While this may sound like a silly solution, it fixes most keyboard issues.

A restart automatically resets any setting or stops any applications that may be causing conflicts with your Windows key.

It is also a quick way to verify that your Windows key is locked and not your machine itself.

Troubleshoot your Start menu.

Another way to confirm this is the case is by selecting the Windows Start icon with your mouse.

If the Start menu still won’t open, then the issue is likely with the Start menu.

double-check the Windows key isn’t locked.

It usually has the Windows logo with a lock next to it.

verify the indicator light on this key is off.

Refer to your keyboard user manual to determine if your dashboard has thatkeyboard shortcut feature.

Repeating the keyboard shortcut will activate the Windows key.

verify todisable Sticky Keys.

This feature helps people with disabilities who may struggle with pressing two keys at the same time.

Disabling Sticky Keys will resolve abnormal Windows Key behavior.

For example, pressing only “L” on the keyboard will lock your gear.

Perform hardware troubleshooting on your keyboard.

It frequently happens withmechanical keyboards.

Check for damage like frayed cords and cracked or loose keys.

Even if you find your Windows key failure is hardware-related, don’t give up.

There are things you may be able to do tofix a broken keyboard.

If you’reusing a wireless keyboard, replace the batteries.

Batteries with low power often lead to unpredictable keyboard behaviors, including intermittent Windows key failures.

confirm the wireless USB dongle that came with the keyboard hasn’t fallen out or is loose.

Turn off Filter Keys.

Filter Keys is a Windows 10 feature that ignores keys you press multiple times.

There is a known bug that causes unforeseen issues with many keyboards.

Disable it by pressing the rightShiftkey for 8 seconds.

A message will appear on the screen.

SelectDisable this keyboard shortcut in Ease of Access keyboard parameters.

see to it you’ve set the Use Filter Keys toggle toOff.

If you enabled this, it could be the cause of your Windows key not working.

If Use Filter Keys was already disabled, then that wasn’t the problem.

However, Game Mode optimization options can sometimes cause unexpected keyboard behaviors, like the Windows key not working.

you could also disable Game Mode on theWindows 10 Game Barif you’ve enabled it.

Many gaming keyboards also have keyboard shortcuts that will enable or disable Game Mode.

Check the keyboard user manual to learn more.

Before making any changes to the registry, always confirm youtake a backup of the Windows Registry.

modernize your Windows 10 hardware drivers.

An outdated or corrupt keyboard driver could result in unexpected behavior, like the Windows key not working.

Ensuring you have the latest driver could resolve these issues.

Scan your system for malware, and alsocheck for any viruses.

If nothing else has worked to this point, your system could be infected with malware or a virus.

Running a scan will at least let you cancel out this possible cause.