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ESC key not working in Windows 10 [BEST SOLUTIONS]
7 min. read
Updated onMay 15, 2024
updated onMay 15, 2024
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Key notes
The Escape key on akeyboardhas been the standardget me outkey forcomputer softwaresince the beginning of computers.
This was a very easy method of exiting different scenarios on a computer but for the last 10 years, developers have started to focus on usability features, and having a single key on thekeyboardthat if pressed by accident can close an application is a big problem.
In this article, we’ll discuss how we can troubleshoot the Escape key inWindows 10in different scenarios.
What can I do if the ESC key won’t work on Windows 10?
1. Check your driver
Thekeyboarddrivertranslates the input from thekeyboardso it can be read by the operating system.Drivers, like any other computer file, can getcorrupted by different software or viruses.
This can also be caused by upgrading or downgrading your operating system if the installeddriverisn’t fully compatible with the new version.
The method that we usually recommend to try and fix this is uninstalling the currentdriverand letting Windows reinstall it again:
Once thekeyboardhas been removed from the list reboot your computer to reload your operating system and force it to detect thekeyboard. It will then proceed to reinstall thedriverand hopefully fix the problem.
NOTE:NewerUSBkeyboards are more complicated than they used to be. In order to use them at their full potential, you will need to install thedriverprovided by the manufacturer.
The safer and easier way to updatedriverson a Windows computer is by using anautomatic driver updating tool.
It automatically identifies each device on your computer and matches it with the latestdriverversions from an extensive online database. Thus, you will keep your system safe from downloading and installing the wrongdriverversions.
2. Check for viruses
The Esc key not working might hide a bigger problem caused by malware so it is recommended to run a full antivirus scan on your computer.
You can use the built-in Windows Defender to run a full PC scan. To do so, just open Windows Defender from the taskbar, click Open Windows Defender Security Center, then click the Virus and Threat Protection button. Click Advanced Scan and wait for the process to complete.
Alternatively, you can use third-party antivirus software. We strongly recommend looking into thebest antivirus softwarebecause dedicated tools have higher detection rates than Windows Defender.
Plus, there are many antivirus software that won’t interfere with Windows Defender, allowing it to run its scans. Generally, Windows Defender detects when you install another virus protection software and lets you set it up accordingly.
We recommend getting an antivirus with a large and constantly updating threat database. On top of that, we recommend you look into tools that provide multi-layered protection and some sort of online privacy features.
After you decide and install your preferred antivirus, run a scan and see what it reports. The user interface varies from one software to another, but the scan button is generally really easy to access, just like in Windows Defender.
Wait for the scan to complete and see the results report. If you have any viruses, the antivirus should be able to remove and quarantine them.
To avoid such problems in the future, check the name of the threat and see if you can find where you could have gotten it from. Viruses usually come from malicious websites or suspicious links, so if you can trace your steps and avoid accessing these in the future, you will save yourself from a lot of trouble.
Make sure to keep your antivirus running at all times, as it is easier to remove a threat before it gets to permanently damage your system.
3. Use SHIFT + Escape
Like I said in the first paragraph, the ease with which the Escape key could be used in the past posed a lot of problems if it was pressed by accident.
This is why most of the newer applications have now switched to using theShift + Escapekeys combination.
For example, Google Chrome uses the SHIFT + Escape keys combination to give you access to its internal task manager, as you can see in the image below.
4. Test your keyboard
Sometimes the problem isn’t with the operating system but with the hardware. Keyboards and mice are probably the most used and abused input components on a computer, meaning that they tend to break more often than other components.
If yourkeyboardis connected to your computer using aUSBor PS/2 socket than you can disconnect it and install it on a different machine. This way you can test if the problem is with yourcomputer or with the keyboard.
You can also try connecting a differentkeyboardto your machine and try using the Escape key on that one. Or simply purchase a new keyboard.
5. Run the keyboard troubleshooter
If you’re having trouble opening the Setting app, take a look atthis expert guideto solve the issue.
6. Uninstall the Synaptics Pointing Device driver
If your default driver comes into conflict withWindows 10, certain keys may fail to work. You can fix this problem by uninstalling the Synaptics Pointing Device driver.
Simply navigate toControl Paneland go to theUninstall programsection. Uninstall Synaptics Pointing Device driver from there.
7. Turn off Filter Keys
8. Uninstall the recently downloaded software
9. Check the keyboard for dust or foreign matter
Make sure that yourkeyboardis free of dust, dirt, or other foreign matter. You can simply turn it upside down so that any specs of dust or debris may fall out.
You can also use compressed air to blow out dust from the crevices on yourkeyboard. If you’re a tech-savvy person, you can disassemble thekeyboard.
However, keep in mind that this approach may void the manufacturer’s warranty, so proceed at your own risk.
If the steps above failed to fix your Escape key, please provide more details about your problem in the comment section below and we’ll try to help as best as we can.
More about the topics:Keyboard issues,windows 10
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
