From the beginning, keyboards came in with a Windows key, formerly known as the Winkey. This is a physical key placed on the keyboard that has a Microsoft Windows logo on it. It is basically used to open the Windows Start Menu just by pressing it. But if it doesn’t open, then either the key must be faulty or there might be some issue with the Start Menu. Recently, the problem of Windows key not Working Windows 10 has become quite a frustrating one for the users. The users are complaining that when they’re pressing the Windows Key it is not responding properly as it should. Due to this Windows key shortcuts will also act differently.
If you’re also having the same issue where your Windows key doesn’t work Windows 10, then don’t lose hope. As with the right solutions you can easily overcome this problem and make your Winkey working again. In this article, we will get to know about the possible reasons and effective solutions to this error.
Probable Reasons Behind Windows Key Not Working Windows 10 Error
This Winkey problem can be related to either your system settings including the software you installed or it may be directly related to your keyboard. The key might have somehow got damaged due to which, it fails to open the Start Menu on your desktop.
Another thing is when it comes to gaming keyboards, this problem arises frequently. Generally, gaming keyboards have two modes i.e. a standard mode and a gaming mode. There can be a switch, a button, software or even a combination to switch between the two modes. Actually, the gaming mode prevents the Windows key to work while you’re in the middle of a game.
It might be possible that the Windows key is disabled in your registry settings and that’s why the Winkey will not work precisely. other things like malware or any kind of software can also disable the Windows key function.
Other relevant causes include bad or incompatible drivers, drivers not up-to-date that can freeze the Winkey. This can be due to Windows Explorer crashing or didn’t start correctly. Also, a conflict between devices while playing games for which Windows key doesn’t work.
Fix Windows Key Doesn’t Work Windows 10- Immediate Solutions
Here are some of the proven measures that will help you to solve the issue of Windows key not Working Windows 10 properly.
Solution 1: Disable Gaming Mode
For Logitech keyboards, you’ll see a switch above the Function keys (F1, F2 etc.). Flip it to the right for gaming mode and left for regular mode. If the gaming mode is on then flip it left to change to regular mode. In the case of other keyboards, a button is present above the F4 key, press it to switch between different modes.
Some keyboards have a special button named ‘Win Lock’ beside the right CTRL key. You can press it to enable the Windows key.
The Corsair keyboards come with their own software to adjust lighting, functionality, etc. You can enable the Winkey using the Corsair software.
In the Azio keyboards, there is a switch in the MGK1 series such as MGK1 and MGK1-K. To use this switch press FN and F9 at the same time. Whereas, for MGK1-RGB you have to press FN and Windows key at the same time.
In MSI keyboards to turn on the Windows key you have to visit the Dragon Gaming Center> System Tuner.
Press FN+ibuypower on the ibuypower keyboard to enable the Windows key.
In Alienware keyboards press FN and F6 together to switch between gaming and regular mode.
Solution 2: Enable Winkey Using Registry Edit
Right-click on the Windows Start Menu and click on the Run application.
Type ‘regedt32’ and hit the Enter key. A confirmation prompt will appear, just click Yes to continue.
Now, select HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local Machine.
Look for the System\CurrentControlSet\Control folder and double-click on it. Then, choose the Keyboard Layout folder.
Next, you have to right-click on the Scancode Map registry entry, and then, select Delete. Click Yes to continue the process.
When it is done, close the Editor window and reboot your computer.
Solution 3: Re-register All Applications
To remove the software conflicts on your system you can use this method. Follow the below instructions:
Go to Windows Start Menu and enter ‘PowerShell’ in the Search bar. Then, right-click on the first result i.e. Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
In case the Start button doesn’t respond then go to this location:
C:\Users\YourUserName\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Windows PowerShell\ and after that right-click on Windows PowerShell and select Run as administrator.
Typ the below command in the PowerShell window and hit enter: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml”}
When it is complete, reboot your computer and check if the Windows key not Working Windows 10 is fixed.
Solution 4: Enable Start Menu
Press the keys CTRL, SHIFT and ESC together to open the Task Manager. Then, go to File on top and select ‘Run new task’ from the drop-down menu.
In the Create new task pane, type ‘regedit’ and click OK to continue.
Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > Windows > CurrentVersion > Explorer > Advance
Create a new DWORD (32-bit) by clicking on the right side panel.
Select the new key ‘EnableXamlStartMenu’.
When everything is over, restart the computer or File Explorer following the next method.
Solution 5: Restart Windows Explorer
Windows user interface is directly embedded in the Explorer. So, any issue with the Explorer can hamper the Windows key functionality.
Press CTRL, ALT, and DEL together and select Task Manager from the options available on the screen.
Under the Process, tap Go To Explorer and right-click on it. Choose the option End task.
Then, select File and click on Run new task from the drop menu.
Next, type ‘explorer.exe’ and click OK.
Solution 6: Turn Off Filter Keys
This process can be quite effective when it comes to fix Windows key doesn’t work Windows 10 issue. To turn off the filter keys follow the below steps:
Go to your Windows Start Menu and right-click on it. Select Settings from the options.
Then, choose the option Ease of Access under the Settings page.
Select the Keyboard on the left-hand side of the window.
There you’ll find the ‘Filter Keys’ option. Click it to turn it off.
Solution 7: Uninstall & Reinstall Drivers
Click on the Start Menu and type ‘task manager’ in the Search box. Select the first result to open the Task Manager.
Under the Task Manager window, click on File and then select Run new task. Type ‘devmgmt.msc’ and click Ok to open Device Manager.
Locate the Keyboards and expand it. Right-click on the keyboard driver and select Uninstall.
A warning message will appear. Just tap on Yes to continue the further process.
When it is complete, reboot the systems. During the reboot process, Windows will automatically install the right drivers for your device.
Thus, with the help of the above methods, you’ll be able to fix the Windows key not Working Windows 10 error correctly and your Winkey will work again properly as it used to.
