How to Fix the Windows Key or Button Not Working on Windows 10

If the Windows key is not working on Windows 10, first find out whether the problem is the keyboard itself or the Windows shell. Click the Start button with the mouse, then test shortcuts such as Win+R and Win+E. If Start opens with the mouse but the key and shortcuts do nothing, focus on the keyboard, Win Lock, remapping, and drivers. If Start is also unresponsive, restart Windows Explorer and repair Windows system files.

Support note: Microsoft ended standard Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025. Existing PCs still run, but most consumer installations no longer receive regular security fixes. Microsoft recommends moving to a supported Windows release; see its Windows support lifecycle guidance.

1. Check the keyboard, Win Lock, and remapping software

Start with the simplest causes. Connect another keyboard if possible, replace the battery on a wireless keyboard, reconnect Bluetooth, and try a different USB port. If only one keyboard has the problem, the fault is probably hardware or keyboard firmware rather than Windows.

Gaming keyboards often include a Win Lock feature that disables the Windows key to prevent accidental presses during games. Look for a lock or Windows-logo key, or check the keyboard manufacturer's manual for the correct shortcut. Also close software that can remap keys, such as keyboard vendor utilities, PowerToys Keyboard Manager, AutoHotkey scripts, or other key-mapping tools.

2. Restart Windows Explorer if Start is also stuck

If clicking Start also fails, restart the Windows shell before changing drivers or the registry:

1. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Select More details if needed.
3. On the Processes tab, select Windows Explorer.
4. Choose Restart, then test the Windows key again.

3. Remove an unwanted Scancode Map remap

This advanced fix is useful only when the key was disabled or remapped through the registry. Before editing the registry, follow Microsoft's registry backup guidance.

1. Open Task Manager, choose File > Run new task, type regedit, and press Enter.
2. Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout.
3. If a Scancode Map value exists and you did not intentionally create or need that remap, export the Keyboard Layout key as a backup, then delete only the Scancode Map value.
4. Restart Windows.

Do not delete the entire Keyboard Layout key.

4. Reinstall the keyboard device driver

A damaged keyboard driver can also prevent keys from being detected correctly. Microsoft documents reinstalling device drivers through Device Manager:

1. Open Task Manager and use File > Run new task to run devmgmt.msc.
2. Expand Keyboards.
3. Right-click the keyboard device and choose Uninstall device.
4. Restart the PC. Windows should attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

If the problem began after a vendor driver update, use the latest compatible driver from the keyboard or PC manufacturer. See Microsoft's Device Manager driver instructions.

5. Run DISM, then System File Checker

If the Start menu or other Windows components are malfunctioning, repair the component store and protected system files. Microsoft recommends running DISM before SFC.

1. Open Task Manager, choose File > Run new task, type cmd, and select Create this task with administrative privileges.
2. Run DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and wait for it to finish.
3. Then run sfc /scannow and wait until verification reaches 100%.
4. Restart the PC and test the Windows key.

Microsoft explains the expected results and recovery steps in its DISM and System File Checker guide.

6. Test with a new Windows user account

If the key works in a new account, the problem is likely limited to the original user profile or its per-user configuration. Open Settings > Accounts > Family & other users, choose Add someone else to this PC, and create a test account. Microsoft's user-account guide also explains how to add a local account.

If the Windows key still does not work

If a second keyboard works, replace or service the original keyboard. If every keyboard fails but Start still opens with the mouse, recheck Win Lock, remapping software, and the keyboard driver. If Start and other shell features remain broken after DISM and SFC, consider Windows recovery options, beginning with the least disruptive option available to your system. Back up important files before using System Restore, Reset this PC, or reinstalling Windows.