# Windows key locked: how to unlock it on your laptop

On many laptops, **Fn + Windows** locks the Windows key, and then **Ctrl + Win** does nothing. Press them again to unlock it. Loro lets you know: the pill says "Your Windows key is locked · press Fn + Windows and Loro works again". If you'd rather not depend on that key, pick others in **Settings › Dictation › Dictation shortcut**.

## How to fix it

1. Press **Fn + Windows** once.
2. Try again: hold **Ctrl + Win** and talk.

On some gaming laptops, the Windows key also gets locked by a game mode or by a key with a padlock on it. Turn it off and try again.

## Other keys for dictating

1. Open **Settings › Dictation**.
2. Under **Dictation shortcut**, click **Change**.
3. Press your new keys, for example **Ctrl + Shift**.

To go back to the usual keys, click **Back to Ctrl + Win**.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why doesn't Loro unlock it by itself?

The lock is in the keyboard itself, and no app can change it. Loro can only notice and let you know.

### Does this happen on a Mac?

No: on a Mac you dictate with fn.

---

The Loro team · Updated October 28, 2026 · https://heyloro.app/en/help/windows-key-locked