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Striking the Windows cardinal on your keyboard by accident can be very annoying. Sometimes, it kicks you lot out of a full-screen game by opening the Get-go carte or unintentionally launches a shortcut. Luckily, there's a way to disable the cardinal on your Windows 10 PC. Here'due south how.

The easiest way to disable the Windows key is by using Microsoft's gratuitous PowerToys utility. With PowerToys, you tin can reassign any key to have the function of any other. In this case, we will be changing the Windows key to be "Undefined," which means aught volition happen when you lot press it.

To disable the Windows key, download Microsoft PowerToys if you don't already take information technology installed. Launch PowerToys, and click "Keyboard Manager" in the sidebar, then click "Remap A Key."

Click "Keyboard Manager" in the sidebar, and then click "Remap a key."

In the "Remap Keyboard" window, click the "+" plus sign button to add a mapping definition.

Click the plus sign (+) in the "Remap Keyboard" menu to add a shortcut.

To change a key mapping, you select the central you want to change in the left column, then define what you lot want it to do in the correct column.

Using the drop-downward menu below the "Key:" heading on the left, select "Win." In the "Mapped To" section on the right, click the driblet-downward menu and select "Undefined."

In PowerToys, select Win key and Unassigned in Keyboard Manager on Windows 10

Click "OK," and Windows volition warn yous that you won't be able to utilise the Windows fundamental considering it volition exist unassigned. Click "Continue Anyway."

Click "Continue Anyway" in PowerToys Keyboard Manager on Windows 10

After that, the Windows key should be disabled. Your settings take been saved, and you're free to close PowerToys and use your computer equally usual.

Dissimilar other ways of remapping keys similar using SharpKeys and the Windows Registry, you won't have to log out or reboot for your alter to take effect. The Windows key will be disabled immediately.

How to Reenable the Windows Key

If yous change your mind and want to re-enable the Windows fundamental, launch PowerToys and navigate to Keyboard Manager > Remap a Key.

Locate the "Win –> Undefined" mapping, and click the nearby trash tin icon to delete information technology. Then click "OK" to close the window. Afterward that, your Windows central will work normally.

RELATED: How to Make Your Scroll Lock Key Useful on a Windows 10 PC


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