"System needs to be restarted again" Hotkey not working in Windows 10

EDIT: Solution: An audio output device needs to be enabled at startup for Hotkey to work. Whether it be realtek speakers or digital output, or an external DAC, something needs to be enabled.

I've tried nearly everything. 6.010 was working in Windows 10 for years until recently when it just doesn't work and causes the "system needs to be restarted again" dialogue. Isn't working in last and current Windows 10 versions.

I did a Windows reset and now hotkey works sometimes. It seems like either the driver order at startup determines if Hotkey will work, or some other thing I haven't identified yet. I'll try to figure this out.

 

Try perhaps disabling other startup options in case they are interfering?

 

I believe I've found the solution. In my case, Hotkey working depends on an audio device being functional at startup. I tend to keep my realtek disabled so I can only use my USB dac, but Hotkey will only work if the dac is plugged in at startup. I'm going to keep realtek digital output enabled for now so the issue is put away.