1. Check the keyboard lock: Some keyboards have Win key lock function, try to unlock the lock through Fn Win Lock or Win G. 2. Enter safe mode to check software conflicts: restart and enter safe mode. If the Win key is normal, uninstall new software or disable startup items to check one by one. 3. Enable Win keys through the registry: Find the NoWinKeys key in the registry editor and change its value to 0 to re-enable. 4. Troubleshoot hardware problems: Switch user accounts, use external keyboard or on-screen keyboard to test, and confirm whether it is physically damaged. Trying the above steps in turn can solve most Win key failure problems.
If your Windows key isn't working, it can be frustrating—especially since it's such a core part of navigating Windows. The issue could be software-related, hardware-related, or even a temporary glitch. Let's go over some common causes and fixes.

Check for accidental keyboard lock
One simple reason the Windows key might not be working is that it's been locked. Some keyboards (especially gaming ones) have a "Windows Key Lock" feature to prevent accidental presses during full-screen activities like gaming.

- Look for a dedicated button or key combination on your keyboard (often labeled something like
Fn Win Lock
) - If you're using a standard keyboard, try pressing
Win G
— if that doesn't bring up the Game Bar, there's a chance the Win key is locked - Toggle the lock and see if the Windows key starts working again
Also, check if third-party apps like AutoHotKey or gaming overlays are interfering with the key.
Test the Windows key in Safe Mode
Sometimes, background programs or drivers can interfere with keyboard functionality.

Here's what to do:
- Restart your PC and boot into Safe Mode
- Once in Safe Mode, try pressing the Windows key
- If it works here, then the problem is likely caused by a recently installed app or driver
In this case:
- Uninstall any recent software or keyboard-related tools
- Check Task Manager to disable startup apps one by one and test after each change
This helps narrow down whether something running in the background is blocking the key.
Use Registry Editor to re-enable the Windows key
It's possible the Windows key has been disabled via Group Policy or Registry settings—either intentionally or due to malware or misconfiguration.
To fix this:
- Press
Ctrl R
, typeregedit
, and hit Enter - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
- Look for a value called
NoWinKeys
- If it exists and is set to
1
, double-click it and change it to0
- If it exists and is set to
- Restart your computer
If the key is still unresponsive after this, it might be worth checking other registry sections or scanning for malware that may be modifying system keys.
Hardware issues and alternative input tests
If none of the above work, it might be a physical issue with the key itself.
Try these steps:
- Test the Windows key on another account – sometimes user-specific settings cause problems
- Plug in an external keyboard and test the Windows key there
- Use the On-Screen Keyboard (
Win Ctrl O
) to press the virtual Windows key and see if that triggers the Start menu
If the Windows key works on an external keyboard but not your built-in one, the issue is likely hardware-related—like a stick key, wound-out switch, or internal connection issue.
That's about it. Most of the time, the Windows key issue comes down to a lock setting, software conflict, or registry tweak. Only rarely is it a physical fault. Try these fixes in order, and chances are you'll get it working again without too much trouble.
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