How to get the Windows key to work again in Windows 11

- The Windows key does not work – the error in Windows 11 can be solved in a multitude of ways.
- One of the solutions is to update the keyboard drivers, either manually or automatically.
- Another approach is to disable game mode to allow background processes to run.
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The Windows key is an important component of the navigation experience. It is primarily used to open the Start menu, but it is also required for certain keyboard shortcuts, such as opening the Settings app, so we’ll show you how to fix the Windows key that does not work in the Windows 11 error.
Either a hardware problem or a software issue may be causing the keyboard to not work. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to troubleshoot a problem with the Windows key not working.
Table of Contents
What can I do if my Windows key does not work?
1. Check the keyboard
As a first solution, try cleaning your keyboard. Remove dust particles from the keyboard with compressed air. If you have a mechanical keyboard with removable keys, use the key puller to remove the Windows key and clean it inside as well.
If you have an optional keyboard, you can connect it to your PC to see if the key still does not work. In case it does, the previous one may be corrupted and needs to be changed.
But if it works, the Windows key that is not working is the error caused by your software, and you can continue to use the first keyboard.
2. Unlock the Win Lock button
Depending on the type of keyboard you have, it may have a Win Lock button or switch. This is a typical feature found on mechanical game keyboards that help you prevent your game from crashing.
Look for a Win Lock key in the upper right corner of the keyboard. There may be a mechanical switch on the side of the keyboard. Check the manufacturer’s support documentation if you are unsure if you have a Win Lock key or how to disable it.
3. Update the keyboard drivers
- Right click Start icon from the taskbar and select Unit processing.
- Expand Keyboard and right-click on each option to select Update the driver.
If you are tired of manually updating your drivers, check out DriverFix. A software tool that automatically searches for and installs all your outdated and missing drivers on your computer. Problems such as the Windows key not working can be avoided by using the software.
⇒ Get DriverFix
4. Run keyboard troubleshooting
- Open Settings and go to System followed by Troubleshooting.
- Now click on Other troubleshooters so look for Keyboard one and select Run next to it. This should fix the Windows key that does not work in the Windows 11 error that has been bothering you.
5. Switch off the filter keys
- Open Settings and navigate to availability followed by Keyboard.
- Now turn off the switch next to it Filter keys.
6. Turn off game mode
- Open yours Settings app and go to Gaming followed by Game mode.
- Now turn off the switch next to it Game mode to prevent the computer from shutting down background processes.
We have gone through almost all the ways you can fix the Windows key that does not work in Windows 11.
But if you still need help, check out our post on how to repair the Windows key that is not working, and try the solutions we provided there as well.
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