Windows Key Not Working? Here’s how to fix it.

Windows Key Not Working

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It can be incredibly frustrating when your Windows key stops working because of how many shortcuts and how many uses this key has on Windows devices, like Windows 10, around the world. 

Because of this, we know that one of the first things that many people will do is scroll through the internet looking for a solution of some sort – an answer to the problem. There are answers to these problems that don’t require you to buy a whole new device and we have them here for you.

Follow the rest of our guide to find out all you need to know and hopefully, you’ll be able to use your Windows key again as soon as possible.

1

Turning Off Game Mode On Your Device

You’ll find that Windows 10 can be best used for games with the game mode. However, this can cause a few different problems for the users when it comes to some of the keys refusing to work properly.

This can be a direct reason that your Windows key isn’t working. Turning off game mode should help to stop this.

Step

1

Settings Options

Go to Start and get the start menu up, then click the gear icons to get into the settings options.

Step

2

Find The Gaming Button

Find the ‘Gaming’ button and open it.

Step

3

Turn Off Game Mode

Follow this by clicking the game mode tab and ensuring that game mode is deselected or turned off.

This button doesn’t directly make gaming better on your laptop, but it disables certain keys that might be used when playing these games, like the Windows key.

2

Turning Off The Windows Lock Key

The Windows lock key is common throughout Windows devices, which works similarly to the Caps lock and Num lock keys. Checking your keyboard for the Windows lock key will solve this problem and can help to get you to use the Windows key as soon as possible.

If you’re unsure as to whether your keyboard has a Windows lock key then we recommend searching for the specs in your device’s manual or by looking online.

3

Turning Off Sticky Keys

Sticky Keys are another Windows accessibility feature that helps people who can’t press many keyboard keys effectively use their keyboards. Turning this feature off may fix the problem of your windows key not working. Clicking the apply button turns it off and we’ll show you how to do this.

Step

1

Clicking The Start Button

Start by once again clicking the start button, like with other methods we have mentioned. Search for the control panel and then choose the ‘Control Panel’ option.

Step

2

Select Ease Of Access

Select Ease of Access and click ‘Change how your keyboard works’ via the link on the screen.

Step

3

Turn Off Sticky Keys

Uncheck the ‘Turn on Sticky Keys’ option and make sure that it is blank.

Step

4

Apply

Remember to hit the ‘Apply’ button and then click ‘Ok’. If you don’t click ‘Apply’ then you might not lock in these changes.

4

Turning Off Filter Keys

Windows 10 boasts the filter keys function which prevents users from making mistakes by pressing multiple keys at once. This can be affecting your Windows key and might be preventing you from using the button.

Step

1

Click Start

Firstly, click start and search for the control panel and press the ‘Enter’ key or click the first result.

Step

2

Ease Of Access Option

You’ll next need to click on the Ease Of Access option, following this by clicking on the link that implies changing how your keyboard works.

Step

3

Turn Off Filter Keys

From here, make sure that the ‘Turn off filter keys’ option is deselected and remains blank. This will turn off filter keys.

Step

4

Click Apply

Click the ‘apply’ option and then click the ‘Ok’ option. Your job here should be done and it might solve your problem.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully, these options that we’ve stated will help you to fix the problem for yourself. Of course, nobody wants to have to spend money to fix their device for any reason, however, if these methods don’t work then you might be better off taking your laptop to the store and seeing if a specialist can get it working again.

We know that a Windows key malfunction might seem like a small feature, but it is such an important button for such a small area of your keyboard.

Always remember to try and stay patient and note down the methods you’ve used so that if you need to explain to a specialist what you’ve tried already, then you’re prepared!