8 Best Ways to Fix Windows Key Not Working in Windows 11

We rely on the Windows key of the operating system to open the Start menu and search for applications. The Windows key also plays a vital role along with keyboard shortcuts to open the Settings menu, Windows widget panel, etc. But what if the Windows key stops working in the first place? Let’s fix Windows key not working issue in Windows 11.

1. Work through basic fixes

If the Windows key does not work, the problem may be with the hardware. Let’s take a look at the basic fixes first.

• Clean keyboard. Use compressed air and remove dust particles from the keyboard. If you have a mechanical keyboard with removable keys, you can use the key extractor, remove the Windows key, and remove dust.
• If you have another keyboard lying around, try connecting it to your PC or laptop. If the Windows key is still not working, it is probably a software problem.
• Close any applications and games that may replace the functionality of the Windows key on your PC. Use Task Manager and close these programs completely.

This basic troubleshooting should tell you if this is a hardware or software issue. Most likely, it will be a software issue.

2. Run the Windows Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows 11 comes with a default keyboard troubleshooter to help diagnose and fix minor issues with the keyboard.

Step 1: Open the Settings app in Windows 11 (click on the Start menu and search for Settings).

2nd step: Access the system and open the Troubleshoot menu.

Step 3: Select other convenience stores from the following menu.

Step 4: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter and let Windows handle the problem.

3. Disable game mode

Microsoft is committed to improving games in Windows 11 by leaps and bounds. Using game mode, you can turn off notifications, disable specific keys so that they don’t interfere with the gaming experience, improve GPU performance, and more.

Some keyboards come with a game mode switch. You need to turn this off, and if you’re using Windows 11 game mode, follow the steps below and turn it off.

Step 1: Open Settings in Windows 11 and go to the Games menu.

2nd step: Select Game Mode and turn off the toggle in the next menu.

Try pressing the Windows key and see if it works. Otherwise, read on.

4. Disable filter keys

Filter Keys are an accessibility feature in Windows 11 that disables repeated keystrokes. This may interfere with the functions of the Windows keys when the operating system registers the key twice. Here’s how to turn off filter keys.

Step 1: Open the Windows Settings menu and go to Accessibility.

2nd step: Select Keyboard and turn off Filter Key Toggle in the next menu.

5. Activate the Windows key via the registry

Be careful when using this trick. A small mistake can lead to major problems on your PC. You also have the option to activate the Windows key with the registry. Here’s how.

Step 1: Right click on the Start menu and open Run. Type regedit and press OK.

2nd step: Navigate to the next path.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKeyboard Layout

Step 3: If you find Scancode Map on the right side, right click on it and delete.

Close the Registry menu and restart the PC. If you cannot see Scancode Map, you can skip this solution and continue your Windows key troubleshooting journey.

6. Use PowerShell

PowerShell allows you to make changes to your Windows computer using commands and a scripting language.

You can use it to run commands and fix Windows key not working problem.

Step 1: Click the Start button and search for Windows PowerShell.

2nd step: Copy and paste the following command into PowerShell.

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) AppXManifest.xml”}

Step 3: Hit the Enter key and run the command.

Restart the PC and check whether the Windows key is working or not.

7. Update keyboard drivers

Outdated keyboard drivers can cause Windows key not working problem on Windows 11. Let’s update the keyboard drivers to the latest version.

Step 1: Right click on the Start menu and open the Device Manager application.

2nd step: Scroll down to Keyboard and right click on a keyboard in the list.

Step 3: Select Update Drives from the context menu and install the latest keyboard drivers from the web.

8. Scan the PC for malware

If you are used to installing programs and media from unverified sources on the web, you may have infected the PC with malicious files. These bogus files take over specific Windows functions and mess up your workflow.

Use the Windows security program and run a quick fix.

Step 1: Click on the Start menu and search for Windows Security.

2nd step: Open the app and go to the Virus and Threat Protection menu.

Step 3: Run quick scan and delete fake files from PC.

Recover the functional Windows key

The Windows key is an important part of our workflow. Before you go ahead and remap another key as Windows key, you can follow the tips above and fix the problem. Which tip is right for you? Share your findings in the comments below.