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Windows key not working (but is detected by Windows 11)

Anonymous
2023-03-29T07:36:46+00:00

Hello, the Windows key on my keyboard in Windows 11 suddenly stopped working for 99% of inputs. Problem seemed to start when I walked away from PC for a bit. Weirdly, the key still works when I hit 'Win+L', but nothing else. The issue isn't at the keyboard level, as I've tried hitting the Win key on both the laptop and external keyboard.

Here are some things I've tried/ruled out:

  • Problem persists across Restarts
  • Sticky keys and Filter Keys are switched off
  • Tried uninstalling and reinstalling all keyboards in Device Manager
  • sfc /scannow doesn't fix the problem.
  • Tried restarting Explorer.exe process
  • I don't have Win Lock on my keyboard, but maybe there's some other secret keyboard shortcut that I accidentally hit that caused this?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Input and language

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  1. Anonymous
    2023-10-20T12:35:51+00:00

    Also, FN + Windows could resolve your issue. Like I had it couple of minutes ago, during the gaming I accidentally hit Windows + FN and after quitting the game I've noticed that it stopped to work. So I hit again FN + Windows and it worked.

    500+ people found this answer helpful.
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  1. Anonymous
    2023-03-30T07:19:04+00:00

    Thanks John. I've now solved the issue. After 2 days, the ASUS Armory Crate app finally gave me a pop-up telling me that my Windows key was disabled. I sometimes use the app to turn on 'Eco Mode' when I'm using the laptop on battery, so must have mis-clicked and pressed the button to disable the Windows key.

    Cheers,

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  1. John DeV 162.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2023-03-29T08:09:42+00:00

    Hello ktek78,

    Good day! I'm John Dev a Windows user like you and I'll be happy to assist you today. I know this has been difficult for you, Rest assured, I'm going to do my best to help you.

    When was the last time it worked properly? Have you made any changes recently?

    Please try the following methods below.

    **Please try to open the On-Screen keyboard

    Press the Windows key button twice to check if the start menu will open

    **Repair all Windows apps via PowerShell

    Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager then click File

    Select "Run new task" then type: powershell

    Make sure to put a check mark on the "Create this task with administrative privileges" box

    Copy and paste the command below one at a time then press Enter. Please ignore the red errors and let the process complete.

    Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.Windows.ShellExperienceHost | foreach {Add-AppxPackage -register "$($_. InstallLocation)\appxmanifest.xml" -DisableDevelopmentMode}

    Get-AppXPackage | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_. InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

    Restart your computer

    **Please try creating a new local administrator account then check if the issue persists.

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/cre...

    Kindly let me know if this helps or if you have any further concerns.

    Kind regards,

    John DeV

    Independent Advisor

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2023-10-27T15:44:18+00:00

    Also, FN + Windows could resolve your issue. Like I had it couple of minutes ago, during the gaming I accidentally hit Windows + FN and after quitting the game I've noticed that it stopped to work. So I hit again FN + Windows and it worked.

    You are a genius! I also had Armory Crate and was about to go into it when I saw your post. How the heck did it get "locked" in the first place I dont know but I do see that little 🔒 on that key which makes sense you need to press Fn to activate/deactivate. Thank you!

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2024-02-01T18:01:55+00:00

    I thought I have a physical failure on my keyboard. I said to myself, after 2 years since I've bought the computer, the keyboard is out. Win key is done :)

    But then I read your message Windows Key + FN - and BINGO :) it unlocked the win key. It is working. Thank you very much!

    10 people found this answer helpful.
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