// troubleshooting guide · espanso

Espanso Not Triggering on Windows

Status
Ongoing
platforms:
Windows
updated:
November 15, 2026
reports:
2
Method
how we research
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RUNBOOK · espanso/windows-not-triggering3 FIXES

// quick answer

On Windows 11 test force_mode and key delays, and check Espanso is running with the same privileges as the target app.

Most likely fix: Check status

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

  1. FIX 1Check status

    1. 01Run `espanso status` and `espanso restart`
    Did this fix it?
  2. FIX 2Test modes

    1. 01Try `force_mode: keys` then `clipboard`
    Did this fix it?
  3. FIX 3Tune timing

    1. 01Raise `key_delay` or `inject_delay` in config/default.yml
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

Triggers ignored in some Windows apps.

Why it happens

  • C-01Elevated apps
  • C-02Key events dropped
  • C-03Clipboard backend failing

// this guide also covers

  • espanso windows 11 not working
  • espanso not triggering windows

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