3 Ways to Fix Ctrl + Alt + Delete Not Working on Windows 11

Basic Fixes

• Ensure keyboard keys are intact: Ensure that Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys aren’t damaged on your keyboard and are functioning properly.
• Perform a clean boot: An installed software on your PC may create a hotkey conflict. Clean boot your Windows 11 system and retry pressing the key combination.
• Run a security scan: Press the Windows key, search Windows Security, and click to open it. Select Virus & threat protection, and run a Quick scan.
• Update Windows 11: Press the Windows + I shortcut to open Settings, select Windows Update from the sidebar, and install available system updates.

Fix 1: Restart the Windows Explorer

The Windows Explorer process is essential for Taskbar, Start Menu, and File Explorer to work correctly. If it malfunctions or doesn’t respond to a key combination, restarting Windows Explorer should fix it.

Step 1: Press the Windows + X shortcut to open the Power User Menu and select Task Manager.

Step 2: Open Processes from the left sidebar, select Windows Explorer, and click Restart task. Retry pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete key combination.

Fix 2: Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers

An obsolete driver is a common culprit behind the keyboard not working properly on Windows 11. Update or reinstall it using Device Manager to fix the Ctrl + Alt + Delete not working issue.

Step 1: Open the Power User Menu using the Windows + X shortcut and select Device Manager.

Step 2: Expand Keyboards and right-click your keyboard to select Update driver.

Step 3: Click Search automatically for drivers to install the best available keyboard driver online.

Step 4: If the issue persists, right-click your keyboard and select Uninstall device. Reboot your PC to let Windows 11 automatically install compatible keyboard drivers.

Fix 3: Repair System Files

Lastly, the Ctrl-Alt-Delete key combination may fail if Windows 11 system files are corrupt. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scans to identify and repair corrupt system files.

Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Command Prompt, and click Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow in the console and press Enter.

Step 3: Finally, execute the following DISM commands sequentially to repair the system image followed by restarting your PC:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth