If the Win + K keyboard shortcut is not working in Windows 11, then this post will help you. The Win + K key combination opens the Cast Screen menu, allowing users to connect to wireless displays and other peripherals. But recently, some users have complained that keyboard shortcuts are not working on their Windows devices. Fortunately, you can follow some simple suggestions to fix it.
Why is my shortcut key not working in Windows 11?
Keyboard shortcuts in Windows are key combinations that provide quick and convenient ways to perform various tasks. Shortcut keys may not work in Windows 11 if the keyboard is physically damaged and if sticky or filter keys are deactivated. However, there are several other reasons this may occur. Some of them are:
- Misconfigured Keyboard Settings
- Outdated or Faulty Keyboard Drivers
- Disabled Shortcuts in Group Policy Editor
Win + K keyboard shortcut not working in Windows 11
Follow these suggestions if the Win+K keyboard shortcut is not working on your Windows computer:
- Update Keyboard Drivers
- Turn on Sticky Keys
- Restart Human Interface Device Service
- Enable Shortcut Hotkeys using the Group Policy Editor
- Disable NoKeyShorts from Registry Editor
- Check your keyboard for physical issues
Before you begin, physically clean your keyboard and make sure that the area around the keys is clean.
1] Update Keyboard Drivers
Outdated or corrupt keyboard drivers can also be why keyboard shortcut keys are not working. Update your keyboard drivers and check if the keyboard error is fixed. Here is how you can do it:
- Open Settings and navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Right under it, look for a clickable link— View optional updates.
- Under Driver Updates, a list of updates will be available, which you can choose to install if you are facing an issue manually.
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2] Turn on Sticky Keys
Sticky Keys feature in Windows keeps the modifier keys active after they’ve been pressed and released. This is helpful for users who can’t press two keys at once. Turn on the sticky keys and see if the Win + K keyboard shortcut starts working. Here’s how:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard and turn on the toggle beside the Sticky keys.
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3] Restart Human Interface Device Service
Next, restart the Human Interface Device Service, as this ensures that the HID devices correctly interpret the input from these devices. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key, type Services, and hit Enter.
- Scroll down and search for Human Interface Device Service, right-click on the service, and select Restart.
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4] Enable Shortcut Hotkeys using the Group Policy Editor
Try enabling Windows shortcut hotkeys using the Group Policy Editor. Do note that this can only be done if you’re a Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise user. Here’s how:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
- Once the Group Policy Editor opens, navigate to the following path:User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer
- In the right pane, scroll down and double-click on Turn off Windows Key hotkeys.
- Here, select Disabled and click on OK to save the changes.
- Restart your PC and see if the Win + K shortcut starts working.
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5] Disable NoKeyShorts from the Registry Editor
The NoWinKeys registry in the Registry Editor handles the Windows Key hotkeys. Enabling it will make the hotkeys unavailable, and disabling it will make them available. Here’s how:
- Press Windows, type regedit, and hit Enter.
- Once the Registry Editor opens, navigate to the following path:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
- In the right pane, double-click on NoKeyShorts and set the Value Data as 0.
- Click on OK to save the changes, restart your PC, and see if the Win + K keyboard shortcut starts working.
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6] Check your keyboard for physical issues
If none of these steps could help you, the error may be within your keyboard. Try using the keyboard on another PC, and if the issue persists, it’s time to purchase a new keyboard.
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We hope these suggestions help you.
How do I enable keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11?
If Keyboard shortcuts and Hotkeys are not working, then to enable keyboard shortcuts in Windows devices, open Settings and navigate to Accessibility. Here, click on Keyboard and enable the toggle beside the Sticky keys and Filter keys.
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Why Windows key is not working in Windows 11?
The Windows key may not work if it is disabled in the system settings. However, it can also occur if the drivers are corrupted or due to interference with third-party apps.
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