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Eliminate annoying Windows key interruptions with just a few clicks
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- WinKill
- Microsoft PowerToys
- Group Policy Editor
- Windows Registry
- Logi Options+
- Video
- Tips
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It’s possible to disable your Windows key using both built-in programs and third-party options. If you’re not sure where to start, you’ve come to the right article—we’ll walk you some of the most popular options out there (like WinKill or Microsoft PowerToys), so you can figure out which one is best for you and your PC.
Quick Steps
- Download WinKill.
- Extract the download into a new folder.
- Run the WinKill.exe application file.
- Click on the WinKill icon in your taskbar to switch it on and off.
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Download the WinKill file. It’s hosted on the MajorGeeks website.
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Unzip the file. If you don’t have any extraction software, download a free program like 7-Zip so you can access the .exe file.
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Make sure you’re clicking on the application itself rather than the .dll extension.
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In the small icon panel next to the taskbar clock, look for a black-and-white version of the Windows logo. Simply click on it to toggle the feature on or off.[1]
- If there’s no red “X” blocking the logo, your Windows button should be activated.
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It may open automatically after you download it. If not, search “PowerToys” in your search bar to find it.
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It’s between Image Resizer and Mouse Utilities.
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[2]
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This pulls up a new pop-up window.
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You can also adjust the key selection via the drop-down menu.
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It should be at the very top of the menu.
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You might get a pop-up warning that you haven’t assigned anything to the Windows key, but that’s okay. It will still be disabled once you close out from the pop-up.
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Open up the Remap keys pop-up again and click on the trash can at the far right of the key-mapping assignment. Then, hit OK to confirm these new changes.
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Alternatively, search for gpedit in the main search bar to open the Group Policies shortcut.[3]
If your PC doesn’t seem to have the file, try this:- Pull up a blank Notepad file.
- Paste the following:
@echo off
pushd «%~dp0»dir /b %SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~3*.mum >List.txt
dir /b %SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~3*.mum >>List.txtfor /f %%i in (‘findstr /i . List.txt 2^>nul’) do dism /online /norestart /add-package:»%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\%%i»
pause - Save the Notepad file as gpedit_enabler.bat. Make sure to delete the .txt suffix!
- Right-click on the .bat file you created and hit Run as administrator. This will automatically run the file through your PC’s command prompt, which will create the gpedit.msc file on your PC.[4]
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Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer.
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You may find it between the Prevent access to drives from My Computer and No Computers Near Me in Network Locations options.
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You can find this option in the top-left portion of the Turn off Windows Key hotkeys
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Your Windows key should now be disabled.
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Go to the Group Policies editor, find the Turn off Windows Key hotkeys in the File Explorer folder, and toggle the setting back to Not Configured.
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Registry Editor should pop up in the search results.
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To find it, navigate through the following folders:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER
- Software
- Microsoft
- Windows
- CurrentVersion
- Policies
- Explorer
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Keep the name as NoWinkeys and the Base as Hexadecimal.
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This should disable your Windows key when you press it.
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To make sure this worked, reboot your PC and try pressing the Windows button to confirm that it’s disabled.
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Open the Registry Editor, navigate to the Explorer folder, right-click the NoWinkeys option, and click DWORD Value to make the change.
- Restart your computer again to make sure the change goes through.
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Keep in mind that this program only works if you have a Logitech-brand keyboard, and some models might not have many customization options available within the Logi Options+ app.
- If you don’t have Logi Options+ installed, download it here.
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The app will likely ask you to turn the keyboard off and then back on to help sync it—just follow the onscreen instructions.
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You can find this on the left side of the app window.
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Click the checkbox next to Windows/Start to disable the button.
- When you’re ready to re-enable the Windows key, uncheck the box next to Windows/Start in this part of the app.
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Video
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If you have a membrane keyboard, some tech enthusiasts believe that removing the Windows keycap could disable the key as a temporary measure. (A membrane keyboard registers keystrokes with a combination of a circuit board and rubber membrane.)[5]
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
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References
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Если по какой-то причине вам потребовалось отключить клавишу Windows на клавиатуре, сделать это достаточно просто: с помощью редактора реестра Windows 10, 8 или Windows 7, или же используя бесплатную программу для переназначения клавиш — об этих двух способах я и расскажу. Еще один способ — отключение не клавиши Win, а определенной комбинации с этой клавишей, который тоже будет продемонстрирован.
Сразу предупрежу, что если вы, как и я, часто используете комбинации клавиш наподобие Win + R (диалоговое окно «Выполнить») или Win + X (вызов очень полезного меню в Windows 10 и 8.1), то после отключения они вам станут недоступны, как и многие другие полезные сочетания клавиш.
Отключение сочетаний клавиш с использованием клавиши Windows
Первый способ отключает только все сочетания с клавишей Windows, а не саму эту клавишу: она продолжает открывать меню Пуск. Если вам не требуется полное отключение, рекомендую использовать именно этот способ, поскольку он самый безопасный, предусмотрен в системе и легко откатывается.
Реализовать отключение можно двумя способами: с помощью редактора локальной групповой политики (только в Профессиональной, Корпоративной редакциях Windows 10, 8.1 и Windows 7, для последней доступно также в «Максимальная»), или с помощью редактора реестра (доступно во всех редакциях). Рассмотрим оба способа.
Отключение сочетаний с клавишей Win в редакторе локальной групповой политики
- Нажмите клавиши Win+R на клавиатуре, введите gpedit.msc и нажмите Enter. Откроется редактор локальной групповой политики.
- Перейдите к разделу Конфигурация пользователя — Административные шаблоны — Компоненты Windows — Проводник.
- Дважды кликните по параметру «Отключить сочетания клавиш, в которых используется клавиша Windows», установите значение «Включено» (я не ошибся — именно включено) и примените сделанные изменения.
- Закройте редактор локальной групповой политики.
Чтобы изменения вступили в силу потребуется перезапустить проводник или перезагрузить компьютер.
Отключаем сочетания с Windows в редакторе реестра
При использовании редактора реестра шаги будут следующими:
- Нажмите клавиши Win+R на клавиатуре, введите regedit и нажмите Enter.
- В редакторе реестра перейдите к разделу
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
При отсутствии раздела создайте его.
- Создайте параметр DWORD32 (даже для 64-битной Windows) с именем NoWinKeys, кликнув правой кнопкой мыши в правой панели редактора реестра и выбрав нужный пункт. После создания, дважды нажмите по этому параметру и задайте значение 1 для него.
После этого можно закрыть редактор реестра, также, как и в предыдущем случае, сделанные изменения заработают только после перезапуска проводника или перезагрузки Windows.
Как отключить клавишу Windows с помощью редактора реестра
Этот метод отключения также предлагается самой компанией Майкрософт и судя по официальной странице поддержки, работает в Windows 10, 8 и Windows 7, но отключает клавишу полностью.
Шаги по отключению клавиши Windows на клавиатуре компьютера или ноутбука в данном случае будут следующими:
- Запустите редактор реестра, для этого вы можете нажать клавиши Win+R и ввести regedit
- Перейдите к разделу (папки слева) HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ SYSTEM\ CurrentControlSet\ Control\ Keyboard Layout
- Кликните в правой части редактора реестра правой кнопкой мыши и выберите в контекстном меню «Создать» — «Двоичный параметр», а затем введите его имя — Scancode Map
- Дважды кликните по этому параметру и введите значение (или скопируйте отсюда) 00000000000000000300000000005BE000005CE000000000
- Закройте редактор реестра и перезагрузите компьютер.
После перезагрузки клавиша Windows на клавиатуре перестанет работать (только что протестировано на Windows 10 Pro x64, ранее при первом варианте этой статьи, тестировалось в Windows 7). В дальнейшем, если вам снова потребуется включить клавишу Windows, просто удалите параметр Scancode Map в том же разделе реестра и перезагрузите компьютер — клавиша снова будет работать.
Оригинальное описание этого способа на сайте Майкрософт находится здесь: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/216893 (на этой же странице предлагается две загрузки для автоматического отключения и включения клавиши, но почему-то они не работают).
Использование программы SharpKeys, чтоб отключить клавишу Windows
Несколько дней назад я писал о бесплатной программе SharpKeys, позволяющей легко переназначить клавиши на клавиатуре компьютера. Помимо прочего, с помощью нее можно и отключить клавишу Windows (левую и правую, если у вас их две).
Для этого, в главном окне программы нажмите «Add» (Добавить), в левой колонке выберите пункт «Special: Left Windows», а в правой — «Turn Key Off» (выключить клавишу, выбрано по умолчанию). Нажмите «Ок». Проделайте то же самое, но для правой клавиши — Special: Right Windows.
Вернувшись в главное окно программы, нажмите кнопку «Write to registry» и перезагрузите компьютер. Готово.
Чтобы вернуть работоспособность отключенных клавиш, вы можете снова запустить программу (в ней будут отображаться все сделанные ранее изменения), удалить переназначения и снова записать изменения в реестр.
Подробно о работе с программой и о том, где скачать ее в инструкции Как переназначить клавиши на клавиатуре.
Как отключить комбинации с клавишей Win в программе Simple Disable Key
В некоторых случаях необходимым бывает не полностью отключить клавишу Windows, а только её комбинации с определенными клавишами. Недавно мне попалась бесплатная программа Simple Disable Key, которая умеет это делать, причем достаточно удобно (программа работает в Windows 10, 8 и Windows 7):
- Выделив окно «Key», вы нажимаете клавишу, а потом отмечаете «Win» и нажимаете кнопку «Add Key».
- Появится запрос — когда отключать комбинацию клавиш: всегда, в определенной программе или по графику. Выберите желаемый вариант. И нажмите Ок.
- Готово — указанное сочетание Win + клавиша не работают.
Работает это до тех пор, пока запущена программа (можно поставить ее в автозапуск, в пункте меню Options), а в любой момент, кликнув правой кнопкой по значку программы в области уведомлений, вы можете снова включить все клавиши и их комбинации (Enable All Keys).
Важно: на программу может ругаться фильтр SmartScreen в Windows 10, также VirusTotal показывает два предупреждения. Так что, если решите использовать, то на свой страх и риск. Официальный сайт программы — www.4dots-software.com/simple-disable-key/
When the Windows key stops working, users can’t open the Start menu or use shortcuts like Windows + E for File Explorer. This problem often occurs due to accidental software changes or changes made in gaming settings. If the key is disabled, it won’t work for its usual shortcuts, which is inconvenient.
Common causes include changes in keyboard settings, gaming mode on some keyboards, or interference from other software.
1. Press Fn + F6 or Fn + Windows Keys
Pressing Fn + F6 can turn the Windows key on or off on many laptops and keyboards. This feature helps avoid accidentally pressing the Windows key during gaming or tasks that need full focus. By pressing Fn + F6, you turn the Windows key back on. Also, the Fn + Windows key combination is another shortcut to turn the key back on if it was accidentally turned off.
2. Press Win Lock (Only For Gaming Keyboards)
Some keyboards, especially gaming ones, have a “Win Lock” key. Pressing this key turns off the Windows key to stop accidental use during games. If the “Win Lock” is on, the Windows key won’t work. Simply press the “Win Lock” key to turn it on or off, bringing the Windows key back to normal without needing to change any software or system settings.
3. Change Registry Settings
Sometimes, changes in software or system settings can stop the Windows key from working. You can fix this by adjusting settings in the Windows Registry. By changing certain entries, you can control how the system responds to the key. Editing the registry lets you manually turn the Windows key back on, even if software or system settings had turned it off.
- Press Windows + R, type ‘regedit’ and hit Enter.
Win+R regedit - Navigate to:
Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
- Right-click on the Advanced Key and select New > DWORD (32-bit) value.
- Name the new value “DisabledHotkeys” and set the value to ‘1‘.
4. Clean the Keyboard
If the keyboard is dirty, dust or dirt can stop the Windows key from working well. Dirt can block the key, making it not respond or stick when pressed. Cleaning the keyboard, especially around the key, can fix this by removing the dirt.
For Computer:
- Unplug the keyboard from the computer
- Clean the keyboard
- Plug the keyboard back in
- Test the Windows key
For Notebook:
- Turn off your notebook
- Unplug the AC/DC adapter from the notebook
- Unplug the battery from the notebook
- Clean the keyboard
- Plug the battery back in
- Plug the AC/DC adapter back in
- Turn on your notebook
- Test the Windows key
5. Replace the Keyboard
If none of the solutions work, the problem might be with the keyboard itself. Replacing the keyboard can quickly fix keys that are broken or not responding because of wear and tear or connection problems.
Jasmin Kahriman
Jasmin is a tech-savvy Systems Engineer with over 15 years of experience in IT infrastructure, holding multiple IT certifications including CNIP, MTA, MCP, MCSA, MCT, Server+, and Network+.
Table of contents
- Other Causes of Windows Key Interruptions
- How to Disable the Windows Key On Your Keyboard
- Method 1: How to disable the Windows key using Microsoft PowerToys
- Method 2: How to turn off the Windows key using the registry editor
- Method 3: Use Local Group Policy Editor to disable Windows Key
- Conclusion
- FAQ
The Windows key often walks a fine line between efficiency and disruption. On the one hand, it optimizes how we maneuver the operating system, particularly when combined with other keys. On the other hand, it can cause frustrating interruptions, prompting some users to ask, “ Is there a way to disable the Windows key? ” The interruptions can lead to significant problems in different scenarios, especially for gamers, programmers, and other professionals who must focus on tasks. Take gamers who rely on the WASD keys, for example. It’s easy to forget the palm’s proximity to the Windows key in the heat of gameplay. Accidentally pressing the key alongside any of those game buttons triggers a “hotkey” that yanks the player out of their game. Keyboard combinations (hotkeys) that could disrupt a game session include:
Windows key + W, which triggers the Widgets app in Windows 11 and Microsoft Whiteboard in Windows 10.Windows key + A, which launches the Action CenterWindows key + S, which opens the search boxWindows key + D, which shows and closes the desktop.
Other Causes of Windows Key Interruptions
Apart from the WASD keys, other hotkeys cause interruptions, whether you’re in a game, typing code, or running some other critical task. For example, if your computer is connected to an external display, the Windows key + P keyboard shortcut can trigger the Project menu, causing you to change your multi-display configuration. The “Windows key + L” shortcut can lock your computer altogether. Some dedicated gaming keyboards allow you to lock the Windows key with just a tap. If you do not have such a keyboard or quick option, don’t panic. This article will show you how to disable the Windows key in Windows 10 and Windows 11.
How to Disable the Windows Key On Your Keyboard
In typical Windows fashion, there are different ways to turn off the Windows key . You can use tools like PowerToys and native Windows applications to turn off the button. Let’s go through the different processes one after the other.
Method 1: How to disable the Windows key using Microsoft PowerToys
PowerToys is a relic of the early Windows years. The Windows 95 Shell Team developed the first version, and many other editions were born later. But it suddenly disappeared after some years. Thankfully, Microsoft brought back the suite of utilities in 2019 as an open-source project, tailoring it to the needs of today’s power users. It’s easier to use PowerToys to configure a toggle for the Windows key if you don’t have a dedicated block key on your keyboard. The program’s Keyboard Manager allows you to remap keys how you see fit. Once you apply a setting (like turning off the Windows key), it takes effect without requiring a reboot. Exiting the application deactivates all your configurations, and launching it reactivates them. Follow these steps to use the tool:
- Launch the Microsoft Store, search for
PowerToys, and install the program. You can also download and install it through its GitHub page.
- Launch the utility after it opens.
- Go to the left navigation pane and select the Keyboard Manager tab.
- Navigate to the right side of the screen and select the Open Settings option.
- Turn on the switch beside Enable Keyboard Manager and select the Remap a Key option.
- Once the Remap Keys window opens, click the plus icon.
- Open the drop-down menu under Select and choose Win.
- Open the drop-down menu under To Send, scroll to the top, and choose Disable.
- Click the OK button at the top of the window.
- Click Continue Anyway in the warning dialog, and the key will be disabled. If your keyboard has two Windows keys, the tool will deactivate both, and you don’t have to restart your computer to activate the change.
- To reactivate the key, go to the System Tray, right-click the PowerToys icon, and select Exit.
- Whenever you relaunch the tool, it will automatically disable your Windows key.
- You can return to the Remap Keys window and delete your settings whenever you choose to.
If you’re uncomfortable with adding a new program with such advanced capabilities, you can use native Windows applications such as the Registry Editor or the Local Group Policy Editor.
Also Read: [FIXED] How to Fix Windows Key Not Working on Windows 10 and 11?
Method 2: How to turn off the Windows key using the registry editor
You should note that making incorrect changes to the Windows registry can cause operating system instability and failure. You should back up the registry and create a restore point to be on the safe side. This method shows you how to create and modify a Binary Value to turn off the Windows key. So, it’s critical that you follow the guidelines carefully. If you’re not comfortable editing the registry, you can get someone to help. How to back up your registryFirstly, follow these steps to back up the registry before applying the edit:
- Go to the Start menu, type
Regedit, and click Registry Editor in the results. - Since you need administrator privileges to run the program, the Windows User Account Control dialog will request permission. Click the Yes button.
- After the Registry Editor window opens, go to the top-left corner, click File, and select Export.
Now, you’ll be exporting the entire registry. So, go to the Export Range section in the Export Registry File window and select All.
Choose the location for the file, enter its name, and click the Save button.
You can now easily recover the registry by opening the Registry Editor, clicking File > Import, heading to the location where you saved the backup, and double-clicking it.
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Also Read: Ultimate Guide: How to Fix Broken Registry Items in Windows 10/11
Using Windows Registry to disable Windows keyWe’ll be showing you two Registry Editor methods to disable the Windows key. The first method will disable the hotkeys but will allow the Start menu to show up when you tap the Windows key. You’ll hear the Critical Stop sound indicating that Windows cannot complete the action whenever you tap the Windows key alongside another keyboard button. Follow these steps:
- Once you open the Registry Editor, go to the left navigation pane and drill down to the following key:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
You can also copy the path and paste it into the Registry Editor’s address bar.
- If you don’t see the Explorer key under Policies, right-click Policies and select New > Key.
- Rename the new key to Explorer.
- Now, double-click anywhere on the right side of the screen and select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value.
- Change the name of the new DWORD to NoWinKeys.
- After the Edit DWORD (32-bit) Value dialog opens, type
1in the Value Data text box and click the OK button.
- Restart your computer.
You can undo your settings by going to the Registry Editor and changing the value of the NoWinKeys DWORD to 0. Second method to disable Windows KeyThe second method will completely disable the Windows key. Follow these steps:
- Once you open the Registry Editor, go to the left navigation pane and drill down to the following key:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout
You can also copy the path and paste it into the Registry Editor’s address bar.
- Now, click Keyboard Layout and go to the right side of the screen. Right-click the page and select New > Binary Value.
- Changed the name of the new value to Scancode Map.
- Now, double-click the Scancode Map binary value.
- Enter the following into the Value Data field:
00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 03 00 00 00 00 00 5B E0 00 00 5C E0 00 00 00 00
You’re only typing into the fields after the first 8 digits on the left. The computer generates those numbers based on your inputs. You don’t have to use the spacebar, as the cursor automatically shifts after you tap the digit combination.
- Click the OK button and restart your computer.
- The Windows key will no longer work.
You can always reactivate the key by going back to the Registry Editor and deleting the Scancode Map binary value.
Also Read: How to clean Registry in Windows 10
Method 3: Use Local Group Policy Editor to disable Windows Key
You can only use this method to turn off the Windows key if you run the Pro or Enterprise edition of Windows. There is a Group Policy that allows you to disable keyboard combinations triggered by the Windows key. These steps will show you what to do:
- Right-click the Start button and select Run in the Power User menu.
- Type
gpedit.mscinto the text box and click the OK button or press theEnterkey. - Navigate to the following policy:
User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer
- Go to the right side of the screen and double-click the Turn off Windows Key hotkeys setting.
- Select Enabled and click OK.
- Restart your computer.
Also Read: How to manage the Group Policy on Windows 10, 8 and 8.1?
Conclusion
That is how to disable the Windows key on your keyboard. But optimizing your Windows experience doesn’t end there.
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FAQ
What does the Windows Key look like?
The Windows key typically looks the same as the Microsoft Windows logo. You can see it between the Ctrl and Alt keys on the left and right sides of the spacebar on most keyboards.
You can also identify it by looking at the Start button in the taskbar, as they are identical.
How to disable the Windows button in games?
You can use the Local Group Policy Editor (if you use Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise) or the Registry Editor to turn off the key before launching your game.
However, those methods typically require a restart to take effect. If you disable the Windows key using Microsoft PowerToys, launching the application will deactivate the key.
How to disable the Windows key in Windows 11?
You can use Microsoft PowerToys, Registry Editor, or Local Group Policy Editor to turn off the Windows key in Windows 11.
While other third-party programs can also disable the key, these applications will do the job just fine.
