
On a standard 101-key desktop keyboard, you can disable the Caps Lock key so that it does nothing whatsoever: Open Registry Editor and navigate to HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout. If you occasionally find yourself accidentally stuck in Caps Lock mode so that your emails are shouting, or your text documents look like a demand letter from a creditor, consider the following tweak. If you’re confident that your keyboard isn’t (or shouldn’t) be damaged, then you’ll need to test the theory.INSIDE OUT: RECONFIGURE THE CAPS LOCK KEY TO AVOID SHOUTING A good way to do this is to use an alternative keyboard to test the Windows key on that device. This test allows you to see if Windows itself is the problem. If a software issue is causing the Windows key to stop responding (for instance, due to corrupt files or a malware infection), then the Windows key shouldn’t work on either device. If the alternative keyboard does work, however, then you can probably rule out a software issue as the problem. Before you do, research your keyboard model and determine if there are any other issues that others have reported that could help you narrow down the problem. When Windows is in perfect working order, you shouldn’t need to worry about broken keys. When it isn’t working, however, any number of missing files or missing processes could stop the most basic features-such as your Windows keyboard key-from working correctly.Ī good way to test if this is the case is to check your Windows system and file integrity using the Windows PowerShell. In the PowerShell terminal window, type sfc /scannow to begin checking your system.Ĭheck Battery Levels On Wireless Keyboards To do this, right-click the Start menu and click Windows PowerShell (Admin).You can use the System File Checker (sfc) tool to quickly repair corrupt Windows files. If you’re using a wireless keyboard, then you should already be in a regular schedule of keeping it charged.


If your keyboard keys stop working on a wireless keyboard, then you may want to check whether it has enough battery charge to register the correct key presses. How to check this will vary, depending on the device you own. Some wireless keyboards may have battery indicators on the product itself, or you may need third-party apps from the manufacturer to check whether the device is sufficiently charged. If you can’t check this, then leave the device to charge for a few hours before using the keyboard again.
