Window key+arrows hotkeys not working

Question

I recently got a new laptop running windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit. for a while I had no problems, but suddenly, and seemingly without warning, the window key+arrows shortcuts for maximizing and moving windows has stopped working. all other shortcuts I use often seem to work fine, its just those ones. the window key by itself opens the start menu just fine.

I have searched through the site for other questions on this topic and none have proven helpful. this is why I am asking again.

any suggestions?

Answer 1

This can happen if you turn off what I think is called "Aero Snap" for the mouse. It also disables it when you use the Windows key.

To check if it's turned on or off go to:

Control Panel > Ease of Access Center > Make the Mouse Easier to Use

Look under the subsection "Make it easier to manage windows" and see if "Prevent windows from being automatically arranged when moved to the edge of the screen" is checked.

If it's checked, then that's likely the problem.

Answer 2

Please provide more detail:

• Which solutions have you tried? For example, have you tried AutoHotkey?
• Have you or any program that you installed recently, by any chance, changed those hotkeys? If so, what application? Have you tried uninstalling it or disabling its hotkey feature?
• If system restore is enabled on your computer, have you tried restoring your PC to a previous date that you're sure those hotkeys were working properly.

Answer 3

I had a similar problem and determined the problem was that my windows key wasn't being recognized. I couldn't figure out why not though.. After about an hour of searching I realized the PC / Game switch on my logitech keyboard had slid to game mode... which causes win7 to disable the windows key.. even if you don't have the logitech drivers installed.