[Explained] Windows Key Not Working

By Michael K. Dale | February 10, 2020

Windows key enables users to quickly access any application from the Start menu. But, when the Windows key not working then there can be various factors responsible for this issue. If you are questioning why Windows key is not working, then it is due to the incorrect registry entry, outdated keyboard driver, malware or virus infection, etc.

You might note that when you press the Windows key, the device fails to recognize the command. Thus, the Start menu does not appear. This can hinder your daily work. This is where you need to know about the hacks that can resolve the problem.

So, check out the undermentioned section to resolve the error in no time.

How to Resolve Windows Key Not Working Issue?

Here, we are going to mention the most effective fixes to resolve the Windows key related issue. So, without further ado, let’s proceed with the underlying methods.

Method 1: Utilize the Powershell

A majority of users claim that they managed to resolve the Windows key error by using the Powershell command.

Powershell is a powerful troubleshooter that enables users to eliminate the default core Windows elements. So, you can use this tool in order to resolve the Windows key not working issue.

Press the combination of the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to launch the Task Manager.
After you access the Task Manager, navigate to the “Go” and hit the “Run New Task” option from the appeared menu.
Now, write “Powershell” inside the text box and look for the “Create this task with administrative privileges”.
Once you locate it, put a tick mark on the checkbox in order to select the option.
Next, hit the “OK” button or press the Enter key.
When the PowerShell arrives with administrator privileges, enter the following command inside the window:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) \AppXManifest.xml”}

Hit the Enter key to execute the command successfully.

After executing this command, reboot the device to apply the new changes.

Method 2: Reset the Windows Registry

Even after relying on the Powershell if the Windows key still doesn’t work, then there might be certain problems associated with the Windows registry.

In order to overcome this situation, you need to reset the Windows registry. Follow the underlying instructions to proceed with this method.

Launch the Task Manager by following the above-mentioned instructions.
When the Task Manager opens, enter “regedit” inside the dialog box and hit the Enter key to run the command.
After running the Command, you will find the Registry Editor on the top search result.
Thereafter, go through the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout key and expand the Keyboard Layout key.
In the next screen, search for the “Scancode Map registry entry”.
After you locate it, tap on it and hit the “Delete” button to remove it.

Once you are done with these instructions, close the Registry Editor and reboot the device to save the new changes.

Method 3: Check for Virus or Malware

The presence of any malicious components can prompt the Windows key error to appear. So, you need to check for the malicious components and remove them if required.

For this purpose, you can utilize the Windows Defender. It is an in-built utility that comes up with every version of Windows. In order to run this troubleshooter, you can follow the under mentioned instructions.

Invoke the “Settings” app and navigate to the “Update and Security”.
After accessing the “Update and Security” section, locate the “Windows Defender” from the appeared menu.
In the next screen, go to the “Windows Defender Security Center” and access the window.
Afterward, look for the “Virus and threat protection module” option.
Next, hit the “Start” button in order to begin the scanning process.
Further, choose the “Quick Scan” option from the appeared menu.

Windows Defender starts to scan your entire device and look for the malicious components that might trigger the Windows key not working. After detecting the problem, it will remove the malicious components automatically.

Method 4: Turn off the Filter Keys

If the Filter Key is enabled on your device, then it might halt the normal functioning of the Windows key.

To overcome this situation, you need to turn off the Filter Key feature. Follow these instructions to do so.

Open the “Settings” app and go to the “Ease of Access”.
Now, choose your “Keyboard” from the left pane of the window.
In the next screen, try to locate the “Filter Keys” feature and toggle it Off or Disable.
Save the recent modifications by tapping on the “Apply” button as well as the “OK” button.

Method 5: Use the System File Checker Tool

System File Checker is a built-in tool that is designed to resolve the Windows internal bugs and glitches. So, you can run this utility when the Windows keys are not working. Follow these instructions to execute this method.

Launch the Run dialog box and enter “cmd” inside it
Now, choose the OK button in order to run the command.
From the Context menu, proceed to right-tap on the “Command Prompt” and tap on the “Run as Administrator” option.
Once the Command Prompt appears in Admin Mode, write “sfc/scannow” and hit the Enter key.

System File Checker starts to detect the internal glitch related to the Windows key and also repair the corrupted system files.

Method 6: Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

If System File Checker fails to give you the desired result, then you can use the DISM tool which is another built-in utility that comes along with the Windows device.

To run this utility, you need to invoke the Command Prompt with administrator privileges and enter the following command inside the dialog box: “DISM /online /Cleanup-Image / ScanHealth’ and ‘DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth”.

Hit the Enter key to execute the command. Wait unless the scan is over. Reboot the device and check if the Windows key error gets eliminated or not.

Hopefully, these methods will help you to resolve the problem and you can use the Windows key again to prompt the Windows Key.

Posted in Windows