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How to Fix Win + X Not Working in Windows 11

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Several options are available to you if Win + X is not working in Windows 11. The shortcut should open the power menu as right-clicking on the Start button does, however sometimes it can malfunction.The causes of this problem can vary from hardware issues such as burnt keys to software issues such as a bug inside the Explorer process.Follow along as we will show you how to troubleshoot the Win + X not working in Windows 11 situation, right after we see how long it takes to install the OS on HDD.

What are the new keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11?

It’s impossible not to appreciate a nice keyboard shortcut. The fact that they are efficient and that you can train yourself to use a new one will pay benefits in the future, as you will save seconds of time over and over again.

A number of new keyboard shortcuts are included in Windows 11, Microsoft’s most recent iteration of the operating system, which is connected to new functionality.

It used to be that you could only snap the focus window side to side with Windows shortcuts. However, now you can use theWindowskey along with theUp arrowandDown arrowto snap it to the top or bottom as well.

Furthermore, you can now open the Quick Settings menu withWindows+A, and many more. Here are the other new shortcuts that you should know:

For further information on how keyboards and shortcuts work,check out our post on how to change keyboard layouts in Windows 11.This being said, let’s move on to troubleshooting the Win + X not working in Windows 11 error before you start fooling around with the newfound shortcuts.

How can I fix Win + X not working in Windows 11?

How can I fix Win + X not working in Windows 11?

1. Check the keyboard

Before you can proceed with software debugging, you must first determine who is to blame for the current state of affairs.

In order to determine if the problem is with the keyboard, try pressing theWinkey together with another key, such asI, and see if theSettingsapp opens.

Once you’ve done that, test theXkey by typing some text inside Notepad or another writing software. It may be necessary to change your keyboard or the two keys if one of them, or possibly both, doesn’t function properly. Otherwise, proceed with the following solutions.

2. Update the keyboard drivers

Even though Windows is in charge of updating your computer drivers, you will have to update them manually from time to time.Alternatively, we recommend that you can use a third-party software tool that automatically finds and installs all your missing and outdated drivers, such as Outbyte Driver Updater.The Win + X not working in Windows 11 issue could have easily been avoided, as well as any other driver-related errors.

⇒Get Outbyte Driver Updater

3. Restart Explorer

Explorer is a program manager process that is responsible for providing the graphical interface that you use to interact with the majority of Windows — the Start menu, taskbar notifications area, and File Explorer — as well as the notification area.Occasionally, any of the components that make up the Windows graphical shell can begin to behave abnormally, if not completely freeze, but restarting the process will most definitely fix the errors.

4. Run the SFC scan

Alternatively, you canrefer to our article on what to do if the mouse and keyboard are not workingin Windows 11 and ensure that your keyboard bugs are gone.And lastly, if the above solutions didn’t fix the software issue,read our guide on how to fix Windows 11’s Start menu.Was this guide helpful for you? Don’t hesitate to tell us in the comments section below, as well as whether you have any more solutions in mind.

More about the topics:Fix Start Menu,Windows 11

Loredana Harsana

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.

Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.

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Loredana Harsana

Windows Software Expert

Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.