Windows key can be used to perform many functions in Windows 10. This key provides us with a variety of functions as listed here. Mostly this key is harmless even if we are not using it but for Gamers, this key can cause a lot of frustration. The reason behind this is that tapping the Windows Key will automatically minimize any Game that you are running in fullscreen mode and open the Start Menu. The CTRL button is used by gamers in most of the games which is mostly near the Windows key. So whenever you press control you can accidentally tap the Windows key and minimize the game. So for gamers, it is a good idea to Disable the Windows key.
Even if you are running a game in Fullscreen Windowed mode accidental press of this key will still pop up the Start Menu which can be annoying. Especially during an online gaming session, this can cause a lot of frustration. Gaming keyboards usually provides us with an easy solution to this problem. Most of the time with a press of the button you can disable the Windows key on a gaming keyboard.
However, Gaming Keyboards can be expensive and if you don’t own a gaming keyboard you can try this method to disable the Windows Key.
Disable Windows Key in Windows 10
To disable Windows you need to edit the registry first. You can use external software such as Autohotkey, Sharpkeys, PowerToys, etc. However, some of the software might not be compatible with the anti-cheat system of a specific game.
Here I will show you how to disable the Windows key by editing your registry.
Warning: This method requires editing the registry. If anything goes wrong you might not be able to operate your Windows 10 anymore. Please always backup Windows 10 registry and create a restore point before proceeding.
Click on the Start Menu or Search button on the bottom left corner of your screen.
Type Regedit and Open Registry Editor.
Now double click on the address bar remove Computer from the address bar and paste this address in the address bar and press Enter.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Keyboard Layout
This will automatically take you towards the keyboard layouts folder in the registry editor. If this is confusing you can manually make your way towards the keyboard layouts.
Click on the arrow behind > HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SYSTEM > CurrentControlSet > Control and select Keyboard Layout.
Now right click on the keyboard layout folder and click on New and select Binary key and name it Scancode Map.
Right-click on your created binary key and select modify
Now type this number carefully. You cannot copy and paste these numbers directly you will have to type it.
0000000000000000
0300000000005BE0
00005CE0000000
Now Press OK and restart your computer to disable the Windows key. If you can still use the windows key please carefully review the numbers that you added. If you want to re-enable the Windows Key just delete the Scancode Map binary value and restart your computer.
