Fix Windows Key Not Working in Windows 11

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By My Technician Editorial Team · Edited by Ankit Kumar
Windows 11KeyboardPeripheralsFix
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The Problem

Pressing the Windows key does nothing. The Start menu does not open, and shortcuts like Win + E, Win + D, or Win + Shift + S stop working. Every other key types normally.

In most cases nothing is broken. Gaming keyboards have a Win Lock feature that disables the key so it cannot pull you out of a game, and it is easy to turn on by accident. The rest of the time, a remapping tool, a policy, or a stuck Start menu is the cause.

Symptoms

  • The Windows key does nothing on its own and in shortcuts.
  • Win + R and other shortcuts work, but pressing the key alone does not open Start.
  • It stopped working after installing keyboard software, PowerToys, or a game.
  • It works with the on-screen keyboard but not your physical keyboard.

Quick Checks

  1. Test with the on-screen keyboard. Press Ctrl + Win + O or search for On-Screen Keyboard and click its Win key. If Start opens, Windows is fine and the problem is your keyboard or its software.
  2. Test Win + R. If the Run box opens, the key works: only the Start menu is broken. Skip to Step 5.
  3. Plug in a different keyboard if you have one.

The Fix: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Turn Off Win Lock on the Keyboard

Look for a key with a lock symbol, a Windows logo with a line through it, or a joystick icon. Common combinations:

  • Fn + F6, Fn + F12, or Fn + Windows key on many gaming keyboards and laptops.
  • A dedicated Game Mode or Win Lock key above the number pad.
  • A Game Mode switch on the keyboard itself.

A small light labelled Win Lock or showing a lock icon usually means it is on. Press the combination once and test again. Your keyboard's manual or the maker's support page lists the exact key.

Step 2: Turn Off Game Mode in Keyboard Software

Keyboard apps such as Logitech G HUB, Razer Synapse, Corsair iCUE, and SteelSeries GG have a Game Mode that disables the Windows key, sometimes automatically when a game launches.

  1. Open the keyboard software.
  2. Find Game Mode (usually under the keyboard's settings or profiles).
  3. Untick Disable Windows key, or turn Game Mode off.
  4. Check whether a per-game profile is still active after you closed the game.

Step 3: Remove Key Remaps

Remapping tools can disable or redirect the Windows key.

  • PowerToys: open PowerToys → Keyboard Manager → Remap a key, and delete any rule that involves Win.
  • AutoHotkey or similar scripts: right-click their tray icon → Exit, and test.
  • Registry remap (Scancode Map): some older tools write a permanent remap. Open Terminal (Admin) and check: 
    Get-ItemProperty 'HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout' -Name 'Scancode Map'
    If it returns a value and you did not set it on purpose, remove it and restart: 
    Remove-ItemProperty 'HKLM:\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout' -Name 'Scancode Map'

Step 4: Remove the Policy That Disables Windows Key Shortcuts

Windows has a setting that disables every Win + shortcut. Tweak tools sometimes turn it on.

  1. In Terminal (Admin), run: 
    Get-ItemProperty 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer' -Name NoWinKeys
  2. If it shows NoWinKeys : 1, remove it: 
    Remove-ItemProperty 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer' -Name NoWinKeys
  3. Sign out and back in.

On Windows 11 Pro, the same setting is in gpedit.msc under User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → File Explorer → Turn off Windows Key hotkeys. Set it to Not Configured.

Step 5: Restart Explorer and the Start Menu

If shortcuts like Win + R work but the key alone does not open Start, the Start menu process is stuck.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. On the Processes tab, find Windows Explorer, right-click it → Restart.
  3. Under Details, find StartMenuExperienceHost.exe, right-click → End task. Windows starts it again automatically.

If Start still will not open from a mouse click either, follow fix Start menu not opening.

Step 6: Turn Off Filter Keys and Sticky Keys

Accessibility features can delay or swallow key presses.

  1. Settings → Accessibility → Keyboard.
  2. Turn off Filter keys and Sticky keys.

Step 7: Reinstall the Keyboard Driver

  1. Right-click Start → Device Manager → expand Keyboards.
  2. Right-click your keyboard → Uninstall device.
  3. Restart. Windows reinstalls the driver.

What Not to Do

  • Don't reinstall Windows for this. A dead Windows key is almost never a Windows fault.
  • Don't delete registry keys you did not find using the commands above. The checks are specific for a reason.
  • Don't assume the key is broken until you have tested the on-screen keyboard and a second keyboard.

FAQ

How do I unlock the Windows key on a gaming keyboard?

Press the Win Lock combination (most often Fn + F6, Fn + F12, or Fn + Windows key) or turn off Game Mode in the keyboard's software. The exact keys differ by brand and model.

Why does the Windows key not work in games?

Many games and gaming keyboards disable it on purpose so a stray press does not minimize the game. It should work again once you exit the game or turn off the keyboard's Game Mode.

Why do Windows key shortcuts work but Start doesn't open?

The key itself is fine. The Start menu process is stuck or broken: restart it (Step 5) or follow the Start menu guide.

Still Not Working?

If other keys misbehave too, see fix keyboard not typing and fix keyboard typing wrong characters. If the taskbar is frozen along with Start, see fix taskbar not working.

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