The Windows key on the keyboard allows you to access Start menu quickly. If you are using Windows 10 and can’t use it to open Start menu. Use methods here to fix the problem.
The cause can be the problem key or problem Start menu. You can identify it by using your mouse to click the Start button to open the Start menu. If the Start menu can’t be opened either, there is problem with the Start menu. If the Start menu opens successfully in that way, there is problem with the Windows key. Just try the methods depending on the case:
Case 1: Windows Key & Start Button Not Working
Case 2: Windows Key Cannot Open Start Menu
Case 1: Windows Key & Start Menu Not Working
If you can’t access Start menu by pressing the Windows key or using the mouse, go to Windows 10 Start Button Not Working for the solutions. After trying the methods there, the problem should fix.
Case 2: Windows Key Cannot Open Start Menu
If the Windows key does not provide shortcut access to the Start button, try methods below.
Method 1: Unlock the Windows Key
On some keyboards, there is a lock key for the Windows key. You can use it to lock and unlock Windows key. If that key is on, you can’t use Windows key at all. So if that’s the case, press that key to unlock Windows key.
Method 2: Try the Keyboard on Another Computer (for external keyboard only)
If you are using a desktop PC, connect the keyboard to another computer and see if the Windows key works. If the key doesn’t work on that computer, the key might be physically broken. You might need to replace it with a new key.
Method 3: Enable the Key
If the key is disabled, the problem may occur. Follow steps below to enable the Windows key using Registry Editor. Note modifying registry incorrectly may cause serious problems. Ensure that you follow the instructions step by step. And it is recommended to back up the registry before you get started, so you can restore it if a problem occurs (See How to Back Up and Restore Registry).
1) Click Start menu button and type “regedit“. Then click regedit on the pop-up menu. This is to open Registry Editor dialog box.
2) Go to HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control.
3) Under “Control” folder, find and click Keyboard Layout folder. In the right pane, right-click on Scancode Map and select Delete. Then click Yes to confirm the delete. (If you don’t see Scancode Map on the right pane, it means this method doesn’t work for you. Move on to next method.)
4.) Restart your computer and check to see if the problem is resolved.
Method 4: Update Keyboard Drivers
The problem can also be caused by outdated keyboard drivers. So to fix the problem, try to update the keyboard drivers.
You can update your printer driver manually, but if you don’t have the time, patience or computer skills to update the drivers manually, you can do it automatically with Driver Easy.
Driver Easy will automatically recognize your system and find the correct drivers for it. You don’t need to know exactly what system your computer is running, you don’t need to risk downloading and installing the wrong driver, and you don’t need to worry about making a mistake when installing.
You can update your drivers automatically with either the FREE or the Pro version of Driver Easy. But with the Pro version it takes just 2 clicks (and you get full support and a 30-day money back guarantee):
1) Download and install Driver Easy.
2) Run Driver Easy and click Scan Now. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
3) Click the Update button next to a flagged keyboard driver to automatically download and install the correct version of this driver (you can do this with the FREE version).
Or click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system (this requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All).
Hopefully the methods above will help you fix the Windows key not working issue.
if u guys have a mechanical keyboard turn it off and on it worked for me and i hope it works for you
That window-key lock was driving me crazy. Thanks a lot!
FYI: If you are on a laptop and using external keyboard, if the FN+WIN key doesn’t work, try doing it on the laptop and not on the external keyboard. Not sure why, but this worked out for me.
On my SteelSeries keyboard it seems I inadvertently pressed [SteelSeries key]+[Win Key], which disabled the Win key. Good old trial and error… just press [SteelSeries key]+[Win Key] to toggle Windows Key enable.
I went to some forums and i try to do everything it said, at the end, the solution was simple. I pressed the lock key and it worked. Easy and fast. Thanks!
Hit function+win-key, that’s what worked for me.
Thanks Afillion! Worked here for me on my Rii keyboard with a windows key that has a tiny lock on the key. You’re a life saver! 🙂
OMG you are a lifesaver .. Thank you soooo Much it worked!
YESSSS!!!!! That worked!!!! Thank you!!!!
but I can’t even open start by clicking on?… I think I broke my computer..
thank you. that worked for me.
With this I was able to relive the windows key
BRO u a gadam hero!!! U SAVED MY LIFEEE!!!!
it worked!!! thank you!
I made this account just to thank you for this, I appreciate it (I’m using the Apex 7, just press the steelseries logo key and FN to unlock windows key)
you dont understand how much you helped me thank you very much
That worked for me too.
OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH
[Teamviewer!]Had this multiple times, here my fix: Teamviewer was running behind other apps, stealing these keyboard events. close teamviewer and it was fixed, no restart or crazy stuff needed.
Thank you man
“1) Click Start menu button and type “regedit“. Then click regedit on the pop-up menu. This is to open Registry Editor dialog box.”
Kinda stupid instruction, isn’t it? If I could do the above, I wouldn’t be searching for why my Start button isn’t working!
true are they stupid? the reason im here is because i cant get to regedit or anything.
use win + r for a run box, that works to get registry editor up
Bobo kahit d gumagana windows key pag sinabay mo yung win+r gagana dun ka magtatype ng regedit bopols