How To Disable the Windows Key on a Gaming Keyboard: A Step-by-Step Guide
Anyone who has ever used a keyboard is familiar with accidentally pressing the wrong key. With the numerous keys available, this is a necessary evil even the most meticulous users have to accept. However, when it comes to gaming keyboards, it is possible to resolve this issue by temporarily disabling the Windows key.
The process to disable the Windows key on a gaming keyboard involves enabling gaming mode and pressing a combination of the Fn key and any of the other function keys ranging (F1-F12). Some gaming keyboards come with a dedicated lock key that can be used to disable the windows key. Note that the method for disabling the Windows key may vary depending on the specific brand or model of your gaming keyboard.
Gaming keyboard selection is a personal choice, and having a keyboard where you constantly press incorrect keys by accident can be frustrating when playing. Our article that compares gaming keyboards vs. regular computer keyboards, explains the benefits of buying a dedicated gaming keyboard, and will help you choose the right fit and reduce erroneous keystrokes when gaming.
In this article, we will discuss the various ways gaming keyboards allow for the disabling of the Windows key. We will show you how to disable the Windows key on popular gaming keyboards like Logitech, Razer, and Corsair. We will also explain the relevance of the Windows key and why you might want to disable it.
Importance of the Windows Key
The Windows key offers shortcuts. For example, hitting the key alone will bring up the Windows Start menu. When you press the Windows key along with other function keys located on the top row of the keyboard, you launch a comprehensive collection of macros for fundamental Windows operations like starting a search dialogue. This article from ComputerCures covers the history of the Windows key, its purpose, and the various shortcuts and macros that it provides access to.
The windows key is important because it provides a shortcut to access a computer’s system and all the applications on a computer, as well as other useful shortcuts when pressed along with other specific keys.
Function keys on a gaming keyboard enable users to press different key combinations to perform specific tasks. Our article about E-gaming shortcuts explains some of these commands and lists the most popular ones used by gamers. The Windows key when pressed on its own acts as a shortcut key to open the start option of the computer’s system. However, when the Windows key is pressed with other keys, it can have other functions.
This video tutorial by Invinciproductions explains how to disable the Windows key if you are running Windows 10.
Below is a table that lists the various functions of the Windows key, when pressed with other keys for Windows 10:
Summary of the Windows Key Functions of a Keyboard
| Key Combinations | Resulting Commands |
| Windows + D | This minimizes the open windows and returns the user to the desktop. Pressing it again maximizes all windows. |
| Windows + E | This opens Windows Explorer. |
| Windows + R | This Opens the “Run” dialog. |
| Windows + L | Use this to lock the screen. |
| Windows + I | This Opens “Windows Settings” |
| Windows + Print | This is for taking screenshots |
| Windows + P | Opens the option for “Duplicate/Extend Screen”. |
| Windows + Ctrl + D | Pressing this opens a virtual desktop. |
| Windows + Ctrl + left or right arrow key | Switches between open virtual desktops. |
| Windows + Ctrl + F4 | Closes the visible virtual desktop. |
| Windows + Tab | Opens an overview of all virtual desktops. |
| Windows + A | Opens the info center. |
| Windows + Pause | Opens the control panel. |
| Windows + up/down arrow key | Maximizes/minimizes windows or apps. |
| Windows + left/right arrow key | Moves the open window to the left or right half of the screen. |
| Windows + Enter | Use this to activate voice output. |
| Windows + . | This opens the emoji window. |
Make sure to also take a look at our related article explaining how to use the function keys on a keyboard in more detail.
Related articles:
Comparing USB cables on gaming devices
Choosing a gaming keyboard for someone with big hands
Finding the best gaming keyboard for iPads
What Keys Disable the Keyboard Windows Key?
The Windows key can be helpful when running through applications on the screen. However, accidentally pressing the Windows key opens up a pop-up screen that disrupts your gaming session. To prevent this from happening, make sure to disable the Windows key.
To disable the Windows key on a gaming keyboard, use a combination of the fn key and one of the F1-12 function keys. The process involves holding down the fn key and simultaneously pressing one of the function keys. This will effectively disable the Windows key and prevent accidental interruptions during gameplay.
This article from Hp.com explains the purposes of different function keys, hotkeys, and special keys like the Windows Key.
It is always a good idea to consult the manufacturer's user manual for your specific keyboard so that you can use the correct keystroke combinations. High-end gaming keyboard manufacturers often provide their product manuals as free downloads online, like this Corsair gaming keyboard manual. Below are key combinations to disable the keyboard windows keys for various brands.
We have also included generic key combinations which may or may not work with your keyboard:
Common Key Combinations to Disable the Windows Key
| Key Combination to Press | What Keyboards It Works On | Example Product |
| FN + F10 | Razer Keyboard | Razer Cynosa Chroma Gaming Keyboard |
| FN + F12 | Logitech Keyboard | Logitech G815 Lightsync Rgb Gaming Keyboard |
| FN + F6 | General keyboards | Logitech Mk270 Wireless Keyboard And Mouse Combo For Windows |
| FN + Windows Key | General keyboards | Arteck 2.4G Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combo Stainless Steel Ultra Slim Full Size Keyboard Keyboard |
You may also be interested in learning more about flat key keyboards and how useful they can be. If so, be sure to read our related article for more information.
How To Disable the Windows Key of a Gaming Keyboard
If your keyboard has a Windows lock key then simply pressing this key will disable or enable the Windows key. There are many types of keyboards with any number of keys ranging from full-size keyboards that have about 104-109 keys to single-hand keyboards that can have as few as 66 keys.
Disabling the Windows key on a gaming keyboard can vary depending on the brand. On a Razer keyboard, enable gaming mode by using the fn and f10 key combinations or through the Razer Synapse software. To disable the Windows key on a Logitech keyboard, use the fn and f12 key combinations to enable the “windows lock” feature. On a Corsair keyboard, disable the Windows key through the keyboard’s software.
Our article about how many keys a keyboard has explains the various keyboard layouts and sizes so that you can choose the right one for your gaming needs.
Keyboard software is an important feature of gaming keyboards that allows gamers to customize the functionality of their keyboards. Our article about whether gaming keyboards are expensive takes a look at the higher production quality of certain gaming keyboards as well as the proprietary software that is included with them.
In this section, we will explain how to disable the Windows keys on razer keyboards, Logitech keyboards, and Corsair keyboards:
How to Disable the Windows Key By Enabling Gaming Mode On a Razer Keyboard.
Razer gaming keyboards, like this, have a feature that allows you to switch the keyboard to “gaming mode”, rendering some keys like the windows key ineffective. There are two ways to enable the gaming mode on the Razer keyboard. First, you can press the fn and the f10 keys simultaneously to activate it. The second method is to enable gaming mode through Razer Synapse, which is Razer’s software that can be downloaded from their website and used with a Synapse-enabled keyboard like this one.
To enable the gaming method using the Synapse software, first launch Synapse 3.0 on your system, navigate to the keyboard customization options within the software, locate the Gaming mode option, click on the drop-down menu, and select On. This simple process will enable gaming mode and disable the Windows key, allowing you to fully immerse in your gaming experience.
Disabling a Logitech Keyboard Windows Key
Disabling the Windows key on a Logitech keyboard is a straightforward process that differs from other types of keyboards. Logitech keyboards come equipped with a key called “WINDOWS LOCK,” which serves as an alternate function of the F12 key. The icon of a padlock is placed directly below the F12 key.
Simply press Fn key and the F12 key together to initiate the “WINDOWS LOCK” feature, rendering the Window key unresponsive and ensuring an uninterrupted gaming session.
Disabling a Corsair Keyboard’s Windows Key
If you are looking to disable the Windows key on a gaming keyboard, it’s important to note that specific keyboard manufacturers may position the Windows key in a slightly different place. Our article about keyboard diagrams explains the most common keyboard layouts and will help you find the Windows key on your keyboard. For example, like the Razer keyboard, the Windows key can be disabled on Corsair keyboards by using the manufacturer's software.
Disabling the Windows key on a Corsair keyboard can be done by using the Corsair iCUE software. To do this, download the software from Corsair's website. After installing the software, click on the K70 Rapidfire icon under Home > Devices. Choose performance from the menu in the devices window. Ensure that the option to “disable the Windows key” is checked. Finally, press the Win Lock button, which is located on the top of the K70 keyboard.
By following these steps, the Windows key will be disabled and you can enjoy an uninterrupted gaming session.
