However, for some users, this button has caused nothing but frustration. Whenever they press the Windows Key on the laptop, it does not seem to do its dedicated work of bringing up the start menu. This means Windows key shortcuts will also not work. Shortcuts like Winkey + L to log out, Winkey + D to bring up the desktop, Winkey + R to open run, Windows Key + I to open Settings, or Windows Key + Tab to sweep through tasks will not work. However, the start menu still works fine when you use the mouse. Others however cannot get this to work either. This article will help in explaining this problem and give you fixes to it.
Reasons why your Windows Key does not Work
This problem is related to either your PC settings including the software you have installed, or it could be tied to your keyboard itself. Your best bet is to try another keyboard if you have one. If the problem disappears that suggests you have a suspect key on the original keyboard. If the problem doesn’t go away you can assume it’s a Windows problem. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to bring up task manager. If the task manager does not come up, then you might have a malware problem. A common reason for this problem is as seen on gaming keyboards. These keyboards have two modes; a standard mode and a gaming mode. There is a switch to change between these modes. You might flip a switch, press a button, use the software, or use a combination to toggle between the modes. The gaming mode stops the Windows key from working to prevent your game from exiting when the Windows key is accidentally pressed. There is also a possibility that your Windows key is disabled within the Windows OS registry editor itself, hence Windows is not able to accept a request by this key. A disabled start menu will also show this problem. This could have been done by some software, game, or malware. Bad drivers, incompatible drivers, or outdated drivers can also cause your keyboard to freeze your Windows key. These symptoms can also be manifested if File Explorer/Windows Explorer, which drives your user interface, did not start correctly. There could also be a conflict between devices as seen when the game controller is plugged in. In the worst cases, your keyboard could be mechanically or electrically damaged hence needing replacement. Here are solutions that could get you back on track. Note: Since Windows Shortcuts will not work because of this error, we are going to use longer methods instead of windows shortcuts that require the Windows Key.
Method 1: Disable Gaming Mode on your Keyboard
Some keyboards, usually marketed as “gaming”, have the ability to turn off Windows keys via some hardware switch or Fn key combination in order to prevent pressing this key which usually exits your game. The gaming mode key is usually marked with a joystick drawing. Here is how to disable gaming mode on some of the popular gaming keyboards.
Method 2: Enable Windows Key using Registry Edit
The registry can allow or restrict a lot including keyboard keys and menu items. To enable your Windows key: If you need to disable Windows key again, we have a guide for you on our website (here).
Method 3: Re-Register all Apps
This will clear any software conflict with your keyboard
Method 4: Enable the Start Menu
In cases where your start key does not bring up the start menu, there is a possibility the start menu was disabled. To enable it, follow the steps below.
Method 5: Restart Windows / File Explorer
Explorer controls your Windows user interface. This method will restart Windows/File Explorer and clear any errors that prevented it from starting correctly.
Method 6: Turn off Filter Keys
This has been seen as one of the culprits in Windows 8 and Windows 10 issues. Turning on filterkeys ignores or slows down repeated key strokes and adjusts repeat rates. Somehow, the windows key is also affected on some keyboards. To turn off filter keys:
Method 7: Uninstall and reinstall your keyboard drivers
Uninstalling the bad keyboard drivers will reinstall the correct drivers for your keyboard.
Method 8: Unplug your game controller
Your Windows key might not function some times when your game pad is plugged in and a button is pressed down on the gaming pad. This could be caused by conflicting drivers. It is rear however, but all you need to do is unplug your gamepad or make sure no button is pressed down on your gaming pad or keyboard. Updating your gamepad or keyboard drivers might permanently solve this problem. NB: Remember that this could also be a hardware/mechanical/electric problem on your keyboard that would warrant repair or replacement.
Start Menu not opening with Windows Key
If your Windows key is working fine everywhere but your Start Menu is not popping up after press the Windows key. It’s possible that your Cortana or Start menu files have been corrupted. In that case, you will have to head over to this article. You can click on this link if your Windows 10 Start Menu not working. We have covered this issue with extensive details and also gave some solutions/workarounds that you can try.
