#Windows 10 remap keyboard buttons how to#
#Windows 10 remap keyboard buttons install#
#Windows 10 remap keyboard buttons software#
#Windows 10 remap keyboard buttons free#

You can create basic hotkeys by adding a line like this: Right-click on the resulting file and open it in Notepad.

#Windows 10 remap keyboard buttons software#

It's a bit more difficult to use than the software you get with gaming keyboards, but if your keyboard doesn't come with its own remapping program, it's your next best bet.Īfter installing AutoHotkey, create your hotkeys by right-clicking anywhere in File Explorer and choosing New > AutoHotkey Script.

#Windows 10 remap keyboard buttons free#

If neither of the above options suit your needs, you can create powerful hotkeys with AutoHotkey, a free program that comes with its own little scripting language for you to describe the actions you want your hotkeys to take. Create Complex Scripts With AutoHotkey (Credit: PCMag / AutoHotkey) But if you already have it on your system, it may be able to do exactly what you want without installing any other software, so give it a shot. Your mileage may vary with these, as I've found certain programs to be jankier than others in the past.

#Windows 10 remap keyboard buttons how to#

When in doubt, check the support page for your specific keyboard to find tutorials on how to get it done.

#Windows 10 remap keyboard buttons install#

Some will even let you record macros, allowing you to create complex shortcuts just by recording your actions and assigning them to a hotkey.Įach of these programs are a bit different, so we can't go into all of them here, but the gist should be the same across manufacturers: Install the software, select your keyboard, and look for the option to create new hotkeys, macros, or actions. Not only can you remap keys, but many of these programs let you create multi-key shortcuts, insert blocks of text, or create different profiles for each of your games. If your keyboard comes with advanced software, like Logitech's Gaming Software, Corsair's iCUE, or Razer's Synapse, you may have some key-remapping features already present on your system. Customize Hotkeys With Your Keyboard's Software Logitech's Gaming Software (Credit: PCMag / Logitech) You can even delete SharpKeys when you're done the program is merely a user-friendly interface for the Windows registry, so once the changes are made, you don't need it anymore. As an example, I use SharpKeys to make my Alt key act as the Ctrl key, and my Caps Lock act as the Windows key.Ĭlose the program, restart your computer, and you should find your keys have taken on their new roles. Repeat this process for any other remappings, then click the Write to Registry button. If you have trouble hunting it down in the list, you can also press the Type Key button and press a key on your keyboard. The left column denotes the key you'll press (for example, the Caps Lock key) and the right column denotes the action that key will take (for example, acting as the Windows key).

To remap a key, click the Add button and choose your keys from the two columns.

You don't need to rely on some other software as a middleman, and you'll run into the fewest compatibility issues, since Windows itself is interpreting the keystrokes.ĭownload the program from the Microsoft Store and start it up. This makes it the best option for these kinds of one-to-one key remappings. If you merely want to remap one key to another, SharpKeys is a simple, open-source program that uses the Windows registry. Switch Individual Keys With SharpKeys SharpKeys (Credit: RandyRants LLC) If you ever want to remove any, just click the trash can icon next to the listing and delete it. So instead of hitting Ctrl + C to copy, you can assign that shortcut to the left Alt button on your keyboard.Īdd as many remapped keys or shortcuts as you need, then click OK at the top of the page to save the changes. Click the + button, then set the key and map it to a specific action. Install the program from its GitHub page and open the Power Toys Settings page from the Windows System Tray.Ĭlick Keyboard Manager, then select Remap a key to re-assign individual keys or Remap a shortcut to assign hotkey combinations to a single key.

Remap Keys and Shortcuts With PowerToys PowerToys (Credit: PCMag / Microsoft)ĭon't trust a third-party developer? The easiest way to remap your keyboard is through Microsoft PowerToys, a set of utilities (including keyboard customization) designed for power users.

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