change keys on keyboard

How do I reassign hot keys for my keyboard?

You can reassign some keys to access different commands, shortcuts, or Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center features to better fit your work style.

Note:  The options listed in this wizard vary depending on the key selected. For example, since you cannot reassign the Windows key, the only option available is to disable it.

To reassign a key

Download and install the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center .

Connect the keyboard that you want to configure.

Select the Start  button, and then select Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center .

From the displayed list of key names, select the key that you want to reassign.

In the command list of the key that you want to reassign, select a command.

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How-To Geek

How to remap any key or shortcut on windows 10.

Swapping the keycaps between keys doesn't count as "Remapping."

Quick Links

Remap keys with powertoys, how to remove the new key mapping, how to disable or remap keys using sharpkeys [alternative method], use your keyboard's software to remap keys, key takeaways.

Install Microsoft PowerToys from GitHub, launch it, and then navigate to Keyboard Manager > Remap a Key. Click the plus button, and then select the key you want to rebind from the list. You can click the trash can icon to remove a remapping at any time.

Would you like to use a different keyboard key to perform a certain task in Windows 10? Thanks to PowerToys , it's easy to remap any key to another key or even a shortcut combination on your keyboard. Here's how to set it up.

Microsoft makes it easy to remap keys with PowerToys , a free utility available for download online. Using PowerToys, you can make any key on your keyboard act like any other key — and even remap shortcuts.

If you don't already have PowerToys installed, download it for free from Github. After you install it, launch PowerToys Settings, then click "Keyboard Manager" in the sidebar. In the "Keyboard Manager" settings, click "Remap a Key."

When the "Remap Keyboard" window pops up, click the plus button ("+") to add a new key mapping.

After that, you'll need to define which key you want to remap (in the "Key:" column), and what key or shortcut you want it to perform (in the "Mapped To:" column).

First, select the key you'll be remapping in the "To:" column by either clicking the "Type" button and pressing the key on your keyboard, or by selecting it from the list in the drop-down menu. For example, we'll pick Scroll Lock here, since it often sits unused.

Next, select the key or shortcut you want to perform in the "Mapped To" column. For a single key, you can either choose it from the drop-down menu or click the "Type" button, then press it on your keyboard.

If you want to use a shortcut key combination, press the "Type" button, then press the combination on your keyboard. For example, here we've typed "Ctrl+C" for the standard Windows "Copy" shortcut.

After you have both "Key:" and "Mapped To:" columns defined, click "OK."

If you see a warning that one key will be left unassigned, click "Continue Anyway." This means that you won't be able to access the original function of the key that you just remapped.

(In our example, there will be no way to use Scroll Lock unless you remap another key to perform the original Scroll Lock function).

Next, you'll see the resulting mapping listed in the "Keyboard Manager" settings. That means your custom mapping has been saved and is now active.

If you want to add more mappings, click "Remap a key" again. When you're done, close PowerToys Settings completely, and your remapped key (or keys) will remain in effect. Use them as much as you'd like. You can always go back and adjust your mappings later if necessary.

Later on, if you want to remove the custom mapping you made, relaunch Power Toys Settings, then click "Keyboard Manager" and "Remap a key" again. In the list of mappings, click the trash can icon beside the mapping you'd like to delete.

The mapping will be removed. After that, click "OK" to close the window. Then you can either exit PowerToys completely or create a new mapping using the guide above. Have fun!

The major problem with PowerToys is that the remappings only work if the PowerToys application is running, so they won't work on the login screen. There also seem to be issues with the remappings not working properly in games and some other places. The solution? Use the old-school Windows Registry key remapping technique... but do it the easy way, using the open-source SharpKeys application.

SharpKeys won't let you remap shortcut key combinations, so you can't remap ALT+C to CTRL+C, for example, but you can do things like remap or disable the Caps Lock key on any version of Windows .

Install the application from their Github project page or from the Microsoft Store , open it up (clicking through the annoying Windows SmartScreen warnings), and then click the Add button to open up the Add New Key Mapping dialog.

We've been using SharpKeys literally since Windows Vista was around. That's a long time.

Many modern keyboards also have special software that allows you to remap keys as well. Since all of their software is different we can't definitively say "Here is how you do it." Generally speaking, you'll be looking for an option like "Customize," "Keybind," "Bind," or "Remap."

Here is a quick list to some of the specialized software available for different keyboard brands, though keep in mind that this is not an exhaustive list.

• Logitech G Hub
• Corsair iCUE
• SteelSeries Engine
• Razer Synapse
• HyperX NGENUITY
• Roccat Swarm

Your keyboard software probably lets you do other things besides modify keybinds. For example, if your keyboard has extra keys, or RGB, the manufacturer software is typically required to utilize them.

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How can I remap a keyboard key?

One of my laptop's keys has fallen off. Is there any way I can remap another key to serve as that key? I'll 'sacrifice' the other key because I never use it.

• 43 Scroll lock: Why are you looking at me? –  Colonel Panic May 30, 2013 at 23:44
• 4 This question covers permanently remapping keys. Most answers are based on a registry edit requiring a reboot. For ways to remap keys without a restart , swapping keys with each other, or swapping for specific applications , see this question: Remapping keyboard keys for specific applications –  Lilienthal Oct 21, 2015 at 21:17
• @harrymc the vlaurie.com link is dead (now hosted by ParkLogic) –  john v kumpf Jul 13, 2018 at 1:51
• @johnvkumpf: There are heaps of such articles. Most dead links can still be found on the Wayback Machine. For this one see here . –  harrymc Jul 13, 2018 at 7:54
• SharpKeys (free download from authoritative source): github.com/randyrants/sharpkeys/releases –  caw Feb 13, 2020 at 19:30

9 Answers 9

Here is a good article from Howtogeek about using a utility called SharpKeys :

##Map Any Key to Any Key on Windows 10, 8, 7, or Vista If you are tired of the way certain keys on your system work, such as the Caps Lock key, you can re-map them to function as a different key by using a registry hack . But there should be an easier way, right? This is where SharpKeys comes into the picture: It’s a small utility that will let you easily map one key to another key easily, or even turn the key off, without having to enter the registry at all. For instance, I used the key mapping to just turn off my Caps Lock key, since I never use it. (source: howtogeek.com )

You can click the Add button to bring up the Add New Key Mapping dialog, where you can either select the keys to map from the lists, or just click the Type Key button and press the key manually (which I find much more intuitive) (source: howtogeek.com )

Once you are done, click the Write to Registry button and you’ll be told to log off or reboot for the changes to take effect. (source: howtogeek.com )

If you want all the technical details on how the registry keys work, you can read about how to map keys using registry hacks .

Link for reference

• 4 For simple remapping this is the way to go, no need to write a full blown autohotkey script. I swear by AHK don't get me wrong, but thats more for keyboard combinations rather than simple remapping. –  user1931 Sep 7, 2009 at 5:58
• Very easy to use - would be more lovely to be able to toggle the keys (enable/disable it) without deleting anything –  Nam G VU Feb 4, 2011 at 5:14
• Will this allow me to swap the Fn and Ctrl key in Windows on a Macbook Pro Retina running Bootcamp? Thanks. –  dotnethaggis Aug 27, 2014 at 13:31
• Do I have to run the app all the time, or is the change permanent? –  Colonel Panic Oct 7, 2015 at 16:04
• The HowToGeek registry hack link above is perfect for doing this without software -- but the scancode link in said article is dead. Here's a live (as of today) one: msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/aa299374(v=vs.60).aspx –  Joe Oct 14, 2015 at 18:19

Using Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator here without problems. For switching modifier keys I would suggest a registry hack or an application that changes the registry for you, do not use a pure software remap like AutoHotkey as those solutions don't work for every application.

Another solution is to get a replacement key in case you really can't insert the key back in your laptop, have you tried a search for 'broken laptop key' ?

• 2 This is th best solution I have found - unlike AutoHotKey and Keytweak, I can modify the characters generated with modifiers, without changing the unmodified behaviour. Now I can get ( and ) without Shift, 9 and 0 are unaffected! :D –  James Broadhead May 23, 2011 at 9:23
• Well, for my case of converting a qwertz keyboard into a qwerty keyboard this does not work, because ctrl+z stays next to the t. :( –  ANeves Mar 1, 2014 at 17:33
• For some applications that (presumably) are listening to keydown events it is also necessary to also remap keyboard scan codes. It's a nice solution because it's built into windows and you can use the windows shortcuts. –  David Sopko Oct 9, 2018 at 2:40
• The only problem is that it requires .NET Framework 2.0 - if you install it to run the keyboard layout creator, make sure you uninstall it after! –  stiv Nov 20, 2019 at 17:35
• I wanted to interchange my backspace and caps lock. This method doesn't work for me. –  Black Chase Oct 7, 2021 at 18:38

You can use Microsoft's Keyboard Layout Creator . This will even allow you to add extra functionality to your keyboard, such as changing a key into a dead key (e.g. ~ ), add extra mappings (e.g. altgr + c -> ç ), etc.

In order to edit the special keystrokes, like ctrl + FOO , you might need to edit the .klc file manually. You can find instructions by @Senseful in https://superuser.com/a/172993/157884 :

You need to modify the .klc file manually. Basically you just modify the VK_ column to match the value in column 1 . So for example if you want to bind L to N , you would create the keyboard as you normally would in KLC. Then you would open the KLC file in a text editor. Find the value L in the VK_ column, and switch it to an N . For more information, I wrote the complete steps on my blog .

Warning: incomplete support for key bindings in some applications

However, be warned that some applications might not take those special keystrokes properly.

As an example: with my particular configuration, pressing altgr + a in DotA2's teamchat will erase the text — instead of adding an ã like in other applications.

I have Genius KB-G235 USB keyboard (HID) and WinXP SP3. Neither of applications in previous answers didnt work for me. (Because working with PS/2 codes or not (fully) with XP).

I tried HotkeyP (free and open source) https://sourceforge.net/projects/hotkeyp/ and this works! Just add action for key and its done. (After assign new action isn't default action executed.)

Keyman Desktop - You can even create your own custom keyboards with Keyman Developer . With keyboards for over 1000 languages, Keyman Desktop lets you type in your language even when Windows doesn’t.

• 1 The Keyman software is becoming free after SIL International bought it. This makes it a more interesting choice than before. (Few people would buy software to do just a simple mapping of a key for personal use.) –  Jukka K. Korpela Mar 2, 2017 at 18:25

The easiest way: The Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator . This is an official Microsoft solution. Functionality is similar like Ukelele for OS X.

Download and instructions: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=102134

For Windows 10: PowerToys

Microsoft has released an advanced application, PowerToys , that has a simple, but effective, key mapping facility. I've used it to swap my Alt and Ctrl keys; it works like a champ.

http://www.autohotkey.com/ can be a simpler and powerful solution. You can remap keys and create modifiers keys using scripts like

• 2 But why all of this if something like ScrollLock::LControl is just enough for the remapping? –  Yuuza Apr 8, 2016 at 2:26
• 1 Sorry, I really could simplify, but I wanted to show the power of the tool. With this script you don't need to sacrifice keys, you just need to have a modifier key and have a second function for one key. –  Jp_ Apr 8, 2016 at 11:43
• Re "I wanted to show the power of the tool" : You could split the answer into two parts: The first part with a direct answer with the simplest solution that could possibly work and another more elaborate/comprehensive part. (But *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** without *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** "Edit:", "Update:", or similar - the answer should appear as if it was written today.) –  Peter Mortensen Mar 17 at 3:27

I found one application, HotkeyP , which can do almost all of them in Windows 7 and it works without any issues when your desktop is unlocked. Also it is pretty easy to use.

The only drawback I found was it will not work when the desktop is locked, say, I come back from sleep and the computer is locked and I have loud music playing. Multimedia keyboards can mute from there itself. But with this application you need to unlock first.

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2 Ways to Remap Keyboard Keys in Windows 11

Chinmay is a computer wizard known for his quick troubleshooting skills. He is well versed with Android and Windows, and loves to help people with his solutions. You can always find him active on Twitter, come say Hi!

If you have ever felt constrained by the default keyboard layout on your Windows 11 machine, you are not alone. Fortunately, a little-known feature can help you personalize your typing experience tailored to your needs. In this article, we will look closer at how to remap keyboard keys in Windows 11 using Microsoft Powertoys.

Every individual has preferences regarding the keyboard layout. Whether typing or gaming, even a single key rebind can increase your efficiency. Microsoft Powertoys and SharpKeys are free yet powerful tools that allow you to remap every key on your keyboard on any Windows computer or laptop.

But what is key remapping exactly? Let’s understand that first.

What Does Remapping Key Mean

Remapping a key means to re-assign the function of a key to another action. For example, you can remap the Alt key on your keyboard to behave as the Enter key. Here, once the remap is complete, pressing the Alt key on your keyboard will be considered as an input of Enter key by your computer.

In this manner, you can remap any key to perform a different task than what the key is supposed to do. You can not only remap keys but also remap and change Windows shortcuts.

For example, the Windows + S shortcut opens the Search bar in Windows. You can remap this shortcut to perform a different task of your choice or even completely disable this shortcut based on your preferences.

Now, there are various ways to remap keys in Windows 11. Some external keyboards are shipped with customization software from their OEMs using which you can remap keys and shortcuts. However, not every keyboard comes with such functionality and this solution leaves out laptop users.

But worry not, as we have Microsoft PowerToys that lets you remap keys on any Windows 11 machine, including both laptops and desktops with external keyboards. Here’s how you can install Microsoft Powertoys and remap your keyboard keys in Windows 11.

Note: Apart from Microsoft PowerToys and SharpKeys, you can also remap your keys using Windows Registry Editor. However, the process is too complex and changes are hard to revert if something goes wrong. Hence, we recommend sticking to either Microsoft PowerToys or SharpKeys to remap your keys.

Method 1: How to Remap Keys in Windows 11 Using Microsoft PowerToys

Microsoft PowerToys is a native utility tool to help users boost their productivity on Windows. Remapping keys is only one of the several abilities that Microsoft PowerToys offers . But first, you need to install the software before you jump to remapping keyboard keys.

Note : If you have PowerToys installed, skip to part 2.

Part 1: Install PowerToys on Your Windows 11 Computer

Step 1: Visit the official website and click on Install PowerToys using the link below.

Download Microsoft PowerToys

Step 2: Scroll down to the Assets section and download the .exe file named PowerToysSetup.

Note: Download the correct setup file for your system architecture. If you have an Intel or AMD-based CPU, download the x64 version. Whereas, if you have a Qualcomm Snapdragon, Mediatek, or Samsung Exynos CPU, download the arm64 version.

Step 3: Now, open the PowerToysSetup .exe file. Accept the terms and conditions, and click on Install.

Step 4: Open Microsoft PowerToys. In the General menu, enable ‘Run at startup’. This will keep PowerToys running in the background every time you boot your system.

Microsoft PowerToys installation and setup are now complete.

Part 2: Remap Keys Using Keyboard Manager in Microsoft PowerToys

Step 1: Open Microsoft PowerToys on your Windows 11 computer.

Step 2: Click on Keyboard Manager in the sidebar.

Step 3: Turn on the toggle for Enable Keyboard Manager.

Step 4: Click on Remap a key.

Step 5: In the Remap Keys prompt, click on the plus icon to start remapping your keys.

Step 6: Click on the Type button.

Step 7: Now, press the key on your keyboard that you wish to remap and click on OK.

Step 8: If you want to remap your selected key to a different key, click on Type.

Step 9: Now press the desired key on your keyboard which you want as a remap and click on OK.

Note : Repeat steps 6-9 to remap more keys.

Step 10: Once done, click on the OK button at the top right.

Step 11: A warning box will pop up, click on Continue Anyway.

Your selected keys now have been remapped successfully. 

Reassign Keyboard Keys to Perform an Action in Windows 11

Step 1: Open Microsoft PowerToys on your Windows 11 machine.

Step 2: Click on Keyboard Manager.

Step 3: Now Click on Remap a key.

Step 4: To add a new key for remapping, click on the plus icon.

Step 5: Now click on Type.

Step 6: Press the key on your keyboard that you wish to remap, and click on OK.

Step 7: To remap your selected to a specific action, click on the dropdown menu.

Step 8: Select the action which you want as a remap for your key.

Step 9: Click on the blue OK button.

Your selected key now has been remapped to perform your desired action.

Remap Shortcuts in Windows 11

As mentioned earlier, you can also remap shortcuts in Windows 11. Here’s how.

Step 3: Now click on Remap a shortcut.

Step 4: To change keyboard shortcuts, click on the plus icon.

Step 5: Click on the Type button in the Physical Shortcut section.

Step 6: Now press the keys involved in the shortcut which you wish to remap and click on OK.

Note: A maximum of three keys are supported to remap a shortcut. If your shortcut includes pressing more than three keys, it cannot be remapped using Microsoft PowerToys.

Step 7: Click on the Type button under the Mapped To section.

Step 8: Now, press the key which you want as a remapped action.

Alternatively, you can also choose to remap your selected shortcut to perform a particular task from the dropdown menu.

Step 9: Click on the OK button to save your changes.

Your selected shortcut now has been remapped to a new action.

How to Delete Key Remapping in Microsoft PowerToys

If you want to delete your key remappings from Microsoft PowerToys, follow these steps.

Step 3: Click on Remap a key.

Note: You can also delete remapped shortcuts in the same manner, under the Remap a shortcut section.

Step 4: Now click on the delete icon of the remapping which you want to remove.

Step 5: Click on the OK button to save your settings.

Method 2: Reassign Keyboard Keys Using SharpKeys

SharpKeys is an open-source software that offers an alternative method to remap keys in Windows 11. Here’s how you can use it. Note that SharpKeys only supports key remapping, and does not support changing keyboard shortcuts.

Step 1: Download SharpKeys from the Microsoft App Store.

Download Sharpkeys

Step 2: Open SharpKeys on your Windows 11 machine.

Step 3: To start remapping a key, click on Add.

Step 4: From the left list, select the key which you want to remap. Alternatively, click on the left Type button to directly press the key on your keyboard that you wish to remap.

Step 5: Now, select the key which you want as remapped key from the right list. You can also click on Type and press the key directly on your keyboard.

Step 6: Click on Ok.

Step 7: Now, click on Write to Registry. To apply your changes, reboot your system.

Your keys now have been remapped successfully using SharpKeys in Windows 11.

How to Delete Key Remappings in Sharpkeys

Step 1: Open SharpKeys on your Windows 11 machine.

Step 2: Click on the remapping that you want to delete.

Step 3: Now, hit the delete option at the bottom. This will delete your selected key remapping.

Step 4: Click on Write to Registry. Reboot your system to apply the changes.

SharpKeys also has a feature where you can save your key remaps using a local file. This can be done by clicking on the Save keys button.

You can transfer this local file to any new system and open it using SharpKeys. This can be done by using the Load keys button in Sharpkeys, on your new system.

SharpKeys is as good as Microsoft PowerToys, but it requires a reboot every time to apply new changes.

FAQs on Remapping Keyboard Keys in Windows 11

Yes, remapped keys work systemwide in Windows 11. The new remapped action will remain active across all applications.

Yes, you can disable keys in Windows 11 using both Microsoft PowerToys and Sharpkeys. In PowerToys, you have to remap the action to ‘Disabled’ from the drop-down menu. In Sharpkeys, you have to select the first option called ‘Turn Key Off’.

Remapping Keys Made Easy

Microsoft PowerToys and Sharkeys are two powerful tools that you can use to remap your keyboard keys on any Windows 11 machine. So, if you have a faulty key that needs urgent remapping or normal rebinding, PowerToys and Sharpkeys get you covered. You can also check our guide on how to remap keys in Windows 10 .

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Last updated on 11 May, 2023

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How to Remap a Keyboard in Windows 10

Use Microsoft PowerToys to reassign keys and change keyboard shortcuts

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What to Know

• Download Microsoft Power Toys, open it, and then go to Keyboard Manager > Remap a Key or Remap a Shortcut .
• To reset keys and shortcuts to the default, select the Trashcan icon beside the entry.
• If you have an external keyboard and mouse, use the Windows Mouse and Keyboard Center tool to customize both.

This article explains how to remap a keyboard in Windows 10. Instructions apply to external keyboards and the built-in keyboards of Windows-based laptops.

How to Change a Keyboard Layout in Windows 10

The easiest way to customize your keyboard is by using PowerToys, a free program made by Microsoft. It allows you to reassign keys and change your keyboard shortcuts using a simple interface. PowerToys also enables you to personalize the layout and appearance of the operating system.

Can You Reassign Keyboard Keys?

Follow these steps to reassign keys in Windows 10:

Download Microsoft Power Toys and install it on your PC.

Open Power Toys and select Keyboard Manager in the left sidebar.

Select Remap a Key .

If the keyboard options are grayed out, select the Enable Keyboard Manager switch.

Select the Plus ( + ) under Key .

Under Key , choose the key you want to reassign from the drop-down menu, or select Type and enter a key.

Under Mapped To , choose the new key. If you want to switch two keys, repeat steps 5 and 6 to create another entry, reversing the keys.

To reset the key to its default, return to this screen and select the Trashcan icon beside the entry.

Select OK .

Select Continue Anyway , if you see a notice telling you you'll no longer be able to use the keys for their original purpose.

How to Remap Windows 10 Shortcuts

You can change keyboard shortcuts for specific apps or your whole system:

Open Microsoft Power Toys and select Keyboard Manager in the left sidebar, then select Remap a Shortcut .

Select the Plus ( + ) under Shortcut .

Choose the key you want to reassign from the drop-down menu under Shortcut or select Type and enter a keyboard shortcut.

Under Mapped To , choose the new key or shortcut.

Under Target Apps , enter the name of an app (if you leave this section blank, the change is applied system-wide).

How to Reset Keyboard Mapping

To set your key reassignments back to the defaults, go to Keyboard Manager in PowerToys, select Remap a shortcut , and then select the Trashcan icon beside the entry you want to delete.

How Can I Customize My Keyboard?

PowerToys lets you reassign keys and shortcuts, but some keyboards come with customization software that gives you even more control over how your device works. For example, you could create multi-key macros and insert blocks of text with a single keystroke. You can customize both with the Windows Mouse and Keyboard Center tool if you have an external keyboard and mouse.

If you need to reassign a key because it isn't working, you can enable the Windows 10 on-screen keyboard to access all keys.

Remapping a keyboard on a Mac works differently than on a Windows PC. While you can't wholly remap the keyboard, you can set up custom shortcuts. Go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Keyboard and click the Shortcuts tab. Select a shortcut and highlight its existing key combination. Then, type in your new key combination, which will replace the previous shortcut.

If you want a hotkey to access a different shortcut or command, download the Windows Mouse and Keyboard Center and connect the keyboard you wish to configure. Open the Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center and choose the key you'd like to reassign, then select a command from the command list to become the key's new function.

You don't need to remap a Windows PC keyboard for use on a Mac, but you'll need to be aware of the Windows keyboard equivalents for Mac's special keys . For example, the Windows key is equivalent to the Mac's Command key. Also, key locations are different on a Windows keyboard. If you want to reassign a Windows keyboard key's location for use with your Mac so it's easier to find, go to the Apple menu > System Preferences > Keyboard . Select Modifier Keys , then switch the keys' functions to your liking.

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How to Reassign Keyboard Keys on Windows 11 or Windows 10

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Most of us are used to the classic qwerty or azerty layout on our keyboards, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfect. Default keyboard layouts are meant to apply to a broad range of people, not cater to individual needs. As a result, you may be wondering how to remap keys in Windows 11 and Windows 10 to suit your preferences.

PowerToys: A Great Key Remapper From Microsoft

For this purpose, we’ll be using a Microsoft-published tool called PowerToys. PowerToys is an application-suite designed to help you get more out of your PC, and that includes the ability to remap your keyboard.   If you don’t have PowerToys already, you can download it from the official PowerToys GitHub page. Follow the installer’s instructions and you’ll be good to go.

How to Remap your Keyboard in Windows 11 with PowerToys

PowerToys is a suite of utilities designed to allow power users to streamline their Windows experience for greater productivity. Among its various tools, the Keyboard Manager utility stands out for its ability to remap keys and shortcuts easily. Opting for PowerToys means benefiting from a Microsoft-supported tool that’s not only reliable but also regularly updated with security enhancements and new features.

The Best Freeware Tools to Move and Remap Keys

If you’d prefer not to install a general-purpose tool like PowerToys, there are several third-party tools to choose from. Popular choices include:

SharpKeys is a simple and easy-to-use tool that has been around for a while. Its interface is nothing fancy but is perhaps more efficient because of it. Once you’re done making the changes,  SharpKeys  lets you easily write them to the registry and then reboot to get started.

Key Remapper

Key Remapper  is one of the more popular and well-reviewed key remappers for Windows 10. Though you do have to pay for its full version, you can grab a restricted version for free  here . The best thing about Key Remapper is its ability to additionally remap mouse buttons. You can therefore add keyboard keys to your mouse for very easy access.

KeyTweak  is a good alternative if you’re looking for a key remapper with a more visual interface. Rather than lists, it displays a virtual keyboard and allows you to click each button on it to remap them. You can also save different sets of mappings to separate profiles so that you can easily switch between them.

Key Mapper  stands out for its flexible interface. Everything works through a drag and drop interface that allows you easily reassign, disable, and activate keys. However, you can also use methods such as double-clicking keys on the keyboard or manually creating a new mapping. Importantly for international or dvorak users,  Key Mapper  also supports several alternate keyboard layouts.

RemapKeyboard

If you’re looking for something small and lightweight,  RemapKeyboard  does the job. It comes in at just 79KB and consists of  simple, three-column list interface that is very easy to navigate. It requires a registry entry to change the keys, so you’ll need to log in and out for the changes to take effect.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Key Remapping with PowerToys

Can i remap keyboard shortcuts in addition to individual keys using powertoys.

Absolutely. The Keyboard Manager component of PowerToys allows you not only to remap single keys but also to customize keyboard shortcuts. This includes creating new shortcuts or altering existing ones to better suit your workflow and productivity needs. It’s a versatile feature that extends your customization capabilities well beyond simple key remapping.

Is it possible to remap mouse buttons using PowerToys?

Currently, PowerToys does not support the remapping of mouse buttons directly. For users looking to customize their mouse button actions, alternative third-party software will be necessary. There are numerous tools available that offer mouse button customization, including the ability to set up complex actions and gestures.

Can I export my PowerToys keyboard remappings to another computer?

While PowerToys does not offer a built-in feature for exporting and importing keyboard remapping profiles directly through the GUI, you can manually transfer the necessary configuration files. These files are typically located in the PowerToys settings folder within your user profile directory. Copying these to the corresponding location on another computer with PowerToys installed will replicate your key remapping setup.

How do alternative key remapping tools compare to PowerToys in terms of features?

Alternative key remapping tools vary widely in their approach and features. For instance, SharpKeys offers a straightforward, no-frills interface for directly writing remaps to the Windows registry, making it less flexible but very simple to use. Key Remapper , on the other hand, includes the ability to remap both keyboard keys and mouse buttons, providing a wider range of customization than PowerToys’ current keyboard-only focus. Other tools might offer unique user interfaces, such as drag-and-drop mapping, or support for creating conditional remappings based on the application in focus.

Can I use PowerToys to remap keys on external keyboards?

Yes, PowerToys supports key remapping for both built-in laptop keyboards and external keyboards. This means that any remapping you apply through PowerToys will affect the selected keys regardless of whether they’re on an internal or USB/Bluetooth-connected external keyboard. It’s important to note, however, that remappings are global and not device-specific; the same remappings apply to all keyboards connected to the system.

Does remapping keys with PowerToys affect performance or security?

Key remapping with PowerToys is designed to be both secure and efficient, having a negligible impact on system performance and no known security vulnerabilities as long as you download PowerToys from the official Microsoft GitHub repository. Microsoft actively develops and supports PowerToys, ensuring it adheres to modern security standards.

How can I contribute to the development of PowerToys or suggest new key remapping features?

Microsoft welcomes community contributions to PowerToys. If you’re interested in suggesting new features, reporting bugs, or even contributing code, the best place to start is the PowerToys GitHub repository . There, you can open an issue to suggest a new feature or report a problem, or you can fork the repository to work on your own code improvements. The project’s README and contributing guidelines provide a wealth of information on how to get started.

Can I set key remappings in PowerToys to be application-specific?

As of the current version, PowerToys does not support the ability to create application-specific key remappings. All key and shortcut remappings applied via the Keyboard Manager are global, affecting all applications. For specialized remapping needs—including application-specific configurations—users may need to look into more advanced scripting or software solutions.

Is PowerToys compatible with Windows versions older than Windows 10?

PowerToys is specifically designed for Windows 10 and later, leveraging modern Windows features and APIs for its functionality. As such, it is not compatible with or supported on older versions of Windows, such as Windows 8.1 or Windows 7. Users on these older platforms would need to explore alternative tools or upgrade their operating system to use PowerToys.

How does PowerToys manage remapping of special keys like function or media controls?

PowerToys’ Keyboard Manager supports remapping a wide array of keys, including function keys and many special keys like media controls. This allows users to customize their keyboards extensively, tailoring functionality like volume control or track skipping to keys of their choosing. Keep in mind that while most keys are remappable, there may be some special keys or hardware-specific keys that cannot be remapped due to their direct handling by the system or hardware-level firmware.

What steps should I take if I encounter a conflict during key remapping in PowerToys?

When you encounter a conflict during key remapping with PowerToys—such as overlapping shortcuts or remapped keys affecting crucial system functions—PowerToys will alert you through its interface. You can opt to proceed with the remapping, knowing the conflict, or revise your remappings to avoid the issue. For optimal results, it’s advisable to carefully plan your remappings to minimize conflicts, particularly for commonly used shortcuts and keys.

Are there communities or forums where I can share or learn about PowerToys remapping setups?

Yes, there are several communities and forums where PowerToys users share tips, remapping setups, and troubleshoot issues together. The PowerToys GitHub repository is a central hub for technical discussions and feature requests. Additionally, forums like Reddit’s r/PowerToys and Microsoft’s own community forums serve as platforms for broader discussions, user tips, and shared configurations.

Do I need administrative privileges to use PowerToys for key remapping?

Running PowerToys and accessing its key remapping feature requires administrative privileges primarily during installation or when updating PowerToys. This ensures that PowerToys can interact securely with system-level settings and apply remappings effectively. Once installed, key remapping doesn’t require additional permissions for daily use.

Will my PowerToys key remappings persist through system reboots?

Yes, any key remappings or shortcut customizations you apply using PowerToys’ Keyboard Manager are permanent changes that persist through system reboots. This ensures that your custom keyboard configurations remain consistent across all your computing sessions, eliminating the need to reapply settings after a reboot.

Can I revert to the original key settings easily in PowerToys if I change my mind?

Reverting to the original key settings in PowerToys is straightforward. Within the Keyboard Manager, you can remove individual key mappings or reset all custom remappings to default with just a few clicks. This flexibility allows you to experiment with different configurations and easily undo changes if they don’t meet your needs.

Extra: How to Disable the Windows Key in Windows 11

Related: How to Make Emoji, Kamoji, and GIFs on Your Keyboard

Related: How to Enable or Disable the Touchpad on Windows 11

• change keyboard bindings
• Desktop Operating Systems
• how to change keyboard bindings
• how to change keyboard keys
• Key remapper
• Microsoft Windows
• Operating Systems
• remap keyboard

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