Will it sound melodious if a key fails to strike the string in a piano? Of course not. The rhythmic shortcut keys Ctrl + Shift + Esc not launching the Task Manager makes no difference when the Esc fails to strike too.
I know how it feels when any crucial key like Esc stops working!
In this article, I will mention the probable reasons behind this issue and 8 tested methods to fix the Esc key.
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How to Fix Esc Key Not Working in Windows 11
Fix the Esc key by updating the keyboard driver to the latest version or turning off the Sticky key feature. You can check for the dislodged Esc key from its position and clean piled-up dust or debris under the key. Lastly, change the keyboard if it’s damaged physically.
Here are the methods to troubleshoot Esc keys not working in Windows 11:
1. Turn Off the Sticky Keys
The Sticky key is a feature of Microsoft Windows that helps the user to press the shortcut combination keys separately instead of pressing those at a time. For example, you must press Ctrl + Shift + Esc at a time to bring up the Task Manager.
But when you enable the Sticky key feature, you can press those shortcut keys separately to launch Task Manager. That’s why the Esc key is out of functionality, in case you turned it on. Disable this feature to fix it.
Here are the steps to turn off the Sticky keys feature:
- Press the Windows key and select the Settings icon.
- Navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard.
- Toggle the Sticky keys button to turn it off.
Now, check the Esc key. I hope it is working perfectly now after turning off the Sticky keys.
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2. Disable the Filter Keys
Filter keys work similarly to the Sticky keys but in a different way. It commands the keyboard to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes. It slows down the keyboard’s repeat response and blocks random keystrokes at a time.
For those who are suffering from serious hand tremors, this Filter keys feature is for them. But if you have turned it on mistakenly, you might face the Esc key isn’t working. To fix the Esc key, you must turn off the Filter keys.
Here are the steps to disable the Filter keys feature:
- Launch the Windows Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I.
- Navigate to Accessibility > Keyboard.
- Toggle the Filter keys button to turn it off.
After disabling the Filter keys, check whether the Esc key is working.
Check out our separate post on how to fix update error code 0x80004005 in Windows 11?
3. Run Keyboard Troubleshooter
If turning off both the Filter keys and Sticky keys didn’t solve the Esc key issue, it’s time to run the keyboard troubleshooter. Windows 11 has a built-in keyboard troubleshooter in the Settings app. Go there to lauch the troubleshooter.
Here are the steps to run the keyboard troubleshooter from Windows Settings:
- Go to Windows Settings app.
- Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters from Settings.
- Scroll down and look for Keyboard.
- Click on the Run button to run the troubleshooter for the keyboard.
A troubleshooting window will open, and it’ll show you the necessary fixes to troubleshoot the Esc key issue. Follow the on-screen instruction after that. After applying the fixes, the Esc key will work for sure.
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4. Update Keyboard Driver to the Latest Version
Old keyboard drivers can’t keep up with the latest Windows update. In case you haven’t updated the keyboard driver but updated the Windows to the latest version, it will cause keyboard issues. The Esc key might not work due to this reason. To fix the key, you must update the keyboard driver.
Here are the steps to update the keyboard driver to the latest version:
- initiate the Run command by pressing the Windows key + R.
- Type devmgmt.msc and hit Enter.
- Expand the Keyboard section and right-click on the Standard PS/2 keyboard option.
- Choose the Update driver option from the list.
- Click the Search automatically for drivers option from the updater window or else:
- Download the latest keyboard driver for your laptop or external keyboard.
- Choose the Browse my computer for drivers option from the update window.
- Click on the Browse button.
- Choose the folder that contains the downloaded keyboard driver.
- Click on the Next button.
After that, the Windows system will start installing the driver, and you must restart the PC after finishing the installation. If the old driver was causing the issue with the Esc key, it would fix after the restart.
Pro Tip: Go to the official website to download the laptop’s or external keyboards’ latest driver. Download only the compatible driver for Windows 11 and install it.
5. Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter
Run Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter feature to fix the Esc key not responding issue. To run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter, follow the steps beneath.
Here are the steps to run the Hardware and Devices Troubleshooter from Run:
- Initiate the Run command by pressing the Windows key + R.
- Type msdt.exe -id DeviceDiagnostic and hit Enter or click OK.
- Click the Advanced option to check the box for Apply repairs automatically.
- Select the Next button afterward.
The troubleshooter will start detecting the problem and fix it after finding any. If there is a problem with the keyboard causing the Esc key not to work, it will fix automatically.
6. Uninstall Recently Installed software
If you have installed any software recently, it might be causing the issue with the keyboard. That could trigger the unresponsive Esc key. To fix this issue, uninstall the recently installed app and check whether the problem’s resolved.
Here are the steps to uninstall a recently installed app:
- Go to Windows Settings app and click Apps from the left panel.
- Select the Apps & features option.
- Scroll and look for the recently installed app.
- Click on the three dots and choose Uninstall option.
- Select the Uninstall button again from the confirmation prompt.
After that, follow the on-screen instruction to complete the uninstallation process. If the app was the main culprit, the Esc key would work again after uninstalling it.
Do check our latest post on 4 easy steps to open Windows 11 administrative tools.
7. Remap the Esc Key Using PowerToys
If nothing solves the problem, you can remap the Esc key. A few keys appear twice on the keyboard, and you can map the Esc key to any of those keys. For example, the Alt, Shift, and Ctrl key appears twice on the maximum keyboard.
You can also map the key to any unused key on the keyboard. To do that, you must download Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store. After downloading the app, follow the steps beneath.
Here are the steps to remap the Esc Key using PowerToys:
- Launch the PowerToys app.
- Go to the left pane and select Keyboard Manager.
- Click on the plus sign (+) button.
- Click the Type’s drop-down icon under the Physical Key section.
- Choose the Esc key.
- Click the Type’s drop-down icon under the Mapped To section.
- Choose any unused key. For example, Alt (Right) or Alt (Left).
- Click on the OK button.
- Select the Continue Anyway button for remapping Esc key confirmation.
After remapping the key successfully, you can now press the rempped key instead of Esc.
8. Clean Keyboard Keys & Check for Physical Damage
Look for debris or dirt under the Esc keycap. Take a brush and clean all the piled-up dirt. I hope the Esc key will work again if the key cap gets stuck with dirt.
If it is a mechanical keyboard, use the key keycap puller to pull off the keycap. Replace the keycap with a new one in case it gets damaged. Claim a warranty or take the keyboard to a technician if the key gets damaged physically.
Lastly, change the USB port and connect the keyboard to another port of the PC. sometimes malfunctioned ports can cause issues with the keys too.
If there is nothing left to do, it’s time to change the external keyboard and buy a new one. You can replace the laptop’s keyboard if nothing fixes the Esc key.
Why is My Esc Key Not Working?
The Esc key isn’t working because dirt might piled-up underneath the keycap or the keycap gets damaged. Sometimes old keyboard drivers can malfunction the keys and prevent those from working. However, the Esc key won’t work in case the Sticky key or Filter Keys feature is enabled.
In some cases, it is found that some apps might interfere with the Esc key functionality. After installing software recently, you could face this error. So, look for a recently installed app that might trigger the problem.
Sometimes USB ports in the PC or the keyboard connection port can get damaged. To check for this possible reason, you can switch USB ports and check if the Esc key is working. If changing the port fixes the issue, the problem is with the PC’s USB or PS2 port.
Eventually, the keyboard can get damaged, destroying the Esc key’s functionality.
FAQs
Why is the Esc Key Working Like the Windows Key?
The combination of Ctrl + Esc works as a shortcut key and launches the start menu like a Windows key. Due to a stuck Ctrl key, pressing alone the Esc key surely brings up the start menu.
How can I modify keys on mac?
To modify keys for the Macbook, follow the below steps:
- Click on the apple logo from the top-left side.
- Select the System Preferences from the context menu.
- Choose the Keyboard and click on the Modifier keys.
- Select and set any keys to modify Caps Lock, Control, Option, Command key, or Function key.
What does Esc Key do?
The Escape key, also labeled as the Esc key, is used to cancel a running program or any current process. With this key, you can also close any pop-up windows.
Final Words
The Esc key is situated on the top left side of the keyboard. With this key, you can close any window or program. If the key gets damaged, you can’t use any shortcut key involving the Esc key.
In this article, I have shown how to fix the Esc key not working issue. Methods like turning off Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, updating the latest keyboard driver, troubleshooting the keyboard, etc, will definitely fix the issue.
I hope you have fixed the Esc key by following the methods. Let me know in case you need further assistance regarding Windows 11. Peace out!
