[FIXED] How to Fix Windows Key Not Working on Windows 10 and 11?

The Windows logo key is by all means an essential component of your keyboard: it takes part in multiple shortcuts as well as evoking your Start menu. As you can see, this key is exceptionally useful, so its failure to work can evoke the feeling of frustration in any Windows user.

Although there might be many reasons for the Windows key not working, we have thoroughly investigated the issue and collected an exhaustive list of proven tips on how to fix it. So, be sure to examine them all—since we believe we have succeeded in addressing your problem.

Before you start your troubleshooting adventure, we strongly advise you to back up your personal files. This is to secure them against permanent loss in case something goes wrong.

For this purpose, you can use an external storage device or a cloud solution. You are also free to migrate your files to another laptop.

Besides, it is also a good idea to back up your registry since some of the following fixes include registry tweaks:

• To enter the Registry Editor, right-click on the Windows logo icon, click Run, type regedit, and hit Enter.
• Navigate to File and select Export.
• Go to Export range.
• Select All.
• Select the location where you wish to save your backup file.
• Name it and select Save.

If things do not go as planned, you will be able to restore your backup file and get your Windows registry up and running again:

• Open the Registry Editor, using the instructions above.
• Navigate to Import.
• Select your backup file.

Why Is Your Windows Key Not Working?

If your Windows key isn’t responding, several underlying issues could be responsible. Here are the most common causes for your Windows key not working:

• Windows key lock—Some keyboards, particularly gaming models, include a physical or software-based lock that disables the Windows key to prevent interruptions during gameplay.
• Corrupted system files—Essential Windows components might be damaged, affecting keyboard functionality.
• Outdated or faulty keyboard drivers—Drivers that are missing, outdated, or incompatible can disrupt normal key functions.
• Group Policy settings—On some systems, especially work or school devices, administrators may disable the Windows key through local policies.
• Third-party software conflicts or malware—Certain applications or malicious programs can interfere with keyboard input, including the Windows key.

Also read: How to Disable the F1 “Help” Key on Windows 10?

How to Fix the Windows Key on the Keyboard Not Working on Windows 10 and 11

1. Check whether it is a hardware issue

Keyboards can be surprisingly fragile, and the Windows key failure might simply be due to a physical problem. Here’s how to rule that out:

➡️ Test the key: Use an online keyboard tester to see if the Windows key registers when pressed.

➡️ Check other keys: If multiple keys aren’t working, your keyboard may be dirty or damaged—try cleaning it or checking for spills or debris.

➡️ Isolate the issue: If only the Windows key is unresponsive, it could be a stuck or broken key. Try gently cleaning or replacing the keycap.

Also read: How to Fix a Jammed Keyboard Key Easily

➡️ Test on another device: If you’re using an external keyboard, connect it to another PC. If the problem persists, the keyboard likely needs replacing.

By checking these possibilities, you’ll know whether it’s a simple mechanical issue responsible for your Windows key not working —or if it may be time for a new keyboard.

Also read: [FIXED] Mouse and Keyboard Stopped Working on Windows 10/11

2. Check your Start menu

Before jumping into deeper fixes, it’s important to confirm whether the issue is with the Windows key itself or with the Start menu functionality.

It’s easy to mistake a Start menu malfunction for a problem with the Windows key.

Try opening the Start menu using an alternative shortcut:

• Press Ctrl + Esc.
• If the Start menu opens with this combination, the menu itself is working fine—the problem likely lies with the Windows key specifically. In that case, you can move on to troubleshooting the key directly.

However, if the Start menu doesn’t respond at all, even with Ctrl + Esc, then you may be facing a broader Start menu malfunction in Windows. In that case, it’s time to use more advanced solutions to troubleshoot the Start menu not working.

3. Disable gaming mode

If you are using a gaming keyboard, it can be in gaming mode. This can make your Windows key unresponsive. In such a case, search for a key that enables/disables gaming mode and use it—this key is usually with a joystick drawing (or something like that) on it.

Expert tip: Winning Strategies: How to Optimize Your PC for High-Performance Gaming

4. Use the Win Lock key

Some keyboards have a special key that is designed to turn your Windows logo key on or off. You might have accidentally pressed that Win Lock key and disabled your Windows logo key. If that is your case, you can easily resolve the issue by hitting the Win Lock key once again.

5. Disable FilterKeys

FilterKeys is a built-in feature that instructs your keyboard to turn a blind eye to brief or repeated keystrokes. Despite its convenience, it can sometimes be the reason for the Windows key not working. Here’s how to unlock the Windows key by disabling FilterKeys:

• Right-click on Start.
• Select Settings.
• If you’re on Windows 10, click on Ease of Access. For Windows 11, select Accessibility.
• Go to Keyboard and disable the feature.

6. Enable the Windows logo key via the Windows registry

Reportedly, the issue of the Windows key not working in Windows 10/11 is often resolved with this registry tweak. Here is what you should do:

• Right-click on your Start menu icon and opt for Run.
• Type regedit to launch the Registry Editor.
• Then navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout.
• In the right pane, locate Scancode Map.
• Right-click on it and select Delete.
• Exit the editor. Reboot your computer to see if this method has worked for you.

7. Restart your Windows/File Explorer

If the Windows logo key issue persists, you might need to restart the explorer.exe process on your PC. This simple trick is reported to have gotten the Winkey back on track for many users. Here is how you can perform it:

• Open your Task Manager. For this purpose, you can use the Ctrl + Alt + Delete or the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut.
• Navigate to the Details tab.
• Locate explorer.exe.
• Right-click on it and select End task. After this procedure, your screen is supposed to go black. Do not worry—that’s part of the fix.
• Open your Task Manager again.
• Click Run new task on Windows 11 or click File and select Run new task from the drop-down menu if you’re on Windows 10.
• The Create new task window will appear. Type explorer.exe into it.
• Press Enter.
• Now see if your Windows logo key has been fixed.

8. Update your keyboard drivers

The Windows key not working on Windows can be related to outdated drivers. So, updating your drivers can be how you get the issue fixed.

There are two key ways to do that: you can update your drivers manually with built-in tools (like Device Manager or Windows Update), or you can use third-party software for faster, hassle-free updates. Let’s break it down.

➡️ Manually via Device Manager

You can use Windows’ built-in Device Manager to search for the latest driver online:

• Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
• Expand the Keyboards section.
• Right-click your keyboard and choose Update driver.
• Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
• If Windows finds a better driver, it will install it for you.

➡️ Automatically with a driver updater tool

For a faster and more comprehensive solution, consider using a dedicated tool like Auslogics Driver Updater. It scans your entire system, identifies outdated or missing drivers, and installs the latest manufacturer-recommended versions with one click.

Bonus: It also creates backups of your existing drivers—so if anything goes wrong, you can roll back to the previous version effortlessly.

9. Run the System File Checker

Another possible reason for keyboard issues is missing or corrupt system files. Luckily, Microsoft has thought it out in advance and integrated a special tool, the System File Checker (or SFC), to check for and fix them. Here’s how to unlock your Windows key by running an SFC scan:

• Right-click on Start and opt for Search.
• Type cmd.
• Right-click on the best match (Command Prompt) and select the Run as administrator option.
• This will launch the elevated Command Prompt window, where you need to type sfc /scannow.
• Press Enter and let the scan finish. It may take a while.

When the process is complete, restart your computer. Hopefully, your Windows logo key is active again.

10. Run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool

If the previous scan has failed to help you, we advise running a DISM scan to repair your image. Let’s hope this will make your Winkey issue a thing of the past:

• Open an elevated Command Prompt window (use the instructions from the previous fix).
• One at a time, type DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/ScanHealth and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth into your Command Prompt window and hit Enter after each.

Wait until the scan is complete. Then you should restart your machine. Check if your problem has been successfully solved.

11. Reregister your apps

If your Windows key keeps having issues despite all your efforts, your keyboard might be involved in some software conflict. This is the reason why you might find it useful to reregister all your apps. There is no need to worry—it is a pretty straightforward procedure. Just use the following guidelines:

• Right-click on your Start menu icon on the taskbar.
• Select the Search option. Type powershell.
• Right-click on the Windows PowerShell result.
• From the drop-down menu, select Run as administrator.
• Paste the following command into the PowerShell window:

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

• Press Enter to start the procedure.

Wait until your apps are reregistered and reboot your PC. We hope this method has proved helpful.

Also read: [FIXED] Why Is My Keyboard Typing the Wrong Letters?

12. Run a full system scan

The sad truth is, malware is a common cause of keyboard issues on Windows computers. Unfortunately, the chances are that is your case. This means it is time for you to scan your system. You can do that with Windows Defender:

• Open your Start menu and click the Settings gear.
• In Windows 10, go to Update & Security. In Windows 11, select Privacy & security. Then, select Windows Security.
• Click Open Windows Security.
• Move to the shield icon, which is in the left pane.
• Click Scan options and select Full scan.

That said, relying on Windows Defender alone may not always be enough. Some threats are stealthy enough to slip past built-in protection—especially newer or more sophisticated types of malware. To strengthen your defenses, consider running a full system scan with Auslogics Anti-Malware.

It’s designed to work alongside your primary antivirus software, adding an extra layer of security without causing conflicts.

This tool digs deep into places your main antivirus might overlook, detecting malicious items that can compromise your privacy or system stability. Whether it’s hidden files, suspicious startup entries, or browser hijackers—Auslogics Anti-Malware is built to catch what others miss.

How to Fix the Windows Key Not Working on Windows 10 and 11: Answered

Resolving the issue of the Windows key not working on Windows 10 and 11 is essential to regain full functionality and productivity on your computer. By following the troubleshooting steps and solutions provided in the guide, you can successfully address this problem and ensure that your Windows key functions as intended.

Whether it’s a simple software glitch or a more complex issue, these methods should help you get your Windows key back in action and improve your overall computing experience.

Do you know other ways to fix the Windows key not working? Make sure to let us know in the comments below!

FAQ