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Disable Windows Key: 5 Easy Ways to Lock it
Top tips to stop the Windows key from interrupting your activities
6 min. read
Updated onJuly 24, 2024
updated onJuly 24, 2024
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Resolve multiple Windows PC issues and speed up your PC effortlessly with specialized software.
The Windows key is somewhat helpful and is a part of manyshortcuts on Windows 10. However, many users use it frequently, and some want to disable it.
The key can sometimes be a problem, especially during intense gaming sessions. By default, pressing the Windows key will open the Start Menu, which can make you lose focus while gaming.
This guide will show you the easy ways to disable the Windows key and prevent any distractions.
Can you disable the Windows key while gaming?
There are limited ways to disable the Windows key in game mode. This is because Microsoft views and has placed much importance on the key.
However, some gaming keyboards have a unique feature tolock and unlock the Windows key. Another option is to disable the Windows key from opening the Start Menu in-game.
This will require you to alter the keyboard configuration and controls in the game.
How can I disable the Windows key?
1. Modify your registry
Keep in mind that your registry has sensitive information in it. So, if you want to edit it, use extra caution. If you encounter problems with your PC after modifying the registry, restore the backup created.
After your PC restarts, the Scancode Map you created in the registry should disable the Windows key altogether. Therefore, you need to delete the Map from the Registry Editor to enable it later.
Finally, if you are uncomfortable editing your registry manually, downloadDisable Windows key.regand run it. This will perform the task for you quickly. To enable the key later, you must download and runEnable Caps Lock and Windows keys.reg.
2. Use Registry Editor to block Windows Key hotkeys
This solution is ideal for you if you want to disable the Windows key because of a shortcut affecting games like Razer Huntsman and Apex Legends. It disables all shortcuts related to the Windows key entirely.
3. Use Group Policy Editor
This is a simple solution, but like before, it should disable only the Windows key shortcuts. If you need to disable the Windows key entirely, you might want to try a different solution.
4. Use a third-party software
This free and portable tool allows you to remap your keys but can also disable keys or assign them to certain functions. Remember that this is a powerful application, so you’re using it at your own risk.
Other third-party options include the simple-to-useWinkilland creating a script withAutohotkeyto disable the Windows key.
5. Use Gaming mode on your keyboard
Manygaming keyboardshave a Gaming mode feature that allows you to block the Windows key with ease. However, you usually have to press a particular keyboard shortcut to activate Gaming mode.
Some keyboards even have a controller icon on one of its keys so you can easily find the shortcut key for Gaming mode. However, if you can’t find the shortcut, we advise you to check your keyboard manual for detailed instructions on activating Gaming mode.
Remember that not all keyboards support this feature, so check if your keyboard supports it.
The Windows key is beneficial but can get in your way sometimes. While there are many ways to disable it, the best and safest option is to use a gaming keyboard and set it to Gaming mode.
After reading this article, you may have a better understanding of why theWindows key is not working on Windows 11.
If you need a list of thebest Logitech gaming keyboards, you can buy them today; check our detailed guide for the top picks you can select from.
If you have suggestions or questions, leave them in the comments section below, and we’ll take a look.
More about the topics:Keyboard issues,windows 10
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
