How To Disable The Windows Key

Pretty much every keyboard out there designed for Windows PCs comes with a dedicated Windows button. This key will let you launch the Start menu, as well as perform other shortcuts to launch apps, open folders, and so on. While it is useful, it can sometimes prove to be a hindrance.

For example, if you’re doing something that does not require the Windows key, you might at times accidentally press on it. This can be annoying especially during gaming, where in the heat of the moment, you might press on it which could result in you losing. If you’d like to learn how to disable the key, then read on.

How To Disable The Windows Key

There are several methods that you can choose to disable the Windows key on your keyboard. Depending on your personal preference and tech savviness, it is entirely up to you which you should choose.

WinKill

If you’re looking for a quick and painless way to temporarily disable your Windows key, then you might want to check out a free piece of software called WinKill. It is possibly the most fuss-free method of disabling the Windows key, and like we said, it is free. It is also a very tiny program that won’t hog up your computer’s resources so you can just let it run and there should be no issues.

1. Download and extract WinKill to your computer
2. You will notice the WinKill icon sitting in your system tray
3. Click on it to enable or disable it. If the Windows key is disabled, it will show a small red “X” over the icon, and when it is enabled, the “X” will be gone. That’s how you know if your Windows key is currently enabled or disabled.

Microsoft PowerToys

In case you’re uncomfortable using a third-party app, Microsoft actually has an app (that’s still in Preview) called PowerToys. One of the features of PowerToys is the ability to remap some of your keyboard’s keys, including the Windows key.

1. Download and install Microsoft PowerToys
2. Launch PowerToys
3. Go to Keyboard Manager > Remap a key
4. Click the + button and under Key, click on the “Type Key” button and press your Windows key and click OK
5. Under Mapped To, click the drop down menu and select Undefined
6. Click the blue OK button at the top right corner of the app
7. Click Continue Anyway and your Windows key will now be disabled
8. Follow the steps above but click the Trash can icon if you want to re-enable the Windows key again

Editing Your PC’s Registry

We want to point out that editing your PC’s registry is a bit advanced and if you don’t know what you’re doing, there is a chance that it could mess up your computer. Also, note that by editing your registry, you’re sort of making these changes permanent (until you go back and edit it again).

This means that if you only want to disable the Windows key temporarily, then this method might not be for you. However, if you do want to disable it permanently, then these are the steps you need to follow.

Once again, proceed with caution and at your own risk.

1. Click Start and click Run and type regedit
2. On the navigation to the left, HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE > System > CurrentControlSet > Control > Keyboard Layout
3. Right-click in the window to the right and go to New > Binary Value
4. Enter “Scancode Map” as the name of the new value
5. Double-click Scancode Map and enter 00000000000000000300000000005BE000005CE000000000 in the Data Field then click OK
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer

To Re-Enable Windows Key

1. Click Start and click Run and type regedt
2. On the navigation to the left, HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE > System > CurrentControlSet > Control > Keyboard Layout
3. Right-click Scancode Map and select Delete and click Yes
4. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer

Filed in Computers. Read more about Keyboards, Microsoft, Social Hit, Windows and Windows 10.