my windows button doesnt work whenever a game is running even when game mode is off

Question

exactly like the title describes my windows button is completely broken whenever any game is running at all even in the background, minimized and/or in another desktop. i cannot use shortcuts using the windows key at all it just pretends im not holding the button at all so: Windows + shift + s to screenshot just becomes shift + s this applies to all games and all shortcuts. gaming mode is off btw so i dont know what on earth is causing this

i am using windows 11

Answer 1

Hello,

Currently, almost all games on the market block the Windows key while running, to prevent accidentally pressing it and exiting the game.

Some games run in “borderless window” or “windowed” mode instead of “fullscreen,” and in those cases the Windows key is not blocked.

Another situation is that keyboard software (especially Razer, Corsair, Logitech) may block the Windows key during gameplay to avoid accidental presses.

If your screenshot shortcut requires the Windows key, you can change the shortcut to avoid using the Windows key.

Answer 2

When any game is running, the Windows key can be intentionally blocked by the game itself, especially in full‑screen scenarios. This is commonly done so that pressing the Windows key does not interrupt gameplay by switching out of the game.

From a technical perspective, games often do the following:

1. Install a low‑level keyboard hook
   • A low‑level keyboard hook can intercept specific keys (like the Windows key) before Windows processes them.
   • The hook can simply discard Windows‑key events so the OS never sees them.
   • This hook can remain active even if the game is minimized or you switch to another desktop, unless the game explicitly disables the hook when it is deactivated.
   • This behavior is documented for full‑screen games that want to avoid accidental presses of the Windows key causing the user to “jump out” of the application.
2. Adjust shortcut‑related behavior while in full‑screen
   • Games can temporarily change how certain shortcut keys behave (for example, accessibility shortcuts like StickyKeys) so that repeated key presses do not trigger dialogs that minimize the game.
   • These changes are supposed to be reverted when the game exits or switches out of full‑screen.

If a game uses a low‑level keyboard hook and does not correctly restore normal behavior when minimized or when you switch away, the result is exactly what is described: while the game process is running, Windows‑key combinations (such as Win+Shift+S) are treated as if the Windows key is not being held at all.

Practical steps based on this behavior:

1. Confirm it is tied to a running game
   • Close the game completely (not just minimize it). Ensure its process is not present in Task Manager.
   • Test the Windows key and shortcuts (Win+E, Win+Shift+S, Win+R). If they work again, the game’s keyboard hook is the cause.
2. Check in‑game or launcher settings
   • Many games or game launchers provide an option such as “Disable Windows key,” “Block system keys,” or similar. If present, turn this off.
   • If the game offers different display modes, try running it in windowed or borderless‑window mode instead of exclusive full‑screen, as that often changes how system keys are handled.
3. Isolate from other software
   • If the issue persists even after closing the game, test after a full sign‑out/sign‑in or restart to clear any lingering hooks.
   • If the Windows key works normally after restart with no games running, the behavior is consistent with a game (or related overlay) using a low‑level keyboard hook while active.

This behavior is by design from the game’s perspective (to protect the full‑screen experience) and is not controlled by Windows Game Mode. Game Mode being off does not prevent a game from installing its own keyboard hook and blocking the Windows key.

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References:

• Disabling Shortcut Keys in Games