The media keys on our keyboard let us control the media playing on our Windows 11 system.
For instance, using media keys, we can play/pause the audio, adjust its volume, etc.
But, a set of users said that the media keys, especially the play/pause keys, arent working.
Whereas for some users, these keys dont work when using Spotify, VLC Media, etc.
If your keyboards media keys have also stopped working in the new Windows 11, weve got your back.
Why Are Media Keys Not Working in Windows 11?
There could be varied reasons for the media keys not working issue in the Windows 11.
Thus, to check this,use an online keyboard tester tool on your Windows 11 PC.
Thus, we suggest youclean the keyboard with a damp cloth.
Doing so will eliminate all the temporary bugs and glitches that may be causing this issue.
So reset your Windows 11 computer and see if it works for you.
2.From the popup menu, choose theRestartoption to cycle your Windows 11 computer.
In case the issue is still, considerhard rebooting your Windows 11 PC.
4. execute the Keyboard Troubleshooter
1.Open theWindows Search Boxon your PC by pressing theWindows keyand typingSettingsin it.
2.Choose theSettings appfrom the search results in theBest matchsection to launch it.
3.On the right pane of theSettings program, chooseTroubleshootand thenOther troubleshooters.
4.In theOther troubleshooterswindow, look for theKeyboard troubleshooterunderOthers.
5.Next toKeyboard, clickRunto start the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen prompts.
We hope the Keyboard troubleshooter fixes the media keys not working issue on your PC.
2.In theTime & languagewindow, choose theTypingoption and thenLanguage & region.
3.On the next screen, move your primary language down and then back to the top to reset it.
you could move it up and down by holding the six dots at the left of the language input.
2.InServices, look for theWindows Media Player connection Sharingservice and right-click it.
3.Right-click it, and chooseStopto pause the Windows Media Player web connection Sharing service.
Language and region
Considering this, we suggest yourestart the Human Interface machine serviceto fix issues with it.
2.Choose thePropertiesoption from the right-click menu and then press theStopbutton.
3.Once done, click theStartbutton to re-switch on the Human Interface gear service on it.
If the keyboard works properly, then theres a software problem.
2.From the dropdown menu, choose theManage extensionsoption to view all the extensions.
If the issue is still there, repeat the same process until you disable all of them.
1.LaunchMicrosoft Edgeon your Windows 11 PC and choose thePuzzleicon in the top menu.
2.SelectManage extensionsfrom the dropdown menu to view all the installed extensions.
2.In theProgramswindow, choose theView installed updatesoption underPrograms and Features.
3.On the next screen, find the conflicting Windows update and click theUninstallbutton next to it.
4.In the new window, click theUninstallbutton to delete the Windows update from your PC.
2.In theAppswindow, choose theDefault appswindow and go to theRelated settingssection.
3.Choose theChoose defaultsby file typeoption, look for theMP3file bang out, and choose it.
4.Choose the media app you want to set as the default app to open music files on your PC.
So, do this and test whether this fixes the issue.
2.In theWindows Updatewindow, chooseAdvanced optionsand thenOptional updates.
3.Click theCheck for updatesbutton and pick the updates in theDriverssection to install.
4.Once done, click theDownload & installbutton to install them on your Windows 11 PC.
5.After installing the new updates, start your system and peek if the media keys are working.
2.Expand theMice and other pointing devicessection and right-nudge the keyboard driver.
3.ChooseUninstall devicefrom the context menu and then chooseUninstallfrom the menu.
4.Once the gear is uninstalled, clickActionin the top ribbon menu to get a dropdown menu.
5.From the dropdown menu, select theScan for hardware changesoption to reinstall the driver.
6.Lastly, cycle your Windows computer and check whether the media controls are now working.
2.From the dropdown menu, select theSettingsoption and proceed to theDisplaysection.
3.In theDisplaysection, ensure theShow desktop overlay using media keystoggle is enabled.
4.Once done, reopen theSpotify appand confirm if the media keys are now working well.
FAQs
Why Are My Media Keys Not Working?
How Do I Enable Media Control in Windows 11?
Fortunately, the media keys or controls come pre-enabled in Windows 11.
You dont need to enable them manually.
What Is the Shortcut for Media Controls in Windows 11?
you might use theWindows + Ahotkey to initiate the media controls on your Windows 11 PC.
Otherwise, use theWindows + Lshortcut to get the media controls on the lock screen.
Why Are the Media Keys Not Working on Spotify Windows 10?
How Do I Turn My Function Keys Into Media Keys?
You dont need to turn your Function keys into Media keys, as they already come this way.
However, sometimes, they stop working for no reason.
As in this guide, we shared some workarounds to fix media keys not working in Windows 11.
If yes, do let us know which mentioned fix helped you easily get rid of this issue.
Uninstall Device