How to Disable the Windows key on Your Keyboard?

Disable the Windows Key on your Keyboard:

If you are filling out a form or maybe solving a timed quiz or questionnaire, pressing the Windows key can lead to a disaster. Not only this, but if you are playing some game or maybe enjoying some show or a movie, the Windows key can ruin all the fun for you.

You might end up thinking or googling if there’s a way to switch off or disable the Windows key on your keyboard. And the answer to your query is yes. It is very easy to disable the Windows key on your keyboard only if you are aware of the steps and the way to enable it again. 

The Windows key might seem redundant but comes in handy when you use it with a combination of other keys. In these shortcut combinations, the Windows key becomes very useful but when it gets pressed mistakenly it only leads to annoyance especially in the middle of a task. 

Now in Windows 10, you can find a few ways to disable the Windows key on your keyboard. It is easy and can be done within a few steps. You can try any of these methods listed down below to disable the Windows key on your keyboard. 

1. Method 1:

Before we get into disabling the Windows key’s functionality, keep in mind that you will have to edit the Windows registry file and a corrupted registry file can render your computer useless. And in such a case, you will have to uninstall and reinstall Windows 10 which could possibly lead to loss of data.

• Type Regedit in your computer search box. From the options that appear click on Registry Editor. 
• When the Windows Registry File is open, head to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer .
• Click on the Explorer key under the Policies list. 
• On the blank side present towards the right, right-click on the empty space. 
• Select the option New |DWORD (32 bit) Value. 
• Name it as NoWinKeys. 
• Double click to select that option. 
• A pop-up window will appear. Change the Data Value to one. 
• Click ok to close the pop-up. 

Restart your PC and you will be able to see that the Windows key has been disabled and is no longer functional. 

2. Method 2:

• Type in Group Policy Editor in your computer search box.
• Click on Configuration and then on Administrative Templates. 
• From the drop-down list click Windows Components and then on File Explorer. 
• Under File Explorer from the Menu displaying towards the Right and double-click on Turn off Windows Key Hotkey. 
• A pop-up will appear. From the options available towards the left, click on Enabled. 
• Click ok to exit the Group Policy Editor. 
• Restart to save changes.

A pro-tip to all the gamers trying to disable the Windows Key, try buying a gaming keyboard. It has specific keys that will allow you to enjoy gaming without the hassle of pressing unnecessary keys. 

In addition to this, by choosing any of the two methods stated above you can easily disable the Windows key on your keyboard.