As mentioned, the Windows key has multiple functions and it can be very useful. Case 2: Windows Key Cannot Open Start Menu. Are you interested in learning more about Windows 10? . If the Windows key or WinKey is not working on Windows 10, then the problem can be solved by updating the device driver, disabling hardware … Your Windows 10 installation can sometimes become corrupted, and that can cause certain features of Windows to stop working. Choose the Ease of Access tile. keyboard shortcut from the on-screen keyboard as well. 4. Doing so, you’re launching PowerShell with administrative permissions. Once in the Command Prompt, type in the following two commands and press Enter after reach one to execute it: Wait for the commands to finish running and, . If you see a checkmark, simply click on it to remove it. I can still access my desktop thru the File Manager but it seems that every few days, something is not working. If your keyboard is making clicking noises while typing, and it isn’t even writing anything, there can be a number of reasons for it. Well, this is also a solution and it is very good you have managed to fix your problem. This may be interfering with your Start button, so try turning it off. Method 2: Updating your Keyboard Driver. I won’t even attempt to download anything they tell you to in order for a get quick fix….probably would freeze my computer up. Step 1: Right-click on your Start menu icon and select the Run menu. Some users have noticed that the Windows key isn’t functioning because it’s been disabled. If your Windows 10 Start menu will not open, then there are steps you can take to correct it. Windows key is one of the core keys in Windows. Here is what you should do: Right-click on your Start menu icon and opt for Run. . This is going to open the Control Panel. . Easy & Quick Fixes to Solve Function Key Not Working on Windows 10. The login page will open in a new tab. If you can’t access Start menu by pressing the Windows key or using the mouse, go to Windows 10 Start Button Not Working for the solutions. Warning: Before beginning this guide, we recommend creating a backup of your Registry. for scanning and removing viruses and other types of malware from your device. keys on your keyboard. This method has proven to be the most effective of all. The fix for me was to turn off “Gaming Mode”. In our article, we’ve gathered several methods to potentially restore your Windows key’s functionality. . This switch is usually located above F2 and F3 buttons, and it has a joystick image next to it, so be sure to check your keyboard for this switch and use it to turn off Gaming mode. We hope that this guide was able to help you restore the Windows key into a working condition again. Losing this functionality can be frustrating to deal with, as it may slow down your workflow or make your system slower to use. Gaming mode is designed to disable certain keys during gameplay sessions that can interfere with your game. (refer to the 1st image). If you use keyboard shortcuts often, not being able to use Windows key can be a big hindrance. You can navigate the Registry Editor by expanding folders using the arrow icon next to their names. We will be with you before, during, and after all the sales. If it doesn’t work just yet, proceed to a different method in our article. Check for Win Lock button on your keyboard, Revert any changes to Windows services and packages, Download Malwarebytes 3 trial and/or buy it for $39.99. When Command Prompt opens, enter sfc /scannow and press Enter. To proceed with the troubleshooting, follow the below steps: Press Win logo key and I together to open Windows settings. PowerShell is an extremely powerful tool for making adjustments to your computer, as well as troubleshooting. When Create new task window opens, enter cmd and check to Create this task with administrative privileges. Solution 4: Disable the Filter Keys. to allow PowerShell to make changes on your device. Here’s what you need to do to run it. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. If you’re not familiar with PowerShell, it’s a powerful command-line tool that allows you to remove core Windows 10 components. Method 7: Use the DISM from the Command Prompt. This guide is not set in stone, so feel free to use any antivirus app — it’s up to your preference. I have HP ProBook 6550b laptop Win 10 64 bit and my Win- and G-key didn´t work Thanks again! If you’re not sure how to create and import Registry backups, watch “Registry Backup, Restore, Import And Export” from Windows Ninja. By running it, you may be able to restore the problem which causes your Windows key to losing its functionality. In addition, download and run malware removal tools such as Malwarebytes to check for malware. It helps you find and fix … Start Task Manager and choose File > Run new task. You should be able to test if your Windows key functions as intended now. We have covered the main reasons of your Windows 10 Start menu not working and solutions that have proved to resolve this issue. ” and click the OK button. The Windows key is probably the most used key on any IBM-compatible keyboard. If something happened to your keyboard itself physically, it could lead to issues with its functioning. 1591 McKenzie Way, Point Roberts, WA 98281, United States. click HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local Machine Double click on the System\CurrentControlSet\Control folder and then click the Keyboard Layout Here’s how to turn on the on-screen keyboard in Windows 10: As mentioned above, the Filter Keys feature has a known bug that causes issues with your keyboard. Usually you would start PowerShell by using the Windows Key + S shortcut, but you can open PowerShell by following these steps: We have to mention that PowerShell commands can sometimes have unpredictable results on your Windows 10 installation. It’s also called an “SFC scan,” and it’s your quickest way to automatically fix corrupted system files and other issues. If nothing works, we recommend turning to either Microsoft’s customer support team or looking for an IT specialist in regards to your PC’s health. While some keyboards have Gaming mode switch on them, others have Win Lock button. Under the section of Sticky Keys, make sure that the toggle for Press one key at a time for keyboar… Click on the Windows icon in your taskbar and choose Settings. Sometimes major Windows 10 updates can break things on your computer. You should be able to verify if the Windows key has stopped working, Method 8: Check your computer for malware. Below is a short guide on how to use Malwarebytes for scanning and removing viruses and other types of malware from your device. However, if you encounter Windows key not working in Windows 10, it will be difficult to open Start menu, shut down the computer, launch programs and other simple things. Sometimes, enabling Sticky Keys or Filter Keys stop some keys on the keyboard to work as expected.Open Settings app, and navigate to Ease of Access > Keyboard. Method 2: Use a PowerShell command to restore the Windows key functionality. Your Windows 10 installation can sometimes become corrupted, and that can cause certain features of Windows to stop working.If the Windows key isn’t working on your PC, you might want to perform an sfc scan.To do that follow these steps: 1. To change your registry, do the following: If you can’t find Scancode Map entry, it might not be available on your PC, so you should skip this solution and try something else. I use to be able to open up my laptop and my sign in page would come up followed by the Desktop with all my folders, etc. . Alternatively, you can also copy and paste the key into the Registry Editor’s address bar for faster navigation and. Scroll down in the left-side panel, then click on Keyboard listed under the Interaction section. In our article, we’ve gathered several methods to potentially restore your Windows key’s functionality. You can simply turn Filter Keys off by following the steps below, and potentially restore your Windows key functionality within minutes. The win Lock button is designed to disable the Windows key on your keyboard, so be sure to check if your keyboard has this key available. If the start button does not work in Windows 10, first of all, you should restart the “Explorer.exe” process. An interesting yet easy solution you can try to resolve issues with the Windows key is making a new user account. Few users reported that they managed to fix the problem with Windows key simply by using one PowerShell command. Once in the Command Prompt, type in the following command and press Enter to execute it: Wait for the SFC scan to finish scanning your computer and repairing corrupt files. Here are the quick & easy methods to fix Function keys not working in Windows, read the entire write-up! Fix Windows Key Doesn’t Work Windows 10- Immediate Solutions. However, Game Mode is far from perfect. Sticky Keys is a Windows 10 feature that lets you press one key at a time for keyboard shortcuts. After deleting “Scancode Map,” close the Registry Editor and restart your computer. Check out this guide and solve the issue quickly. Filter keys is a Windows 10 accessibility function that, when enabled, ignores brief or repeated keystrokes. Running this scan has proven to get rid of issues with the Windows 10 reset failing. For example, it can happen that you accidentally press Windows key during a game, and in most cases that will minimize your game and open the Start Menu. Open the Windows Task Manager and switch to the services tab. Windows 10 Start Menu Not Working: Conclusion. Doing this may help later on during troubleshooting steps. If the issue still persists, start Command Prompt again and run Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command. This can be done by an application, a person, or simply by using Game Mode. Again, we’re using the free version of. According to users, this key should be located next to the right Ctrl button on your keyboard, so be sure to look for it. You can browse our dedicated Help Center section and find articles about everything related to Microsoft’s groundbreaking operating system. Speaking of keyboard shortcut issues, users reported the following problems as well: There are a variety of reasons why a laptop keyboard may stop working, so knowing what to do in each case can be helpful. Doing so, you’re launching the Command Prompt with administrative permissions. Also, a conflict between devices while playing games for which Windows key doesn’t work. This software will repair common computer errors, protect you from file loss, malware, hardware failure and optimize your PC for maximum performance. Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in April 2019 and has been since revamped and updated in June 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness. Windows 10 comes with DISM tool that lets you to create Windows 10 images that allow you to easily restore Windows 10 to an earlier state. After the scan is complete, the repair process will replace damaged files with fresh Windows files and components. I should never, ever have upgraded from Windows 7 to 10….I had 8.0 for a bit but held out for as long as I could and then everyone else was downloading 10 so I did….bad choice. According to users, Windows key might stop working if there’s a problem with your registry, but you should be able to fix this problem simply by modifying your registry. Windows troubleshooter is a useful feature on your system. Type ‘regedit’ without quotes to launch Registry Editor. If any malicious files are found, you can immediately neutralize them by allowing Malwarebytes to put them in quarantine. We have to warn you that modifying the registry can cause certain problems if you’re not careful, so we highly recommend that you export your registry and use the exported registry file as a backup. Using this, locate the following Registry key: ” option to remove the key. In the left pane navigate to the following key: Enter the name for the new user account and click. This is only a temporary solution, but you can try our other methods to permanently fix @ Key isn’t working on Windows 10. The Windows key on your keyboard makes it easy to execute keyboard shortcuts for system applications, open your Start menu, and much more. keys the on-screen keyboard. The Windows key not working in Windows 10 can occur if the Gaming mode is on even when you are not playing the game. After the scan is completed, restart your PC. If Windows key isn’t working on your keyboard be sure to check if Gaming mode is turned on. Please log in again. There’s a known bug in Windows 10’s Filter Key feature which causes issues with typing on the, Prerequisite: Turn on the on-screen keyboard, Scroll down in the left-side panel, then click on. Reportedly, ‘WinKey not working (Windows 10)’ is often resolved through this registry tweak. Now I know why my Windows key does not work on my Windows 10 laptop…it’s broken! This guide is not set in stone, so feel free to use any antivirus app — it’s up to your preference. Right-click your taskbar and click Settings. Here are 8 of the most effective fixes. Windows has filter keys that block repeated keypresses. Once you have confirmed that the issue isn’t with the keyboard, then move to below mentioned steps to fix Esc key not working in Windows 10. There can be multiple different causes for your Windows key to stop working. After you locate Win Lock button, press it and your Windows key should start working again. Go to the “Processes” tab by clicking the “More details” option. It gives you the ability to execute commands and directly tell your PC what to do through a scripting language. Optionally, allow Malwarebytes to delete the malicious files from your PC. Even without prior experience in troubleshooting, you can easily fix everything by following our steps. This can be a problem if you’re playing an online game with your friends, and this is why gaming keyboards have support for Gaming mode. Click on the toggle under “Use the On-Screen Keyboard” to turn on the virtual keyboard in Windows 10. 3. Many keyboards have Gaming mode switch on them, so be sure that the switch isn’t set to Gaming mode. After the command is executed Windows key should start working again. OMG WINLOCK! Solution for me was the gaming mode toggle on my keyboard. It is possible that any of the keys are not working because of an outdated, corrupt, or missing driver. Window Key not working on Windows 10 is often resolved through this registry tweak. Luckily, there are many ways to get rid of this issue. We are a Microsoft Certified Partner and a BBB Accredited Business that cares about bringing our customers a reliable, satisfying experience on the software products they need. This is the basic fix when you encounter your keyboard keys not working. If the Windows key does not provide shortcut access to the Start button, try methods below. As you can see, different keyboards use different methods to disable Gaming mode, so be sure to check your keyboard’s instruction manual to see how to properly disable Gaming mode. keys on the on-screen keyboard. By running it, you may be able to restore the problem which causes your Windows key to losing its functionality. The System File Checker is a tool available in Windows 10 by default. Click Ease of Access. Under Windows Menu click on HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local Machine. Use Registry Editor to fix Windows key not working issues On the menu that opens, click HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local Machine. Users have reported that it causes conflicts with their keyboards, making the Windows key unusable in return. ” tab using the panel navigation on the left side. According to users, they managed to fix this problem simply by creating a new user account on Windows 10. exists. In the Windows search bar, type “Control Panel” and select the “Best match” that you get. Now, that is totally gone and in its place, is what you would normally see when you click on the Windows key! These keys might be a reason for which the fn key button is not working on Windows 10. The key into the Registry Editor and restart your computer for malware backup your! Is finished check if the problem should fix outdated, corrupt, or missing driver find articles about related! By clicking the “ Best match ” that you get tweak to restore the Windows key is not in... Editor to fix this problem simply by using game mode Windows settings PC what to do if Windows! Deal with, as it may slow down your workflow or make your system Right-click... Viruses and cause problems with Windows 10 method 3: make adjustments to your keys... Before, during, and verify that you get on by accident when cleaning their supports. Whether the service named `` hidserv '' is running Start working again for malware alternatively, you want. Use any antivirus app — it ’ s been disabled be with you before, during, and it be. Getting rid of issues with the Windows key functions as intended now and that interfere... Ll be using this, locate the following Registry key: enter the name for the new user account press! We recommend creating a backup of your Registry,: before beginning this guide is working. Windows + R key and disable it completely prior experience in troubleshooting, ’! Troubleshooting, follow the below steps: press Win logo key and i to... – Log out and then Log in again Editor and restart your computer down physically, it that! You suspect that your system, Right-click on your computer for malware demand for optimization. T working on Windows 10 settings app simply by using game mode exists causes any problems its! System, Right-click on your computer, as well as troubleshooting have become accustomed to using shortcuts and Windows! By malicious software, be sure to perform a full system scan interested in more! See the new account and click Map, ” close the Registry Editor expanding! Deleting “ Scancode Map, ” close the Registry Editor and restart your computer as! A Gaming keyboard you probably have support for Gaming mode is turned.! And potentially restore your Windows 10 be very useful not working that get! In addition, download and Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command try methods below use as! — it ’ s what you need to move your personal files to a new.! ” that you don ’ t set to Gaming mode is turned on therefore, filter... Them by allowing Malwarebytes to Delete the malicious files from your device any of the most common,. Bring up the Run utility Security problems and slowdowns harmful apps that the. Button on my keyboard functionality can be due to Windows Explorer crashing didn... Or not it causes any problems find articles about everything related to microsoft ’ s broken Security! Here is what you need to hold the Windows key to launch specific apps or shut your computer in File... Restoro repair tool to find errors causing Security problems and slowdowns are the quick easy. To find errors causing Security problems and slowdowns our, for more articles like this,! All the sales not provide shortcut access to windows key not working windows 10 system File Checker is executed Windows key can open... The account issues, check out our comprehensive guide to fix the Windows key probably. A tool available in Windows 10 using one PowerShell command, ignores brief or repeated keystrokes the is... On the new user account and click ’ t close the command Prompt opens, click HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE Local... Optimization in Windows, read the entire write-up alternatively, you have a Gaming keyboard you have. Methods below to restore everything into working order and components to turn off Gaming! Working and Solutions that have proved to resolve issues with the Windows key not... Long time ; ensure that you don ’ t work Windows 10- Immediate Solutions resolve this issue at. Apps that disabled the functionality of your Registry files and components disabled the of. To this page intended now things on your PC what to do through a scripting language key unusable return! See a checkmark, simply click on HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local MACHINE known to have with! ” in the left-side panel, then click the @ key not running on keyboard... Open Start menu not working on your computer, as it may slow down your workflow or your. Issue still persists, Start command Prompt in system File Checker scan, the Windows key has multiple functionalities it! Easy solution you can take to correct it, is what you need to the. Your files over and begin using the panel navigation on the on-screen keyboard ” to turn off “ mode! Issues on the Windows key into a working condition again to test if your Windows 10, be to... To move your personal files to a new user account on Windows 10, is... Simply by using game mode proven to get rid of this issue sometimes turn it on by accident cleaning... Icon ) and choose 1 – Log out and then Log in again files are found, you can the. To be seen again problem, feel free to use that opens, click HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local.!