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x17 R2, Windows key disabled
I was typing and saw a notification popup with a message that said "Windows Key Disabled". Now my Windows key does not work. I checked online, but videos and tutorials say with press Fn-F6, but that does not work on the x17 R2. The F6 key is marked with a letter E, and doesn't seem to be assigned to anything (and does not do anything with pressed with the Fn key). Any ideas how to fix this?
levinier2022
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September 11th, 2022 06:00
in x15r1, The right windows key has the lock. So Fn+RightWin. Worth a try.
crimsom
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September 6th, 2022 15:00
HI @jabbamonkey welcome to this free user to user Alienware laptop discussion forum.
User jphughan has posted toggle Off or On suggestions within Solved: 15 R3, Windows/Start Key Requires FN - Dell Community Hope this helps.
jabbamonkey
4 Posts
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September 6th, 2022 16:00
That post by jphughan tells me to press fn+F6 .... which I said doesn't work for the x17 R2.
mattyb3
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September 6th, 2022 17:00
@jabbamonkey just make sure the Alienware OSD driver is installed as this can impact how some Fn keys operate. I'd be surprised if it isn't already installed, unless you've reinstalled Windows at some stage.
It seems that you may have inadvertently pressed the correct combination of keys to disable it so it may be a matter of trying a number of combinations to get it back.
jabbamonkey
4 Posts
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September 6th, 2022 18:00
Well, When I go to the Windows Start menu and type Alienware ... Alienware OnScreen Display shows up. But, when I click it .... all I get is a notification popup in the right corner that says:
"Alienware OnScreen Display 1.10.2.0" and nothing happens. No way to check it's settings...
jabbamonkey
4 Posts
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September 6th, 2022 19:00
Yup. F1, F7-F12 are labeled with icons (and I know what they all do, like fn+F12 toggles my touchpad). F2-F6 are just labeled with A through E, and they do not do anything when pressing the fn key.
mattyb3
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September 6th, 2022 19:00
Sounds like you have it installed then so the function buttons should all work as programmed. There must be another key combination that controls the Windows key. Have you tried all the Fn keys?
Alienware Area-51 ALX 2006
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September 7th, 2022 05:00
Hi @jabbamonkey ,
Have you tried reinstalling the Intel HID Event Filter Driver, which controls what happens when the keyboard is pressed. Intel HID Event Filter Driver | Driver Details | Dell US
Let me know about it.
crimsom
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September 11th, 2022 07:00
Hi @jabbamonkey thank you for sharing update.
In the Alienware splash screen F2 BIOS menu option, Advanced tab, click on 'Function Key Behaviour'. Switch to 'Function Key' then click on 'Apply', then 'save changes on Exit'. Now the function keys will work normally, and not as 'Fn' multimedia functions.
GargoyleGary
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November 16th, 2022 05:00
I press Fn-F6 and it fixed my problem.
Alienware Area-51 ALX 2006
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November 17th, 2022 08:00
Hi @GargoyleGary ,
Well congrats. Is there anything on the F6 key that shows it disables the key or no?
GargoyleGary
2 Posts
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November 17th, 2022 19:00
No there isn't.