How to Fix Windows Key Not Working on Windows 11

Experiencing issues with the Windows key not functioning on your Windows 11 PC can be quite frustrating, especially if you rely on it for shortcuts and navigation. Fortunately, there are several methods to troubleshoot and fix this problem. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective solutions to get your Windows key working again.

Method 1: Update Keyboard Drivers

Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can often cause the Windows key to stop working. Updating the drivers can resolve this issue swiftly.

Open the Device Manager. To do this, go to the Start Menu and type Device Manager, then click on the Device Manager app from the search results.

In the Device Manager window, locate and expand the Keyboards section by double-clicking it.

Right-click on your keyboard device listed under Keyboards and select Update driver from the context menu.

In the Update Drivers window, choose Search automatically for drivers to allow Windows to find and install the latest driver for your keyboard. Alternatively, if you have downloaded the driver manually, select Browse my computer for drivers and navigate to the driver file.

Once the driver is updated, restart your computer and check if the Windows key is functioning properly.

Method 2: Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters that can automatically detect and fix common issues, including problems with the keyboard.

Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start Menu and selecting the Settings icon, or by pressing Windows + I on your keyboard.

In the Settings window, ensure that you have selected the System tab from the left sidebar.

Scroll down on the right pane and click on Troubleshoot.

Click on Other troubleshooters.

Find the Keyboard troubleshooter and click on the Run button next to it.

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process. After it’s finished, test your Windows key to see if the issue is resolved.

Method 3: Check for Physical Lock Key

Some keyboards, especially gaming ones, have a physical lock key that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental presses during gameplay.

Examine your keyboard for a Windows lock key or switch. It is often located among the function keys (F1-F12) or on the side of the keyboard.

If you find a lock key, ensure that it is disabled. This might be indicated by an LED light turning off or by the position of a switch.

Refer to your keyboard’s user manual if you’re unsure about the lock key’s location or operation.

Method 4: Turn Off Filter Keys

The Filter Keys feature can cause the keyboard to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, potentially affecting the Windows key functionality.

Open the Settings app from the Start Menu.

Click on Accessibility from the left sidebar.

Scroll down and select Keyboard under the Interaction section.

Find the Filter keys option and toggle it to Off.

After disabling Filter Keys, test the Windows key to see if it is working.

Method 5: Turn Off Game Mode

Windows 11’s Game Mode can sometimes interfere with certain keys to enhance gaming performance. Disabling it might restore the Windows key functionality.

Open the Settings app from the Start Menu.

Select Gaming from the left sidebar.

Click on Game Mode in the right pane.

Toggle Game Mode to Off.

Once disabled, check if your Windows key is responsive.

Method 6: Perform Basic Keyboard Checks

Sometimes, physical issues with the keyboard can cause keys to stop working.

Inspect your keyboard for any debris or dirt that might be obstructing the Windows key. Use compressed air to clean around the key if necessary.

Try connecting a different keyboard to your computer to see if the Windows key works with it. This can help determine if the issue is with the keyboard hardware.

If the Windows key works with another keyboard, you might need to repair or replace your current keyboard.

Method 7: Force Keyboard Rescan

If the issue persists, forcing Windows to rescan the keyboard layout may help.

Option 1: Using Registry Editor

Open the Registry Editor. Go to the Start Menu, type Registry Editor, and click on it from the search results.

Navigate to the following path:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout

In the right pane, look for the Scancode Map entry. Right-click on it and select Delete.

Confirm the deletion by clicking Yes when prompted.

Restart your computer from the Start Menu.

Option 2: Using Windows PowerShell

If you prefer not to edit the registry manually, you can use PowerShell.

Open Windows Terminal as an administrator. Go to the Start Menu, type Terminal, right-click on Windows Terminal, and select Run as administrator.

In the PowerShell window, type or copy and paste the following command, then press Enter:

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

After the command executes, restart your computer from the Start Menu.

By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the issue with the Windows key not working on your Windows 11 PC.