windows key disabled

If you press Windows key, you will open the Start menu. If the issue is with your Computer or a Laptop you should try using Restoro which can scan the repositories and replace corrupt and missing files. The one I was tinkering with didn't do anything even though it's enabled then I found another hidden at the Info Page where it's disabled. Select Settings from the menu. There can be various reasons behind the odd Windows key behavior on Windows 10. Type "group policy editor" into the desktop search box and select the appropriate entry in the results. If you’re accidentally hitting these keys without knowing, it can cause major inconveniences and confusion. This procedure is compatible with computers and notebooks, regardless which brand are you using. Microsoft PowerToys On my Latitude 7480, the Fn graphic on the F6 key is Scroll Lock. Click Recovery in the left panel. Open the Device Manager by tapping the Windows key, then type "Device Manager" into search and click on the first... 2. These methods will make sure you don’t have to press the Fn key + Function Key to perform a particular function. For example, you can disable absolutely everything, or set the keyboard to inactive while running certain programs, something that may come in handy while playing certain video games where accidentally pushing 'windows' or 'escape' is a fatal mistake. However, if you don’t want to use a third-party application, there is still an option to lock the keyboard … Disclaimer: Editing the Windows Registry file is a serious undertaking. It's fixed now. The settings save automatically, so you can close the utility and use your computer as usual. After that, you will need to download and run registry file from this LINK. Double-click the System\CurrentControlSet\Control folder, and then click the Keyboard Layout folder. Click Start, click Run, type regedt32, and then click OK. On the Windows menu, click HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local Machine. Now everytime I press it a notification pops up saying "Windows Key is disabled". The Windows key will be disabled immediately. Mark W. Kaelin has been writing and editing stories about the IT industry, gadgets, finance, accounting, and tech-life for more than 25 years. And you can follow these instructions one by one to successfully disable the Windows Key on your PC via Group Policy Editor: At first, open the Windows Run on your PC by pressing Windows Key + R on your keyboard. If Windows key is not working properly, you will not be able to to this actions. If your keyboard is dirty and if there is dust between your keys, you should clean your keyboard. That’s how you know if your Windows key is currently enabled or disabled. I am holding multiple IT certifications focused on IT Infrastructure, including CompTIA A+, Network+, Server +, CNIP, MTA, MCP, MCSA, MS, IT Academy and many others. Scroll down until you find the "Keyboards" section, and click to expand it. Double-click the Turn off Windows Key hotkeys entry and click the Enable radio button, as shown in Figure E. Click OK and then close the Group Policy Editor. After that, the Windows key should be disabled. In the first method, we will use combination keys to activate or deactivate Windows key. 4) Select “Always” option and click on the OK button.After that click on the OK button on the main screen and you are done!. How to Reenable the Windows Key. Before purchasing a new keyboard, please check is your brand name computer, keyboard or notebook under warranty. And if you enjoy fiddling with the Registry, it’s worth taking the time to learn how to make your own Registry hacks. 2. SEE: Microsoft Ignite 2019: Azure Arc, HoloLens 2, Edge, Quantum and Teams (TechRepublic Premium). The Windows key will be disabled immediately. Windows key is located on every keyboard, and we are using this key for various actions. It can be a hardware issue, or a bug due to the latest Windows 10 … Most recently, he has been a regular contributor to BreakingModern.com, aNewDomain.net, and TechRepublic. Why do you need to do registry backup? 3. The change will become effective after you restart your PC. Are you using gaming keyboard? To turn Windows key functionality back on, change the Data Value to zero or delete the NoWinKeys entry. That's why. For example, if you press Windows key + E you will open Windows Explorer or File Explorer, if you press Windows key + R, you will open a Run dialog box and many others combination keys. The two methods explained in this article offer the more straightforward of solutions, saving the more involved methods for later. How to do registry backup? The methodology is similar for the Group Policy Editor if you are using Windows 10 Pro. Magic commence. Few users solved their problem by pressing Win Lock key on their gaming keyboard, including keyboard model Logitech G15. If you are one of the users who want to disable Windows key when playing games, you will be able to do it after reading this article. Click on the Explorer key, as shown in Figure A. Right-click on an empty spot in the right-hand window and select New | DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it NoWinKeys, as shown in Figure B. Double-click the NoWinKeys entry and change the Data Value to 1, as shown in Figure C. Click OK and then close regedit. There are two main methods through which you can Enable Function keys. Out of curiosity, for the people where Fn+F6 disables the Windows key, what is the icon on that key to indicate that functionality? If combination keys are not working well, you will need to enable Windows key through Registry Editor. Leaked Video of the Upcoming ROG Phone reveals a Secondary Display on the back, Leaks Suggest Xiaomi Would Launch Mi 11 & Redmi Note 10 Lineup in India, Nvidia clarifies its position regarding the ‘downgrade’ of its G-Sync Ultimate Standard, Qualcomm Launches Snapdragon 870 5G Chipset With The Highest High Clock Speed In The World For A Smartphone SoC, Xiaomi Launches New Mi NoteBook 14 (IC) in India: Top End Model Runs i5, 8GB RAM & Nvidia MX250. Now, type msc and click on OK to open Local Group Policy Editor on … Both options will do the trick. For example, Simple Disable Key is no longer freeware. If yes, you should press this key to enable or disable Windows key. Apparently there are TWO System Configurations in Armoury Crate. As before, the change will become effective after you restart your PC. Click on "+" button given under "Key:" section to tell Windows which key do you want to disable. It works for all Laptop manufacturers like Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Acer, Samsung, Toshiba and others. If … Please read instructions on this LINK, and follow the procedure of on the method 4, from step 1 to step 7. However, if that is not possible at the moment, we will have to edit the Windows Registry file, which requires the standard disclaimer. This feature makes your keyboard ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, which might have led to your WinKey issue in Windows 10. I am a System Engineer and IT Trainer with over 10 years of experience. For this method, you will need to use a user account with Administrator privilege, because Standard user account is not allowed to do any system changes. I enabled it via that and my key is back. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. These apps can help. After that, the Windows key should be disabled. Now you can select the desired key from the given drop-down box. Previously, you could toggle Game Mode in the Windows … How to Enable and Disable the Windows Key Method 1: Press Fn + F6 or Fn + Windows Keys. To turn Windows key functionality back on, change the clicked radio button to Disabled or Not Configured. Also, if you want to disable Windows key, you will need to download and run registry key from this LINK. My hunch was right, it disables the windows key but how to turn it back on befuddled me. If another keyboard is working properly on your machine, you will need to purchase a new keyboard. HKEY_CURRENT_USER > Software > Microsoft > … Running the “Enable Windows Key Shortcuts (Default)” hack sets the value back to 0. Back up the Windows 10 Registry file and create a valid restore point before you proceed. Now, in the search result, you have to click on the “Registry Editor“. Another technique is to force the keyboard to use a driver that it … If the Windows key is disabled, it will show a small red “X” over the icon, and when it is enabled, the “X” will be gone. There are different reasons why Windows key is not working, including keyboard issue, system settings, game settings or application settings. To disable or turn off desired key, click on "Remap a key" button. Find your keyboard under the keyboard section. In order to enable a previously disabled key you will have to choose the key row on the grid and press the “Remove” button on the right.Afterward, press the “OK” button on the main screen. Please follow the procedure below. Win + L. First, let me state for the record that the absolute best way to disable the Windows key while gaming is by purchasing and using a gaming keyboard with a built-in disable function. Mistakenly pressing the Windows key while operating a time-sensitive application can lead to disaster. Press the Windows key + I key together to open Settings. Hey, So I was cleaning my laptop while turned on (i know, a dumb move) and I pressed a bunch of buttons and disabled the Windows key. Are you using gaming keyboard? Just type “regedit” in the Search box. Method 1: Disable the Windows Key from Registry Editor-1. I needed to press: Fn + Win Key. Also, you can use Windows key in combination with another key. Okay, well shit. Click on the keyboard you want to disable, then right-click it to reveal a list of options. Based on that, we are recommending you to clean your keyboard. If you never used a key but keep press on it accidentally, you can select the always mode to disable it. From start to finish: How to host multiple websites on Linux with Apache, Understanding Bash: A guide for Linux administrators, Image: Julian Vojtech, Getty Images/iStockphoto, Comment and share: How to disable the Windows key on your keyboard. With the help of the Windows key on a standard Microsoft Windows 10 keyboard, users can access dozens of configuration settings, features, and applications with convenient keyboard shortcut combinations. This works in most cases, where the issue is originated due to a system corruption. For more options, check out, "2 more ways to disable the Windows key on your keyboard.". If yes, the vendor will replace your keyboard for free. To turn Windows key functionality back on, change the clicked radio button to Disabled or Not Configured. 6] Keyboard Driver issue Right-click on the Windows Key, and open Device Manager. We will show you how to solve the issue by using 5 different methods. Disable Windows key must be disabled for games: The user runs it simply, and automatically it blocks the Windows Key when the full-screen game mode is on. Sometimes, dust can block some of your keys, including Windows key. Some games block it, and some don't, and this screws up big time esp in matches. For more options, check out, " 2 more ways to … Method 2: Press Win Lock. If you're using Windows 8.1, click Change PC settings. I'm happy to share my knowledge and skills through addressing tech issues and writing how-to's in a way that it can be followed by everyone. The key will be disabled during this period of time. 1 Why You May Want To Turn Off Windows Key! If you are using gaming keyboard, please check is there Win Lock key located on your keyboard. It is by far the simplest solution. 1. Enable (and disable) Game Mode. Windows key disabled. Best robots at CES 2021: Humanoid hosts, AI pets, UV-C disinfecting bots, more, How to combat future cyberattacks following the SolarWinds breach, LinkedIn names the 15 hottest job categories for 2021, These are the programming languages most in-demand with companies hiring, 10 fastest-growing cybersecurity skills to learn in 2021. Disable Key is a small application that, as its name implies, allows you to disable any key on your keyboard. Click Update & Security (Windows 10) or Update & recovery (Windows 8.1). A corrupted Windows Registry file could render your computer inoperable, requiring a reinstallation of the Windows 10 operating system and potential loss of data. If not, you should read next method. The … Once the Windows Registry file is open, navigate to this key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. If you can not find Win Lock key, please read the technical documentation of your gaming keyboard. © 2021 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. Gaming keyboards often have a simple toggle that will turn the Windows key off and on at will. Method 1: Use device manager to disable the keyboard in Windows 10. I hope you are using minimum Windows 7 because previous operating systems are not anymore supported by Microsoft. Under most circumstances, accidentally pressing the Windows key is a harmless annoyance, however, when operating a time-sensitive application, like a game for example, it could result in a disastrous, rage-inducing, tantrum of frustration. This how-to tutorial explains how to disable Windows key hotkey functionality by editing the Windows Registry file and by changing settings using the Group Policy Editor. At last, click Apply and click Yes to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. You can also force Game Mode on in specific games, whether they're tested by Microsoft or not. @JackE Windows key location is right beside Ctrl used in many games, and this tends to bring up desktop if the game does not block it. Also, try pressing “Fn + Windows” key which can sometimes get it working again. In the Predator keyboard I got the windows key is moved to the right of space bar and literally no chance of being pressed accidentally. Always mode disables the key all the time. If you need the key to always be disabled but don’t want to be bothered running it each time you boot up your system, you can create a shortcut to the AHK script and add it to the Startup folder, or you can just move the original script file to the Startup folder. If your Windows, does not have the Group Policy Editor, you can use the Registry Editor to turn off the Windows key. If not, you should read next method. These methods are compatible with operating systems from Windows XP to Windows 10. Before purchasing new keyboard you should test your computer keyboard on another machine or plug another keyboard to your current computer or notebook. TechRepublic Premium: The best IT policies, templates, and tools, for today and tomorrow. To disable filter keys, use the instructions below: Right-click on your Start menu icon. Step 7. Thank you for reading the article below. Follow the above-mentioned steps to disable any other specific key like Windows key, tab key, or insert key. This does not support any arrangement. How to Install Custom Themes and Visual Styles in Windows 10 To start, type "regedit" into the desktop search box and select Registry Editor in the results. How to disable the Windows key. Disable the Filter Keys option. How to re-enable the Windows key. Disabling the hotkey functionality of the Windows key in Microsoft Windows 10 is not difficult, and there are several possible methods users can employ to change that particular key's behavior. Go to Keyboard Manager tab and make sure "Enable Keyboard Manager" toggle button is set to ON. Before you do any registry configuration, we are recommending you to backup registry database. So, why this problem occurs? 2 How To Disable Windows Key In Windows 10! Running the “Disable Windows Key Shortcuts” hack creates the NoWinKeys value and sets the value to 1 for the currently signed in user. Here’s how to re-enable the Windows key if you change your mind and want to go back to the default keyboard. How to Enable and Disable the Windows Key. Click on it to enable or disable it. 2. Your settings have been saved, and you’re free to close PowerToys and use your computer as usual. Navigate to Ease of Access and click on it. In the case of some misconfiguration, you can revert registry database to the previous state when everything worked without any problems. Type “ regedit ” (without the quotes) Navigate to this key Right click > Properties > Driver See if you can roll back the driver. Pressing the Alt key can sometimes completely block all key inputs thereafter. There are several ways to disable the feature in Microsoft Windows 10. 2.1 Method 1: Modify Keyboard Settings Or Use Gaming Mode On Your Keyboard; 2.2 Method 2: Use The Official Microsoft Registry Hack; 2.3 Method 3: Use Group Policy Editor To Turn Off Key Combinations; 2.4 Method 4: Use Third-Party Apps; 3 Conclusion You can download Restoro by clicking the Download button below. Navigate to this folder: User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\File Explorer, Click on the File Explorer entry, as shown in Figure D. Scroll down the list of configuration settings displayed in the right-hand window until you find the entry "Turn off Windows Key hotkeys.". Hi, I'm Jasmin. I did find this post in my internet travels, which basically says “To turn Win-Lock On or Off, press the Windows Key and Space Bar” In my case, that was incorrect. Most of the methods discussed below involve the use of third-party utilities to lock the keyboard. If you’ve previously disabled your Windows key and want to re-enable it, you can use the same PowerToys utility to do so: 5 Windows admin tasks you can automate using PowerShell, Checklist: Securing Windows 10 systems (TechRepublic Premium), Microsoft Ignite 2019: Azure Arc, HoloLens 2, Edge, Quantum and Teams, 2 more ways to disable the Windows key on your keyboard, How to become a software engineer: A cheat sheet, 10 free alternatives to Microsoft Word and Excel, Choosing your Windows 7 exit strategy: Four options, Microsoft Office 365 for business: Everything you need to know, The 10 most important iPhone apps of all time, It takes work to keep your data private online. If cleaning your keyboard did not solve your problem, we are recommending you to replace your keyboard with the new one. It'll open a new window. Many of the usual solutions that allow you to disable key inputs on Windows are now outdated. How to Disable a Laptop Keyboard in Windows 10 If you want to disable your laptop keyboard in Windows 10 , there are two safe methods: disable it in Device Manager or permanently uninstall it. This works for only Windows Laptop. Unlike other ways of remapping keys like using SharpKeys and the Windows Registry, you won’t have to log out or reboot for your change to take effect. In my case, I would like to disable the Home key and click the Disable Key option. If you are using a notebook, please plug USB keyboard on your notebook and check is working properly. Once you have opened the Registry Editor window, click on “File” and then click on “Export“.. Then, save the exported registry to a favorable location on your drive. 5. Please, press Fn + F6 to activate or deactivate Windows key. , Quantum and Teams ( TechRepublic Premium ) your settings have been saved, and to! Technique is to force the keyboard to your WinKey issue in Windows 10 to reveal a list options. Notebook, please read the technical documentation of your gaming keyboard, including keyboard model Logitech G15 is with... Ease of Access and click yes to restart your PC does not have the Group Policy Editor into... That it … click on the Windows key is a small application that, vendor... Article offer the more straightforward of solutions, saving the more straightforward of solutions, saving more! Offer the more straightforward of solutions, saving the more involved methods for later, templates, we! And on at will and want to turn off Windows key if you change your and. Registry Editor-1 is originated due to a System Engineer and it Trainer with over 10 years experience! Then right-click it to Enable Windows key functionality back on, change the clicked radio button disabled. Enable keyboard Manager tab and make sure you don ’ t have to click ``. Point before you do any Registry configuration, we are using a notebook please... Similar for the changes to take effect 10 years of experience to re-enable the Windows key but keep on., MSI, Acer, Samsung, Toshiba and others Laptop manufacturers like Asus, Dell HP... Recently, he has been a regular contributor to BreakingModern.com, aNewDomain.net, and follow above-mentioned... Using this key for various actions involved methods for later, Samsung, Toshiba and.. Disable filter keys, including keyboard issue, System settings, Game settings or application settings key Registry. Press the Fn graphic on the method 4, from step 1 to 7... With another key a driver that it … click on the Windows Registry file and a... Deactivate Windows key in Armoury Crate click the keyboard in Windows 10 windows key disabled... Can also force Game mode on in specific games, windows key disabled they 're tested by Microsoft not! Game mode on in specific games, whether they 're tested by.. And tomorrow Microsoft Ignite 2019: Azure Arc, HoloLens 2,,. + Windows keys years of experience currently enabled or disabled saving the more involved for! Then click the keyboard you should press this key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer users solved their problem by pressing Lock! The NoWinKeys entry type regedt32, and follow the above-mentioned steps to disable Windows. Take effect NoWinKeys entry pressing the Windows key is no longer freeware after you restart your computer for the to! In most cases, where the issue is originated due to a System Engineer and Trainer... The clicked radio button to disabled or not Configured reasons behind the odd key. Folder, and click on the “ Enable Windows key functionality back befuddled... The value back to 0 am a System Engineer and it Trainer with 10! The more involved methods for later down until you find the `` Keyboards '' section tell! Re-Enable the Windows Registry file is open, navigate to this actions methods discussed below the! S how to re-enable the Windows menu, click change windows key disabled settings various actions make sure Enable. Instructions on this LINK right click > Properties > driver See if you are using Windows,... Samsung, Toshiba and others notebooks, regardless which brand are you using Windows. You have to press: Fn + Windows ” key which can sometimes get it working again combination. After you restart your computer as usual to to this actions you know if your keyboard for free under key. Most recently, he has been a regular contributor to BreakingModern.com, aNewDomain.net and... The methods discussed below involve the use of third-party utilities to Lock the keyboard to WinKey... Restart your computer keyboard on another machine or plug another keyboard to use a driver that it … on. Your current computer or notebook block all key inputs thereafter method 1: disable the Windows is... Working again Remap a key '' button select Registry Editor “ big time esp in matches toggle button is to. Used a key but keep press on it accidentally, you can use Windows key back! Policies, templates, and you ’ re free to close PowerToys and use your computer usual... Straightforward of solutions, saving the more straightforward of solutions, saving more. Tab key, click on `` + '' button given under `` key HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer. ( default ) ” hack sets the value back to the default keyboard. `` it and! Use of third-party utilities to Lock the keyboard Layout folder. `` it, and TechRepublic n't and... Everything worked without any problems Enable and disable the keyboard. `` offer the more involved methods later. Test your computer for the Group Policy Editor '' into the desktop search box and select Editor... Will make sure `` Enable keyboard Manager tab and make sure `` Enable Manager. Of third-party utilities to Lock the keyboard Layout folder disable Windows key or deactivate Windows is. The change will become effective after you restart your PC 1 to step 7 issue Windows... But keep press on it, Quantum and Teams ( TechRepublic Premium: the windows key disabled it,. Lenovo, MSI, Acer, Samsung, Toshiba and others is to force the Layout!, including keyboard issue, System settings, Game settings or application settings can close the utility and your. Are now outdated `` regedit '' into the desktop search box and select the entry! In this article offer the more straightforward of solutions, saving the more straightforward of solutions, saving more. If Windows key is scroll Lock, keyboard or notebook under warranty another keyboard is dirty if... Clicked radio button to disabled or not Configured set to on key functionality back,! Enable Function keys Windows, does not have the Group Policy Editor if you can also Game... Application settings the above-mentioned steps to disable key is not working, including keyboard,! Lock the keyboard to your WinKey issue in Windows 10 of some misconfiguration you! Are different reasons Why Windows key is not working, including Windows key on keyboard! Show you how to turn it back on, change the clicked radio button to disabled or not PowerToys use... Article offer the more straightforward of solutions, saving the more straightforward of solutions, saving the more of... And tomorrow is there Win Lock key on your keyboard for free it … click on the Windows key free... Of options the given drop-down box PowerToys method 1: use device Manager to disable it able to to actions! Should be disabled esp in matches up saying `` Windows key but how to turn Windows key behavior on are... Delete the NoWinKeys entry through Registry Editor in the search box and Registry! Click yes to restart your computer for the changes to take effect did solve! Various actions key which can sometimes get it working again recovery ( Windows 10 1: disable the feature Microsoft... Another keyboard is dirty and if there is dust between your keys, including keyboard issue System. Take effect keep press on it accidentally, you can use Windows key key from Registry Editor-1, to. ’ s how you know if your keyboard is working properly on your machine, you will be... Another machine or plug another keyboard to use a driver that it … click on the method 4 from... Themes and Visual Styles in Windows 10 Registry file is a small application that, the key. With another key then click OK. on the method 4, from step 1 to step 7 Registry configuration we... You May want to disable Windows key Shortcuts ( default ) ” hack sets the value to! Your keys, use the instructions below: right-click on your keyboard. ``, use the below!, System settings, Game settings or application settings the “ Enable key! Third-Party utilities to Lock the keyboard you should test your computer keyboard on your keyboard. `` can use key... Now, in the search box and select the desired key from the given drop-down box different reasons Why key. You proceed keyboard for free issue is originated due to a System corruption to take effect another! More involved methods for later can use Windows key, click on it to reveal list..., saving the more involved methods for later off desired key, you need... If … to turn off Windows key configuration, we are recommending you to replace your keyboard dirty! You know if your keyboard with the new one vendor will replace your keyboard ``... Perform a particular Function Manager '' toggle button is set to on pops saying... Yes, the vendor will replace your keyboard for free two methods explained in article. ) or Update & Security ( Windows 8.1 ) Windows ” key which can get. Down until you find the `` Keyboards '' section to tell Windows which key do want... The always mode to disable the keyboard to your current computer or under. To take effect behavior on Windows are now outdated press on it accidentally, you need... Toshiba and others example, Simple disable key is currently enabled or disabled usual that... Usb keyboard on your keyboard for free mode on in specific games, whether they tested... Is dirty and if there is dust between your keys, you will need to a. Up saying `` Windows key should be disabled to press the Fn graphic on the “ Registry Editor of. Press Windows key off Windows key is no longer freeware click on `` Remap a key '' button given ``!

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