Windows Key Not Working in Windows 10. Windows key is an important aspect of utilising the Windows operating system on a computer. The Start menu can be accessed by just pressing the Windows key.
It’s also used to open the ‘Run’ window and the ‘Search’ bar on the Start menu, respectively, when combined with the ‘R’ and ‘S’ keys. This key can do a variety of operations in addition to shortcuts.
Many users of Windows 10 OS, however, frequently face the issue ‘Windows Key Not Working.’ Because the Windows key does not work, a user who frequently uses it may have a difficult time.
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Fix the Windows Key Not Working Issue in Windows 10
The strategies listed below can be extremely useful in resolving the Windows key not working error in Windows 10. Let’s have a look at some of these approaches.
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Method 1: Change Your Registry
The failure of the Windows key is frequently caused by an issue with the system’s registry. The system registry can be updated to fix this. To do so, follow the steps outlined below.
When altering the system registry, however, extreme caution must be exercised. Failure to do so may cause the PC’s complete hardware to malfunction. The Windows 10 file explorer will not open at all if the damage is severe.
To change the registry, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the Task Manager window first.
Step 2: In the Task Manager window, go to this location: Run New Task from the File menu. This will bring up the ‘Run’ window.
Step 3: To open the Registry Editor, type regedit in the ‘Run’ window.
Step 4: In the Registry Editor window, go to this location: HKEY LOCAL MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKeyboardLayout HKEY LOCAL MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKeyboardLayout HKEY LOCAL MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKey
Step 5: After expanding the Layout key, look for the Snapcode Map registry entry and delete it.
Step 6: Close the Registry Editor application.
Step 7: Double-check that the Window key now works.
If the Snapcode map registry is missing from the system, try another technique to solve the problem.
Method 2 – Run a Malware and Virus Scan DNS Probe Finished Bad Config DPC Watchdog Violation
On Windows 10 OS, the problem ‘Windows key not working’ might be caused by the existence of a virus in the system. Viruses have a tendency to entirely disable the Windows key, rendering it useless. It is advised that a malware and virus scan of the complete system be performed to ensure that the system is virus-free.
To do a complete scan of the system, follow the steps provided by the anti-virus software application installed on the PC. Malwarebytes and Windows Defender are two tools that may be used to detect dangerous software on a computer.
Method 3: Turn off the gaming mode.
When a gaming keyboard is used, it is almost certainly set to gaming mode. Certain keys on the keyboard are automatically disabled when the gaming mode is enabled, so they don’t get in the way of any gaming sessions.
It’s likely that the ‘Windows Key Not Working’ issue comes because the keyboard’s game mode is turned on. Check for this and turn off the corresponding switch to disable the gaming mode. On a gaming keyboard, these keys are normally found above the f2 and f3 keys.
It’s possible that some keyboards have hidden gaming modes. Depending on the type of keyboard, different game modes are available. Before disabling the keyboard’s gaming mode, it’s a good idea to read the manual thoroughly.
Check if the problem persists after the gaming mode has been disabled.
Method 4: Check the Win Lock Button
The Win Lock button is found on some keyboards. The primary use of this button is to disable the Windows key. Examine the keyboard for its presence. It’s usually near the right-hand ‘ctrl’ key on the keyboard.
Toggle the Win Lock switch on or off. By doing so, the Windows key will begin to function again, and the error will be removed from the system.
Method 5: Create A New Account
The error ‘Windows Key Not Working’ can be resolved by creating a new user account. To create a new user account, follow the instructions below.
Step 1: On the system, look for the Control Panel icon and click it.
Step 2: Go to Family->>Other People->> in the User Accounts area of the Control Panel.
Add another user to this computer.
Step 3: Choose the following option: This person’s sign-in information is not available to me->> You can add a user who does not have a Microsoft account.
Step 4: Create a new account by filling up all of the required information.
Step 5: Log out of your current account and log in to your newly created one. Check to see if the Windows key is now operational.
Method 6: Scan using a System File Checker
The issue of ‘Windows Key Not Working’ might occur if Windows 10 becomes corrupted on the computer. A system file checker scan can be performed on the machine to remedy this problem. Take a look at the instructions outlined below.
Step 1: Launch the Task Manager.
Step 2: Select File->>New Task from the File menu.
Step 3: In the ‘Create New Task’ window, type ‘cmd’.
Step 4: Type the following command into the command prompt window: sfc/scannow. C:Windowssystem32>sfc/scannow is the complete route. Enter by pressing the ‘Enter’ key.
Step 5: The scanning procedure could take a while.
Step 6: After the scanning operation is completed, restart the system.
Check to see if the issue with the Windows key has been repaired.
Method 7: Remove Faulty Keyboard Drivers
The ‘Windows Key Not Working’ error might be caused by the presence of any defective keyboard drivers in the system. It is recommended that these drivers be uninstalled and new drivers be installed to remedy this issue.
These drivers can be uninstalled from the Device Drivers section of the keyboard. After the drivers have been uninstalled, restart the computer. The error-free drivers are automatically reinstalled by Windows.
Check to see whether the problem has been resolved.
Method 8: Use of the Powershell Command
A Powershell command can aid in the resolution of the Windows 10 problem. It’s a strong command-line tool for removing Windows 10’s key components. Consider the steps below.
Step 1: Launch the Task Manager.
Step 2: Select File->>New Task from the File menu.
Step 3: Type ‘Powershell’ in the Create New Task window. Make sure the ‘Create this task with administrator access’ checkbox is selected.
Step 4: The window titled “Administrator: Windows Powershell” appears.
Step 5: In the Powershell window, type the following command: Get-AppXPackage –AllUsers | Add-AppxPackage –DisableDevelopmentMode –Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml” for each $($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml for each $($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml for each $($_.InstallLocation)AppX
Step 6: To run this command, press the Enter key.
This should resolve the issue of the ‘Windows Key Not Working.’
Method 9: Restart Windows or File Explorer
This problem can sometimes be resolved by restarting File Explorer. To begin, identify the explorer thread in Task Manager and terminate it. Restart the explorer after that.
Step 1: Launch the Task Manager.
Step 2: Select File->>New Task from the File menu.
Step 3: Type the command ‘explorer.exe’ in the ‘Create New Task’ window.
The explorer is restarted as a result of the preceding actions.
Check to see whether the Window key error persists.
Method 10: Disable the Filter Keys
When the keyboard’s filter keys are activated, the ‘Windows Key Not Working’ problem can occur. It is always advisable to turn off the filter keys in such instances. To accomplish the same, follow the steps below.
Step 1: Select Control Panel from the drop-down menu.
Accessibility->>
Center for Ease of Access->>
Modify the way your keyboard operates.
Step 2: Select the ‘Turn on Filter keys’ option.
Step 3: If this option is chosen, deselect it.
The filter keys will be disabled as a result of the procedures above. The error ‘Windows Key Not Working’ should now be addressed.
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Conclusion
Following the steps outlined above should resolve the ‘Windows Key Not Working’ issue in Windows 10.
