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With the help of the Windows cardinal on a standard Microsoft Windows 10 keyboard, users can access dozens of configuration settings, features, and applications with convenient keyboard shortcut combinations. Under most circumstances, accidentally pressing the Windows fundamental is a harmless annoyance, however, when operating a time-sensitive application, similar a game for case, it could event in a disastrous, rage-inducing, tantrum of frustration.

Disabling the hotkey functionality of the Windows key in Microsoft Windows ten is not hard, and there are several possible methods users can employ to change that item key's beliefs. The two methods explained in this commodity offer the more than straightforward of solutions, saving the more than involved methods for afterwards.

This how-to tutorial explains how to disable Windows key hotkey functionality by editing the Windows Registry file and by changing settings using the Group Policy Editor.

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How to disable the Windows key on your keyboard

First, permit me land for the tape that the accented best way to disable the Windows key while gaming is by purchasing and using a gaming keyboard with a built-in disable function. Gaming keyboards frequently have a simple toggle that will turn the Windows key off and on at volition. Information technology is past far the simplest solution.

Yet, if that is non possible at the moment, nosotros will accept to edit the Windows Registry file, which requires the standard disclaimer.

Disclaimer: Editing the Windows Registry file is a serious undertaking. A corrupted Windows Registry file could render your computer inoperable, requiring a reinstallation of the Windows ten operating system and potential loss of data. Support the Windows 10 Registry file and create a valid restore signal earlier you proceed.

To outset, type "regedit" into the desktop search box and select Registry Editor in the results. Once the Windows Registry file is open, navigate to this key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Click on the Explorer key, as shown in Figure A.

Figure A


Figure A

Correct-click on an empty spot in the correct-paw window and select New | DWORD (32-bit) Value and name it NoWinKeys, as shown in Figure B.

Figure B


Figure B

Double-click the NoWinKeys entry and change the Data Value to ane, as shown in Figure C.

Figure C


Figure C

Click OK and then close regedit. The change will become effective after you restart your PC. To turn Windows cardinal functionality back on, change the Data Value to naught or delete the NoWinKeys entry.

How to disable the Windows cardinal using Group Policy Editor

The methodology is similar for the Group Policy Editor if you are using Windows 10 Pro. Type "grouping policy editor" into the desktop search box and select the appropriate entry in the results. Navigate to this folder:

User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\File Explorer

Click on the File Explorer entry, every bit shown in Figure D. Scroll down the listing of configuration settings displayed in the right-hand window until you find the entry "Plow off Windows Primal hotkeys."

Effigy D


Figure D

Double-click the Plow off Windows Key hotkeys entry and click the Enable radio push, as shown in Effigy East.

Figure E


Figure E

Click OK and and then close the Group Policy Editor. Equally before, the change will become effective after you restart your PC. To turn Windows key functionality back on, change the clicked radio button to Disabled or Non Configured.

For more options, cheque out, "2 more ways to disable the Windows key on your keyboard."