In the Settings menu that appears, toggle the Game Mode switch to the off position. You can also disable Game Mode in Windows 11 by pressing Start, then typing gaming mode-select the top best match result.

You may also be able to turn it on or off using the keyboard’s software. If the keyboard has a “Gaming Mode” button, make sure that it’s turned off. Note that Game Mode is only available on select keyboards that support it-like Logitech gaming keyboards, for example. With the Windows key disabled, the Start menu doesn’t pop up while you’re gaming. It also turns off select background processes and keys, including the Windows key. Game Mode lets you get the most out of your system’s resources for a better experience. One common problem behind a non-working Windows key is Game Mode. If you’re not sure if you have a Win Lock key or how to disable it, check the manufacturer’s support documentation. It could also be a mechanical switch on the side of the keyboard. Look for a “Win Lock” key in the upper-right corner of the keyboard. This is a common feature for mechanical gaming keyboards to help you avoid crashing out of your game. If not, continue with the following steps that are more specific for the key.ĭepending on your keyboard type, it might have a “ Win Lock” button or switch. Hopefully, one of those two options will get the Windows key working again. That will close all apps that are potentially interfering with it and provide a fresh start for Windows. If that doesn’t work, try restarting your PC. However, if it still doesn’t work on the secondary keyboard, the problem is within the PC. If the Windows key works on another keyboard, the issue is probably the keyboard itself. If that doesn’t work, try a different USB port.Īlso, try a different keyboard. You can do this by plugging it back into the USB port that it’s already using first. Try reseating the keyboard’s cable by unplugging it and plugging it in again.

It could be something as simple as troubleshooting the whole keyboard not working. If it stops working, here are some different things you can try to fix the Windows key not working in Windows 11.

Shortcut to close all windows on oc