8 reasons why Windows Key doesn’t work in Windows 10 (and how to fix it)

A few things can stop your Windows Key doesn’t work — from a hardware lock on your keyboard to a Registry tweak or a background app capturing shortcuts. This article explains the common causes and gives clear, step‑by‑step fixes so you can restore the Start menu and Windows shortcuts quickly.

You’ll learn eight likely reasons the Windows key stops responding, a single quick takeaway, a compact troubleshooting table, and detailed fixes (including exact menu paths, commands, and safe Registry steps).

Key Takeaway

If the Windows key is unresponsive, start by checking your keyboard (physical Win‑lock or gaming mode), then test whether software (keyboard drivers, third‑party apps, Group Policy or Registry) is blocking the key; most problems are fixed by toggling the Win‑lock, disabling a game mode app, restarting Explorer, or removing a Registry/Group Policy setting that disables Windows hotkeys.

Quick Fix Guide

Quick Fix Guide

Reason for the Problem	Quick Solution
Physical Win‑lock or Fn lock on keyboard	Toggle the Win‑lock or press the keyboard’s Fn + Win or Win‑lock key to re-enable the Windows key.
Keyboard “Gaming Mode” (hardware or software)	Turn off Gaming Mode in your keyboard’s software (e.g., Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE) or press the hardware Gaming Mode button.
Third‑party app intercepting shortcuts (AutoHotkey, utilities)	Close or uninstall the offending app, or perform a clean boot to isolate it.
Group Policy has disabled Windows hotkeys	Run gpedit.msc (or edit Registry) and re-enable Windows hotkeys under the appropriate policy.
Registry remap (Scancode Map) removed or disabled Windows key	Remove the Scancode Map entry at HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout and reboot.
Ease of Access settings (Filter Keys, Sticky Keys)	Turn off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys in Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard.
Keyboard driver or hardware failure	Test another keyboard, update/uninstall drivers in Device Manager, or try a different USB port.
Windows Explorer (shell) or system file issue	Restart Windows Explorer or run sfc /scannow and DISM to repair system files.

Detailed Fixes for “Windows Key doesn’t work”

1. Physical Win‑lock or Fn lock on the keyboard

Why it causes the problem

• Many keyboards (especially laptop and compact keyboards) include a dedicated Win Lock or require an Fn combination that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental presses during gaming or typing.

Step‑by‑step solution

1. Look for a physical button with a Windows logo and a lock icon; press it.
2. If no dedicated key exists, try pressing Fn + Win or Fn + F6/F10 (varies by model).
3. On laptops, consult the keyboard legend or the manual for the WinLock key.
4. If unsure, plug the keyboard into another PC to test whether the Win key works there.

Notes/tips

• Some keyboards show an LED when Gaming Mode is active. Toggle that button to re-enable the Win key.

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2. Gaming Mode (hardware or keyboard software)

Why it causes the problem

• Gaming Mode (either on the keyboard or via vendor software like Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE) will often disable the Windows key to prevent accidental minimization during games.

Step‑by‑step solution

1. Check the keyboard for a Gaming Mode switch/button and toggle it off.
2. Open your keyboard vendor software (Logitech G Hub, Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE, etc.).
3. Look for a setting named Gaming Mode, Disable Windows Key, or similar and disable it.
4. Save settings and test the Windows key.

Notes/tips

• If you recently installed or updated keyboard software, try disabling its startup entry in Task Manager > Startup to test.

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3. Third‑party software intercepting shortcuts

Why it causes the problem

• Utilities like AutoHotkey, screen recorders, remote desktop tools, or macro software can capture or remap the Windows key.

Step‑by‑step solution

1. Open Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
2. Under Processes, look for apps that might modify input (AutoHotkey, gaming overlays, remote tools). Right‑click and choose End task.
3. To isolate the app, perform a Clean Boot: press Windows + R, type msconfig, press Enter.
4. In System Configuration, go to Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
5. Go to Startup tab and click Open Task Manager; disable nonessential startup items. Reboot and test.
6. If the Win key works after clean boot, re-enable items in small groups to find the culprit, then uninstall or update that app.

Notes/tips

• AutoHotkey scripts often run from the tray — exit them and test. Also check background apps like Discord overlay, Steam overlay, or remote control software.

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4. Group Policy disabling Windows hotkeys

Why it causes the problem

• An enterprise or local Group Policy can disable Windows key combinations (hotkeys), which prevents shortcuts like Win + R or Win + D from working.

Step‑by‑step solution (Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise/Education)

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter.
2. Navigate to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer (or Start Menu and Taskbar depending on build).
3. Look for a policy named Turn off Windows Key hotkeys or Turn off Windows+X hotkeys. Double‑click and set it to Not Configured or Disabled.
4. Run gpupdate /force in Command Prompt (admin) to apply changes. Reboot.

Alternative (Home edition via Registry)

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter.
2. Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer.
3. If there is a NoWinKeys DWORD with value 1, right‑click and Delete it or set its value to 0.
4. Reboot to apply changes.

Notes/tips

• On domain-joined machines, your IT department may enforce this policy. Check with them if policies keep reappearing.

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5. Registry remap (Scancode Map) disabling or remapping Win key

Why it causes the problem

• The Registry value Scancode Map can remap or disable keys globally. Some utilities or scripts may add an entry that removes the Windows key.

Step‑by‑step solution

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, press Enter.
2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout.
3. Look for a value named Scancode Map. If present and you suspect it’s disabling the Win key, right‑click and Export (backup), then Delete the value.
4. Reboot to apply the change.

Safe Registry removal (example)

• Backup: In regedit select Keyboard Layout, then File > Export.
• Delete Scancode Map only if you exported a backup. Reboot.

Notes/tips

• If you prefer a double‑click method: create a .reg file to remove the entry, but always export first. If unsure, ask for help or create a System Restore point.

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6. Ease of Access settings (Filter Keys / Sticky Keys)

Why it causes the problem

• Accessibility settings like Filter Keys or misconfigured Sticky Keys can change keyboard behavior and interfere with modifier keys.

Step‑by‑step solution

1. Open Settings via Windows + I (if Win key doesn’t work, press Start > Settings or use Ctrl + Esc to open Start).
2. Go to Ease of Access > Keyboard.
3. Turn Off Sticky Keys, Toggle Keys, and Filter Keys.
4. Test the Windows key.

Notes/tips

• You can also quickly toggle Filter Keys by pressing Shift five times (this opens accessibility prompt if enabled).

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7. Keyboard driver or hardware failure

Why it causes the problem

• Faulty drivers or a failing keyboard can cause individual keys to stop responding.

Step‑by‑step solution

1. Test with another keyboard or try your keyboard on a different PC to confirm hardware failure.
2. Open Device Manager: press Windows + X and choose Device Manager.
3. Expand Keyboards, right‑click your device, and choose Update driver > Search automatically.
4. If that doesn’t work, right‑click and choose Uninstall device, then reboot — Windows will reinstall the driver.
5. For USB keyboards, try different USB ports (USB 2.0 vs 3.0) and avoid hubs.
6. If a wireless keyboard, replace batteries and ensure the dongle is secure.

Notes/tips

• Use On‑Screen Keyboard as a temporary workaround: press Windows + R, type osk, Enter — or open Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and enable On‑Screen Keyboard.

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8. Windows Explorer (Shell) crashed or system file corruption

Why it causes the problem

• If explorer.exe (the shell that handles Start menu and many shortcuts) is unresponsive, the Windows key may not open Start or trigger shortcuts. Corrupted system files can also cause strange input issues.

Step‑by‑step solution

1. Restart Explorer: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find Windows Explorer under Processes, right‑click and choose Restart.
2. If restarting Explorer doesn’t fix it, run system integrity checks:
   • Open Command Prompt (Admin): press Windows + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
   • Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to complete.
   • If problems persist, run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Reboot when finished.
3. Test the Windows key again.

Notes/tips

• Restarting the computer often fixes transient shell issues. If sfc/DISM report problems they couldn’t fix, consider repair install or system restore.

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Preventive tips and when to get help

• Create a System Restore point before editing Registry or Group Policy.
• Keep keyboard firmware and vendor software updated (Logitech, Razer, Corsair).
• Avoid running unknown AutoHotkey scripts or input‑hooking utilities from untrusted sources.
• If your device is managed by an IT group, check with IT before undoing Group Policy changes.
• If multiple keyboards fail on the same PC, or system file repairs fail, contact Microsoft Support or a technician — there might be deeper Windows corruption or account policies involved.

FAQ

Q: Can I remap the Windows key to another key and still restore it later?
A: Yes. Use tools like PowerToys Keyboard Manager or edit Scancode Map in the Registry; always backup the Registry first so you can restore the original mapping.

Q: Will running Windows Update fix a Windows key problem?
A: Sometimes — updates can include driver or system fixes that resolve issues. Install pending updates under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and reboot.

Q: Is safe to delete the Scancode Map entry from the Registry?
A: Deleting Scancode Map is safe if you exported a backup first. Always export the key before deleting to allow easy restoration.

Q: How can I temporarily use the Windows key if my physical key is broken?
A: Use the On‑Screen Keyboard (Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard > On‑Screen Keyboard) or map another key using PowerToys.

Q: Why does the Windows key work intermittently?
A: Intermittent behavior points to hardware (loose USB connection), driver conflicts, or an app periodically capturing input. Try different ports, update/uninstall drivers, and perform a clean boot to isolate the cause.

Conclusion

Most cases of the Windows Key doesn’t work are resolved by checking for a physical Win‑lock, disabling keyboard gaming mode or interfering apps, fixing Group Policy/Registry settings, or restarting the Explorer shell. Follow the step‑by‑step checks above, and back up Registry or create a restore point before making system changes.