How To Fix ‘Windows Key Not Working’ Error On Windows 10

If the Windows Key Not Working properly in Windows 10, there may be a problem with the operating system itself. The Start menu can be accessed by pressing the Windows key. You may also launch the Start menu search bar and the Run window by pressing this key together with the “R” and “S” keys.

This key can conduct a slew of different tasks in addition to shortcuts. However, many Windows 10 users have received an error message that reads “Windows Key Not Working ” on occasion. If the Windows key doesn’t work, it might be a tremendous pain for someone who uses it all the time.

Understanding the Windows Key Not Working Error:

The Windows Key Not Working error refers to a situation where pressing the Windows key on the keyboard fails to trigger the expected actions or shortcuts on a Windows 10 system.

This error can manifest in various ways, such as the Start menu not opening, the Windows key combinations not functioning, or the Windows key being unresponsive altogether.

Read Also:

1. MTV Activate
2. System Service Exception
3. DNS_Probe_Finished_Bad_Config

Causes of the Windows Key Not Working Error:

Several factors can contribute to the occurrence of the Windows Key Not Working error on Windows 10:

1. Keyboard Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can prevent the Windows key from functioning correctly, leading to the error.
2. Software Glitches: Temporary software glitches or conflicts with third-party applications may interfere with the functionality of the Windows key.
3. Accessibility Settings: Certain accessibility settings or keyboard configurations may inadvertently disable the Windows key, resulting in its non-functionality.
4. System File Corruption: Damage or corruption to system files related to the Windows key functionality can cause the error to occur.
5. Hardware Malfunction: Physical damage to the keyboard or malfunctioning hardware components can also lead to the Windows Key Not Working error.

Fixing Windows 10 Windows Key Not Working

It is possible to fix the Windows Key Not Working problem in Windows 10 by using one of these techniques: 1. Check out these approaches.

Method 1: Changing the Registry

The Windows key can malfunction due to a fault with the system’s registry. The registry can be updated to fix this issue. To accomplish this, follow the instructions provided below. When making changes to the system registry, extreme care must be used.

If you don’t do this, the entire PC’s hardware could be damaged. If the damage is severe, Windows 10’s file explorer won’t even open.

Registry hacking steps:

Step 1: Open up the Task Manager.

Step 2: Open Task Manager and follow these instructions: File -> New Task -> Launch The ‘Run’ window will now open.

Step 3: In the ‘Run’ window, type regedit to launch the Registry Editor.

Step 4: Take the following path in the Registry Editor window: HKEY LOCAL MACHINE:SYSTEM:CurrentControlSet:Control:Keyboard Layout:

Step 5: Expand the Layout key to find the Snapcode Map registry entry and delete it.

Step 6: Exit the Registry Editor by clicking the “Exit” button.

Method 2: Ensure that the Windows Key Not Working properly

Do not give up if the Snapcode map registry does not exist in your system.

Here’s what you should know:

GeForce’s Xperience Inability to open Windows because of a broken key or DNS probe that returns a bad configuration is a violation of the DPC Watchdog. The error message ‘Windows Key Not Working’ can appear on Windows 10 if the system has been infected with a virus.

Viruses frequently disable the Windows key, preventing it from working properly. Malware and virus scans are recommended to guarantee that the system is not affected by any virus.

To do a complete system scan, follow the instructions provided by the anti-virus software that was installed on the computer. Malwarebytes and Windows Defender can be used to identify and remove dangerous malware from the system.

Method 3: Disabling the Gaming Mode

If you’re using a gaming keyboard, you’re more than likely to be in a game mode. Certain keys on the keyboard are disabled automatically when the gaming mode is activated in order to avoid interfering with any gaming sessions.

The ‘Windows Key Not Working ‘ problem may be caused by the keyboard’s gaming mode being activated. Disable the gaming mode by turning off the corresponding switch if necessary. The f2 and f3 keys on a gaming keyboard are normally where you’ll find these.

Gaming modes may be tucked away in the keycaps of some keyboards. Depending on the type of keyboard, the game modes are different. Before turning off the keyboard’s gaming mode, it’s a good idea to read the manual thoroughly.

Check to see if the problem persists after disabling the game mode.

Method 4: Check the Win Lock Button

The Win Lock button can be found on several keyboards. The primary use of this button is to turn off the Windows key. Check the keyboard to see if it’s there. It’s usually around the ‘ctrl’ key on the right side of the keyboard.

The Win Lock button can be pressed. Once the Windows key is reactivated, the error should be eliminated from your computer.

Method 5: Sign Up For A Brand-New Profile

To fix the problem of ‘Windows Key Not Working ‘, you can create a new account. To establish a new user account, follow these instructions.

Step 1: Locate the Control Panel icon on the machine and click on the same.

Step 2: In the User accounts area under Control Panel, navigate to Family->>Other People->>

Add someone else to this PC.

Step 3: Select the following path: There is no way for me to access this person’s account information. Add a non-Microsoft user to the group.

Step  4: Create a new account by filling in all the necessary information.

Finally, log out of your current account and log into the new one. Check to see if the Windows Key Not Working .

Method 6: Perform a System File Checker Scan

The issue of “Windows Key Not Working ” can be caused by a corrupted copy of Windows 10. This problem can be fixed by running a system file checker scan on the computer. Take a look at the following instructions.

Step 1: This is the first step: open up the Task Manager.

Step 2: Run a new task by clicking on File->>Run a new task.

Step 3: In the ‘Create New Task’ window, type ‘cmd’.

Step 4: In the Command Prompt window, enter the command sfc/scannow C:Windowssystem32>sfc/scannow should be the complete path. Once you’ve pressed the ‘Enter’ key, you’re done.

Step 5: Scanning may take some time, so be patient.

Step 6: Restart the machine after the scanning process is complete.

Verify that the issue with the Windows key has been fixed.

Method 7: Uninstalling bad keyboard drivers

Bad keyboard drivers can cause the error ‘Windows Key Not Working ‘ to show in the system. This can be fixed by uninstalling the problematic drivers and reinstalling the correct ones.

In the Device Drivers section, you can remove these drivers from the keyboard area. Once the drivers have been removed, the computer should be restarted. The error-free drivers are automatically reinstalled by Windows.

Check to see whether the problem has been fixed.

Method 8: Using the Powershell Command

The problem with Windows 10 can be fixed using a Powershell command. It’s a command-line powerhouse for eradicating Windows 10’s key components. Here are some things to keep in mind.

Step 1: Open the Task Manager.

Step 2: Launch a new task by selecting File->>Run new task in the menu bar.

Step 3: Type ‘Powershell’ in the Create New Task window. The checkbox ‘Create this task with administrative access’ must be checked before you can do this!

Step 4: Windows Powershell’s ‘Administrator:’ window appears.

Step 5: In the PowerShell window, enter the following command: Each Add-AppxPackage –DisableDevelopmentMode –Register “$($_.InstallLocation)AppXManifest.xml” should be registered.

Step 6:When you press the Enter key, this instruction will be executed.

I hope this fixes the problem of the “Windows key not working.”

Method 9: Start Windows or File Explorer from scratch

Restarting File Explorer can sometimes fix this problem. In the Task Manager, look for the explorer thread and end its process there. Restart the explorer after that.

Step 1: This is the first step: open up the Task Manager.

Step 2: Launch a new task by selecting File->>Run new task in the menu bar.

Step 3: Type ‘explorer.exe’ in the ‘Create New Task’ window.

The explorer is restarted as a result of the above actions.

Check to see if the problem persists.

Method 10: Switching off the Filter Keys

The ‘Windows Key Not Working ‘ issue may occur if the keyboard’s filter keys are active. It is always a good idea to turn off the filter keys in these cases. To accomplish this, simply follow the instructions outlined in the paragraphs that follow.

Step 1: To begin, open the Control Panel by clicking here.

->> Ease of Use

Center for Ease of Use >>

Reconfigure your keyboard to a different layout.

Step 2: Turning on filter keys

Step 3: If this item is chosen at all, uncheck it.

The filter keys can be disabled by following the methods outlined above. The ‘Windows Key Not Working ‘ error should be addressed at this point in time.

Prevention Tips:

To prevent encountering the Windows Key Not Working error in the future, consider implementing the following preventive measures:

1. Regular Maintenance: Keep your system updated with the latest Windows updates and driver updates to prevent compatibility issues.
2. Use Reliable Hardware: Invest in a high-quality keyboard from a reputable manufacturer to minimize the risk of hardware-related issues.
3. Avoid Software Conflicts: Be cautious when installing third-party software and ensure that they are compatible with your system to avoid conflicts that may affect keyboard functionality.
4. Backup and Restore: Create regular backups of your system and files to restore functionality quickly in case of unexpected errors or issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the “Windows Key Not Working” Error on Windows 10:

1. What does the “Windows Key Not Working” error mean?

The “Windows Key Not Working” error refers to a situation where pressing the Windows key on the keyboard fails to trigger the expected actions or shortcuts on a Windows 10 system. This error can manifest in various ways, such as the Start menu not opening or the Windows key combinations not functioning.

2. What causes the “Windows Key Not Working” error on Windows 10?

Common causes of this error include outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers, software glitches, accessibility settings, system file corruption, and hardware malfunctions.

3. How can I fix the “Windows Key Not Working” error on my Windows 10 system?

You can fix this error by updating keyboard drivers, restarting Windows Explorer, checking keyboard settings, running a System File Checker (SFC) scan, and performing keyboard troubleshooting steps.

4. Can I prevent encountering the “Windows Key Not Working” error in the future?

To prevent encountering this error, you can regularly maintain your system with updates, use reliable hardware, avoid software conflicts, and create backups of your system and files for quick restoration.

5. Is the “Windows Key Not Working” error specific to certain keyboards or Windows 10 versions?

No, this error can occur on any keyboard and may be encountered on various versions of Windows 10 if there are issues with keyboard drivers, system settings, or hardware components.

6. What should I do if none of the troubleshooting steps work?

If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the issue, consider seeking assistance from a qualified technician or contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance in diagnosing and resolving the underlying cause of the error.

Read Also:

1. Steam Content File Locked
2. DNS_Probe_Finished_No_Internet
3. VAC Was Unable to Verify the Game Session

Conclusion