows 10 PC. So read this free guide, How to Fix ‘Windows Key Not Working’ Issue on Windows 10 PC. If you have query related to same article you may contact us.
How to Fix ‘Windows Key Not Working’ Issue on Windows 10 PC – Guide
The Windows key on your keyboard makes it easy to run shortcuts to system applications, open the Start menu, and more. Losing this functionality can be frustrating to deal with, as it can slow down your workflow or make your system more difficult to navigate.
Fortunately, there are many ways to solve this problem. In this article, you will learn several methods to potentially restore Windows key functionality on internal and external keyboards. Read on to see how to fix the Windows key that is not working on your Windows 10 system.
Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
Windows 10 includes many troubleshooters to try to fix problems automatically. There is a keyboard troubleshooter you can run that will hopefully fix your broken start. button.
Re-register the Start Menu
Is your Windows key broken or is it the Start menu? Click on the Windows icon in the lower left corner of the screen. If nothing happens, the problem is with the Start menu.
If that’s the case, you can resolve it by re-registering the Start menu.
Disable game mode
Many keyboards come with a game mode feature. This is not to be confused with Windows 10 Game Mode, which aims to optimize your system’s performance for gaming.
Instead, the keyboard game mode disables certain keys that should not be pressed during gameplay. As you might have guessed, one of those keys is Windows button. You may have accidentally activated it.
Each keyboard is different, but look for something on the keys that might represent a game mode. This could be a joystick (as shown on the Logitech G915 TKL above) or a Windows logo with a line through it. Alternatively, it could be on a function key – for example, some Razer keyboards use the FN + F10 shortcut to toggle game mode.
If you’re not sure, Google your keyboard name along with “game mode” and you’ll find out if it’s a feature your keyboard supports it.
Try another keyboard
The device may break and this is equally true of your keyboard. It is important to find out if the broken Windows key is due to hardware (the keyboard) or software (Windows 10).
If you have an extra keyboard, connect it to your computer and see if the Windows key works. If this happens, you can assume that your original keyboard is damaged.
However, to be sure, connect your original keyboard to another computer. If the Windows key still doesn’t work, it’s definitely a dodgy keyboard. If so, contact the manufacturer to see if the keyboard is still under warranty and valid for repair or replacement.
close background apps
If your Windows key works, but the shortcuts that involve it don’t (such as the Windows key + L to lock your account or the Windows key + R to open Run), it’s likely that a program on your computer is replacing those shortcuts.
The best thing to do is open the Task Manager, which you can find by right-clicking on an empty space on the taskbar. The Processes tab shows all applications and processes running in the background.
Scroll down the apps, close them one at a time, and test the Windows key after each one. Do the same for background processes. Leave Windows processes alone.
Once you’ve found the culprit, browse through that program’s settings to see if there’s a way to disable its shortcuts. Otherwise, you can uninstall the program or contact the developer for support.
Update drivers and software
Drivers are bits of software that help power your computer’s hardware. Your Windows key may be broken due to an outdated or defective keyboard driver.
However, please note that this may not apply if you are using a basic keyboard that has no other keys or functions, as the default drivers are built into Windows 10.
You can check for driver updates using Device Manager.
You should also visit the keyboard manufacturer’s website to see if they have new drivers or software updates. Companies like Logitech and Razer have their own keyboard customization software – you should explore them to ensure you haven’t disabled or remapped the Windows key.
Delete Scan Code Map
A Scan ode Map is something that changes the function of the default keys on your keyboard. Your Windows key may be disabled due to a Scan ode Map – one that you downloaded earlier or one that was set by a program.
To remove this, you will need to use Registry Editor to delete the Verification Code Map value. If you follow these instructions and find that there is no Scan Code Map value, skip that and go to the next troubleshooting step.
Disable filter keys
Filter Keys is a Windows 10 accessibility feature that, when enabled, ignores brief or repeated keystrokes. This may be interfering with your start. button, then try turning it off.
Final note
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