Windows Button is not working.

[Frank0003]

The windows button stopped working. Cannot perform search either. 

[Max3Aj]

Hi @Frank0003, Welcome to HP Support Community. 

Thank you for posting your query, I will be glad to help you. 

If the Windows button is not working and you cannot perform searches, try these troubleshooting steps:

Basic Checks

1. Check if the key is physically stuck – Press it multiple times or try an external keyboard.
2. Restart your laptop – A simple restart can sometimes fix the issue.

Restart Windows Explorer

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find Windows Explorer in the list.
3. Right-click on it and select Restart.
4. Test the Windows key again.

Run Keyboard Troubleshooter

1. Press Win + I to open Settings (if Win key doesn’t work, use Ctrl + S to search for "Settings").
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
3. Select Keyboard and click Run the troubleshooter.

Re-register Start Menu

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Click File > Run new task.

Type powershell, check Create this task with administrative privileges, and click OK.

In PowerShell, enter the following command and press Enter: 
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
 

Restart your laptop and check if the Windows key works.

Check for Windows Updates

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
3. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Run System File Checker (SFC)

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Click File > Run new task.

Type cmd, check Create this task with administrative privileges, and click OK.

In Command Prompt, enter: sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete and restart your laptop.

Run DISM Command

If the SFC scan finds issues but can't fix them, run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin) one by one:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
 

Create a New User Profile

If nothing works, creating a new user profile may help:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to Accounts > Family & other users.
3. Click Add someone else to this PC.
4. Create a new local user, log in, and check if the issue persists.

I hope this helps. 

Take care and have a good day. 

Please click “Accepted Solution” if you feel my post solved your issue, it will help others find the solution. Click the “Kudos/Thumbs Up" on the bottom right to say “Thanks” for helping! 

Max3Aj

HP Support