How to Enable and Disable Windows Key in Windows 11/10

How to Enable and Disable Windows Key in Windows 11/10: You can get to the start menu by pressing the Windows key. To quickly get to settings and options, you can also use the Windows key along with keys like X and I. There are a lot of useful shortcuts that are linked to the Windows key. But if you’re a gamer and you press the Windows key while playing a game in full-screen mode, the game screen will shrink without leaving the game. This must be really annoying for gamers.

You can use the Windows key on your keyboard as a shortcut to get to different Windows 11 and Windows 10 features and functions. But for some users, it can also be annoying or frustrating, especially when they are working on important tasks or playing games. Most of you are probably looking for a way to turn off the Windows key on your keyboard. If that’s you, read on for a simple ways how to Enable and Disable Windows Key in Windows 11/10.

What is the Windows Key?

The Windows key is a keyboard key that can be found on most IBM-compatible keyboards that are used with Windows. Most of the time, it’s between the left Ctrl and Alt keys. When you press the Windows key by itself, the Start menu appears. From there, you can run programs, look for files and settings, and get to other system functions.

Other than that, you can use the Windows key with other keys to make keyboard shortcuts that you can use to quickly do common tasks. To open the Run dialog box, press the Windows key and the R key at the same time. This lets users run programs and scripts.

How to Enable Windows Key in Windows 11/10

Using the Settings app

1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows key + I.
2. Click on Accessibility.
3. Click on Keyboard.
4. Under Keyboard input, click on the Keyboard layout toggle switch to turn it on.

Using the Registry Editor

1. Open the Registry Editor by pressing Windows key + R and typing regedit.
2. Navigate to the following key:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout
3. Right-click on the Keyboard Layout key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
4. Name the new value ScancodeMap.
5. Double-click on the ScancodeMap value and set the Value data to 00000000000000000300000000005BE000005CE000000000.
6. Click OK to save your changes.

How to Disable Windows Key in Windows 11/10

Using Your Keyboard Software / Fn Key

1. Open Logi Options+ and make sure that your keyboard can be found.
2. To get to the configuration menu, press a key on your keyboard.
3. In the left pane, click on the Settings tab.
4. Scroll down to the section called “Disabled keys” and pick the Windows/Start key.

Using Microsoft PowerToys

1. Get Microsoft PowerToys from the official page and install it. After setting up the app, run it.
2. From the left pane, open the Keyboard Manager.
3. Below the list of keys, click “Remap a key.”
4. Under Select, click the plus sign (+).
5. Following that, press the Windows key and the Select button. You’ll see Windows (Left) as the chosen option if you want to turn off the Win(Left) key. Press OK.
6. You can also click the drop-down menu and pick the Windows key from the list of keys.
7. After that, click the drop-down menu that says “To Send.” At the very top, click on Disable. You can also press D on your keyboard to find the “Disable” option.
8. To save the changes, click the OK button in the upper right corner.
9. If a warning pops up, click Continue anyway.

Why disable the Windows key?

1. Accidental Key Presses: The Windows key, located on most keyboards between the Ctrl and Alt keys, can sometimes be pressed accidentally during gaming or other activities. This can minimize interruptions and distractions caused by inadvertently switching to the Windows Start menu or desktop.
2. Gaming: Gamers often disable the Windows key to prevent accidentally minimizing their game or bringing up the Start menu while playing, which can disrupt their gaming experience.
3. Specific Software Usage: Some software applications, especially those used in specialized industries or during presentations, may require the Windows key to be disabled to prevent unintended actions during critical tasks.
4. Personal Preference: It’s a matter of personal preference. Some users simply find that they prefer to disable the Windows key to avoid any interruptions or distractions, especially if they rarely use it.
5. Customization: For users who have customized their keyboard shortcuts or use third-party software to remap keys, disabling the Windows key may be part of their preferred keyboard setup.
6. Security: In certain secure computing environments, system administrators may disable the Windows key to prevent users from accessing system functions that could compromise security.

Conclusion

There are different ways we will show you how to solve the problem. Any version of Windows from XP up to Windows 11/10 can use these methods. We hope you’re using at least Windows, since Microsoft no longer supports older operating systems. If you want to turn off the Windows key while playing games, this article will show you how.

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