Now, try using the Windows key. If the issue was due to outdated drivers, then it should now be fixed and must work fine.
Does Your Keyboard Has Winlock Key
Some keyboards come with a key called Winlock. As the name suggests, pressing the key disables the Windows key. This is normally seen in the gaming keyboards. As a person is playing games using keyboard controls, pressing the Windows key will minimize the game. This will disturb the gamer and break his flow. So, Winlock disables the Windows key and even if the gamer presses it, by mistake, nothing will happen.
Just check if the Winlock is still active. If yes, then disable it immediately by pressing the Winlock key. Now, the Windows key should work fine.
Note
Some modern keyboards come with Gaming Mode on them. This allows the gamers to not get disturbed in case they press a stray key. It means if you press the Windows key while gaming, then nothing will happen if gaming mode is enabled on the keyboard. While this mode is active, you will not be able to use the Windows key. So, if your PC keyboard has the Gaming Mode, then turn it off.
Keyboard May Have Hardware Damage
This is another reason for the Windows key to stopping working on your keyboard. Your PC’s keyboard has taken some kind of fall which may have affected its internal hardware. Sometimes a faulty keyboard may be shipped or the shipping might have been mishandled. This can cause damage to the make of the keyboard including the keys, If there is a warranty period on that keyboard, get it replaced from the seller or try to repair it.
I had a 7-year old laptop whose keyboard did not work properly after a fall from the overhead cabin baggage in a flight. Even though it was inside a backpack, still the fall caused the keyboard sensors to malfunction after sometimes. It persisted until I changed the keyboard on the laptop. So, if you have faced something similar, then that may affect the keys of the keyboard. Get it checked/replaced.
Modify Using PowerShell
Disclaimer
PowerShell command output may produce some results that could affect the software of the PC/laptop. So, try the modifications at your own risk.
GetDroidTips will not be responsible for any software or hardware related issues that may occur incidentally while/after you follow the modification/troubleshoot guides mentioned in this post.
Tweak Registry Editor
If there is any problem in the registry then it may reflect on the hardware. This means the Windows key not working can be attributed to this issue. So, you can modify the registry editor and make changes to some attribute values to set things right.
- In the Type here to search box, type Regedit
- Click Open
- Now click to expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM >Keyboard Layout
- Now look for an attribute Scancode Map under both the folders available for keyboard layout.
- If it is available, then delete it from the registry
- On the other hand, if you do not find the scan code map, then leave this troubleshoot method and try out the next one.
Use System File Scan to fix if Windows Key Not Working
This is a scan that you can carry out for detecting and fixing the corrupt system files that may cause the Windows key to not work. You have to do this scan using the command prompt.
- In the Type here to the Search box, type cmd and hit enter
- As command prompt opens, type the following command
sfc scannow
- Wait while the system files will be checked and repaired
- The as the process finishes, reboot your PC.
- Once the system reopens, check if the Windows key is working or not.
Scan PC for Malware if Windows Key Not Working
Maybe your PC is infected with some malware or virus that is causing the Windows key to not work properly. Other keys may also be affected by this. So, try to do a full scan of your PC using the anti-virus you have installed on your PC. If you have a full-version anti-virus running actively on your PC, then there are low chances of malware attack. Still, running a full scan will ensure the security status of the device. If any virus is found, make sure to eradicate it using the anti-virus.
So, that’s all the troubleshooting methods you need to follow if the Windows key is not working on your PC/laptop. Gadgets are prone to have technical snags but everything can be fixed. Try the troubleshooting techniques and let me know in the comments section what was the issue with your PC and which troubleshoot fixed the issue.
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