Windows Key Button Not Working in Windows 11/10

Published by Nyau Wai Hoe - Updated on

The Windows or Win key is a vital component of Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems. It is used for various functions, such as opening the Start menu, launching applications, and using keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Win+R, Win+G and Win+X). However, sometimes the Windows key button may fail to work or become unresponsive, especially after a Windows update. In this article, we will discuss how to quickly fix the Windows key button not working in Windows 10 and Windows 11 problems.

Note: This page is intended to help fix the Windows key button not working in Windows 10 and Windows 11 issue. If you are experiencing issues with the start menu not opening, please refer to our article on “Start menu not working in Windows 11/10” for a possible solution.

Check keyboard functionality

The first step is to check if your keyboard is functioning correctly. Try plugging in another keyboard or connecting your current keyboard to another computer. If the Windows key button works on another keyboard or computer, it is likely that your keyboard is faulty, and you should consider replacing it.

If you have a special keyboard that has a function key, try pressing fn + Win Key and see if it works. Some keyboards with a function key can disable the Windows key button by pressing function + Win Key. Pressing the same combination again should also unlock the Windows key. If this is the case, it’s a quick and easy fix to restore your Windows key button functionality.

Enable Windows key manually using regedit

If your Windows key button is still not working, you can try delete a registry value called “Scancode Map” using the registry editor (regedit). The “Scancode Map” is a registry entry that maps keyboard scan codes to specific keyboard functions. It is possible that this registry entry has been modified or corrupted, leading to the Windows key button not working in Windows 10 or Windows 11 issue. Deleting the “Scancode Map” registry entry will remove any custom key mappings that may be causing the issue and restore the default settings, which should fix the problem.

However, it’s important to note that deleting the “Scancode Map” registry entry will also delete any custom keyboard mappings you may have set up. So, before you delete the entry, make sure you have a backup of your registry or create a system restore point, just in case you need to revert the changes.

  1. Click on the Start menu, search for “regedit,” and run it.
  2. Navigate to the following folder in the registry editor:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control
  3. Click on the Keyboard Layout folder.
  4. From the right pane, right-click on the registry called “Scancode Map” and then select “Delete.”Windows Key button Not Working in Windows 10/11
  5. Close the registry editor and restart your computer.

After restarting, try using the Windows key to see if it is functioning properly.

Disable game mode

Gaming keyboards, especially high-end ones, often have a Game mode that disables the Windows key button to prevent it from interrupting your game. Game mode is typically enabled by pressing a key combination or using software provided by the keyboard manufacturer. If Game mode is enabled, the Windows key button will not work, and pressing it will not launch the Start menu or perform any other function.

Razer keyboard Windows Key

To fix this issue, you can try disabling Game mode by pressing the key combination or using the manufacturer’s software. Once Game mode is disabled, the Windows key button should start working again.

Disable Game Mode

Other possible causes and solutions

If the above methods do not fix the Windows key button not working in Windows 10 or Windows 11 issue, there may be other causes. Here are some additional solutions to try:

  1. Check for third-party software: Some third-party software, such as antivirus programs or system utilities, may interfere with the Windows key button’s functionality. To check if this is the case, try temporarily disabling any third-party software you have installed and see if the Windows key button starts working again.PowerToys Keyboard Manager
  2. Update your keyboard driver: An outdated or corrupted keyboard driver can also cause the Windows key button to stop working. To fix this issue, try updating your keyboard driver manually by downloading the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website or using a reputable driver updater tool.Update lenovo keyboard driver
  3. Perform a clean boot: A clean boot is a diagnostic mode that starts Windows with only the essential services and drivers running. This can help identify if a third-party program or service is causing the Windows key button not working in Windows 10 or Windows 11 issue. To perform a clean boot, open the System Configuration utility (msconfig) and select the “Selective startup” option, then uncheck the “Load startup items” checkbox. Finally, restart your computer and see if the Windows key button starts working again.

It’s important to keep in mind that the Windows key button not working in Windows 10 or Windows 11 issue can be caused by a variety of factors, and the solutions listed in this article may not work for everyone. If you’ve tried all the solutions and the issue persists, it’s best to seek professional help from a computer technician or the manufacturer of your keyboard.


Nyau Wai Hoe
Nyau Wai Hoe is the Founder and Chief Editor of WindowsDigitals.com. With a degree in software engineering and over 12 years of experience in the tech support industry, Nyau has established himself as an expert in the field, with a primary focus on the Microsoft Windows operating system. As a tech enthusiast, he loves exploring new technologies and leveraging them to solve real-life problems.

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