[Essential Guide] How to Fix Windows Key Not Working on Windows 11?

Scenario: My Windows key not working in Windows 11

The Windows key plays a vital role in the normal operation and navigation of your Windows PC. When the Windows key malfunctions on Windows 11, it can lead to inconvenience. Several common factors could contribute to the Windows key not working:

Factors lead to Windows key not working in Windows 11
✍ Windows disablement: The key may be disabled by the operating system.
✍ Keyboard lock: Gaming keyboards, such as Corsair and Razer, may have a lock feature for the Windows key.
✍ Malware or virus interference: Security threats can disrupt the Windows key's operation.
✍ App or service blocking: Certain applications or services may block the Windows key.
✍ Game mode/Xbox Game Bar: Features like Game Mode or Xbox Game Bar in Windows 10/11 could disable the Windows key.
✍ Physical keyboard damage: Non-operation may result from physical damage to the keyboard.

Thankfully, if the issue is software-related, it can be diagnosed and fixed relatively easily. However, addressing a software problem may require trying multiple methods outlined below to ensure a comprehensive resolution.

How to fix Windows Key not working in Windows 11

Here are 5 solutions for comprehensive troubleshooting. If you find you cannot fix Windows 11 Windows key not working with one method, you can move on to the others and try again.

Method 1: Use the Keyboard Troubleshooter

The Windows troubleshooter is capable of identifying and resolving issues stemming from corrupted or damaged files. It can also pinpoint larger underlying problems. If the troubleshooter doesn't directly resolve the issue, it is likely to provide a diagnostic assessment. In short, it is a good idea to try this method first if the Windows key on the keyboard not working in Windows 11

Step 1. Start by accessing the Start Menu and select the Settings tile. Alternatively, perform a search for Settings in the menu. Ensure that you have chosen the System tab in the left sidebar.

Step 2. Locate and select the Troubleshoot tile in the right section of the window.

Step 3. Click on the Other troubleshooters tile.

Step 4. Find the Keyboard tile and click Run to initiate the troubleshooting process. Follow the on-screen instructions to address the issue.

Method 2. Update keyboard drivers

If the Windows key on keyboard not working in Windows 11, persists, consider updating the keyboard drivers as this may resolve the problem.

Step 1. Go to the Start Menu and search for Device Manager. Click Device Manager and open it. Double-click on the Keyboards section to expand the options. Right-click on the relevant hardware component and select Update driver from the context menu. This action will open a new window.

Step 3. Choose either Search automatically for drivers to allow Windows to download and update the driver automatically, or select Browse My Computer for the driver to manually locate a driver package using File Explorer.

After updating the keyboard drivers, you can check if the issue that the Windows key is not working in Windows 11 has been resolved.

Method 3. Turn off Filter Keys

Filter keys are an accessibility feature of the Windows operating system that ignores successive keystrokes within a defined time duration. Accidentally turning on filter keys might be causing issues with the Windows key.

Step 1. Go to the Start Menu and click on the Settings icon. Then, select the Accessibility tab from the left sidebar.

Step 2. From the right section of the window, click on the Keyboard tile.

Step 3. Click on the toggle present on the Filter keys tile to bring it to the Off position.

Check if the Windows key on the keyboard not working Windows 11 is troubleshooted. If not, proceed to the next method to address the issue.

Method 4. Turn off Game Mode

When Game Mode is enabled on your PC, Windows provides the option to disable notifications and specific keys. Therefore, it's possible that Game Mode was unintentionally activated, leading to the issue.

Step 1. To address the issue, go to the Start Menu and click on Settings. Then select the Gaming tab from the left sidebar.

Step 2. Navigate to the Game Mode tile and choose it.

Step 3. Click on the toggle switch present on the Game Mode tile to bring it to the Off position.

Method 5. Force keyboard rescan

If all other approaches have been unsuccessful, you can resort to this final option. Using the Registry Editor or PowerShell, you can remove the previously scanned keyboard layout, compelling Windows to conduct a new scan of the keyboard. This method is especially working for situations where the Fn keys not working in Windows 11.

Step 1. Go to the Start Menu and search for Registry. Click on the Registry Editor tile from the search results. A User Account Control (UAC) window will appear. If you are not logged in as an admin, enter the credentials. Otherwise, click Yes to proceed.

Step 3. Type or copy+paste the following address in the address bar and press Enter: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout

Step 4. On the right section of the window, right-click on the Scancode DWORD file and choose Delete.

Step 5. Click Yes in the dialog box that appears.

Step 6. Restart your PC from the Start Menu and check if Windows key on keyboard not working in Windows 11 persists.

▌If you don't have the Scancode DWORD file or are not comfortable using the Registry Editor, you can achieve the same result using PowerShell:

Step 1. Go to the Start Menu and search for Terminal. Right-click on the Terminal tile from the search results and select Run as administrator. A UAC window will appear. If you are not logged in as an admin, enter the credentials. Otherwise, click Yes.

Step 2. Type or copy+paste the following command and press Enter: Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register “$($_.InstallLocation) AppXManifest.xml"}

Once the code is executed, restart your system from the Start Menu and check if it resolves Windows key is not working in Windows 11 for you.

Tip: What should I do if I lost data during the fixing process?

There is always a risk that unexpected problems may arise during the troubleshooting process, especially when planning to force a keyboard rescan, as it requires a high level of skill and can easily result in data loss.

Fortunately, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional introduced the Recover Data feature that allows you to easily recover lost data. This tool uses advanced algorithms, excelling at recovering files with original names and preserving directory structures. With support for over 200 file formats, it effectively retrieves data from various storage devices and file systems, ensuring seamless recovery from a variety of data loss scenarios.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Navigate to the main tab and select "Recover," then choose "Recover Data."

Step 2. The Recover Windows Data tool will pop up. Please select the partition location to start data recovery and click "Start Scan".

Step 3. After the scan is finished, you'll see a list of lost files. Choose the data you wish to retrieve and click on the "Recover" button.

Step 4. Please select a folder path on your PC to save the recovered data.

Step 5. The recovery progress will start and data will be saved to the path you select once the recovery process is successful.

Summary

Try the 5 solutions to easily fix the Windows key not working in Windows 11. If you unfortunately suffer data loss during the process, use AOMEI Partition Assistant to quickly recover it. This multifunctional also offers many other practical functions for easy computer management.

You can use it to transfer OS or all the original data to another disk, move installed apps to another drive, or extend drive space by allocating free space. For Windows Server users who want to enjoy its benefits, kindly please choose the compatible version, AOMEI Partition Assistant Server edition.