# Fix Windows Key Not Working in Windows 11

URL: https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-windows-key-not-working-windows-11/
Published: 2026-10-30 | Author: Ankit Kumar
Tags: Windows 11, Keyboard, Peripherals, Fix
Summary: Windows key not opening Start or shortcuts like Win+E not working? Check the keyboard's Win Lock and gaming mode, remove remaps, and reset a stuck Start menu.
Recommended app: PC-Troubleshooter, https://www.mytechnician.tech/apps/windows-troubleshooter/ (Microsoft Store: https://apps.microsoft.com/detail/9N7RWKW8SP24?hl=en-us&cid=mytechnician-web). Optional; every step below uses built-in Windows tools.

## 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:
  ```powershell
  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:
  ```powershell
  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:
   ```powershell
   Get-ItemProperty 'HKCU:\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer' -Name NoWinKeys
   ```
2. If it shows `NoWinKeys : 1`, remove it:
   ```powershell
   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](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-windows-11-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](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-keyboard-not-typing-windows-11/) and [fix keyboard typing wrong characters](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-keyboard-typing-wrong-characters-windows-11/). If the taskbar is frozen along with Start, see [fix taskbar not working](https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-windows-11-taskbar-not-working-disappearing/).

---
Source: https://www.mytechnician.tech/tips/fix-windows-key-not-working-windows-11/ (My Technician, free Windows 10/11 troubleshooting guides).
Related tool: PC-Troubleshooter (PC-Troubleshooter is a system diagnostic and repair tool for Windows 10 and Windows 11: hardware, drivers, network, and common fixes in one app.): https://www.mytechnician.tech/apps/windows-troubleshooter/
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