How to Enable and Disable the Windows Key

Get ready because today we are going to let you know how to Enable and Disable the Windows Key.

Because of this, when the Windows key stops working, users are unable to access the Start menu and other shortcuts such as Windows + E for File Explorer. This actually happens quite often because of some accidental software update or changes made in the gaming settings. As a matter of fact, this pains a lot because of the fact that the key gets disabled to use with its typical shortcuts.

It can be due to changed settings on the keyboard, a gaming mode, or interference from another running application in the background.

1. Press Fn + F6 or Fn + Windows Keys

On many keyboards and laptops, the Windows key is toggled on and off with Fn + F6. Whether you're in the middle of a game or just trying to focus on something, this will prevent you from accidentally hitting the Windows key. To turn Windows back on, hit Fn + F6. If you think you've accidentally turned the key off, hitting Fn + the Windows key will also turn it back on.

2. Hit Win Lock ONLY FOR GAMING KEYBOARD)

Some keyboards, especially gaming ones, have the "Win Lock" key. During playing, when it is required for safety, this key turns the Windows key off. You can't use the Windows key with the "Win Lock" on. Just a single press of the "Win Lock" key is needed to enable or disable it, and this restores normal operation of the Windows key without actually changing any of the system or software settings.

3. Edit the Registry Settings

In case of changing some things in system settings or after installing certain types of software, the Windows key may stop working. This would be cured by editing the Windows Registry. You can change how the system reacts to the key by changing a few entries. If the setting or some sort of software has disabled the Windows key, then you can manually enable it through registry editing.

Press Windows + R and in the Run dialog box that opens write "regedit" and press Enter. Regedit (Win+R) 

In the Regedit, navigate to: ComputerHKEY_CURRENT_USERSOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersion. 

Right-click on the Advanced Key and create a new DWORD 32-bit value. 

In the New Value #1 right-click and give the name to it as "DisabledHotkeys" and set its value as 1.

4. Clean the Keyboard

The keyboard is dirty, which is the reason the windows key is not functioning properly. When there is some dirt inside the key, and that key is pressed, then this key either will not be able to be pressed or it is jammed. You can fix this by cleaning your keyboard mainly around the key to discard the dirt. 

Take out the keyboard from the PC. 

Clean the keyboard

Connect the keyboard 

Try the Windows key.

About Notebook:

Turn the laptop off.

Pull out the power cord from the laptop

Pull out the battery cord from the laptop

Dip disinfectant to clean the keyboard

Replug the plug of the battery

You should replug AC/DC adapter

Please power on the laptop.

Try the Windows key.

5. Keyboard Replacement

Such instances indicate the underlying problem with the keyboard. If a few keys in it begin malfunctioning, turn unresponsive, or if there is a connection problem, then one can easily have this problem fixed by replacing the keyboard altogether. 

That's all on How to Enable and Disable the Windows Key, and we hope we could be helpful for you as much as we could.