Alt Key Acting Like Windows? Here’s How to Un-swap Them
In the ever-evolving world of keyboards and shortcuts, it’s not uncommon for keys to behave in unexpected ways. One of the most frustrating issues many users face is when their Alt key starts acting like the Windows key. This can happen due to system settings changes, software updates, or even accidental key remapping. If you’ve found your Alt key suddenly bringing up the Start menu or performing other Windows-specific functions, don’t worry. You’re not stuck with this behavior.
Here’s how to fix the issue and return your alt and windows key switched to its original function.
Understanding the Issue: What Happened to My Alt Key?
By default, the Alt key is a modifier that enables you to use various keyboard shortcuts, such as Alt + Tab for task switching or Alt + F4 to close windows. The Windows key, on the other hand, typically opens the Start menu and is also used in combination with other keys for system shortcuts (such as Windows + D to show the desktop).
When your Alt key starts acting like the Windows key, it can mess with your usual workflow. This can happen if a setting or software has altered your keyboard’s behavior, swapping the functions of these two keys. Fortunately, the solution is simple and can often be fixed through a few adjustments.
Step 1: Check Ease of Access Settings
Windows includes a variety of accessibility settings that could inadvertently change how your keyboard keys behave. The “Sticky Keys” or “Filter Keys” features can sometimes cause keys to act differently.
1. Open the Start menu and type “Ease of Access”.
2. Click on “Ease of Access Keyboard Settings”.
3. In this section, look for any settings like Sticky Keys or Filter Keys that might have been turned on. These settings are designed to assist with keyboard usage but may interfere with standard key functions.
4. Turn off these settings by toggling off the relevant switches.
After disabling these options, check if your Alt key has returned to its standard function.
Step 2: Use Third-Party Key Remapping Software
If your Alt key is still acting like the Windows key after adjusting the accessibility settings, third-party software might be the most efficient solution. There are several free tools that allow you to remap your keys easily and restore their default functionality.
SharpKeys is a popular tool for remapping keys in Windows. Here’s how you can use it to un-swap your Alt and Windows keys:
1. Download SharpKeys from its official website and install it.
2. Open the program and click on Add.
3. In the Map this key (from key) field, select your Alt key.
4. In the To this key (to key) field, select the Windows key.
5. After remapping, click OK and then Write to Registry.
6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
This will reverse the remapping and restore the Alt key to its usual behavior.
Step 3: Modify the Registry Manually
For more advanced users who are comfortable working with system files, you can directly modify the Windows registry to un-swap the Alt and Windows keys. However, be careful when editing the registry, as incorrect changes can cause other system issues.
1. Press Win + R, type “regedit” into the Run dialog, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the registry key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKeyboard Layout.
3. Look for any registry entries related to remapped keys, such as the SwapAltWin registry key.
4. Delete or modify these entries to restore the default behavior of the Alt and Windows keys.
5. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Step 4: Reset Keyboard Settings via the Control Panel
Sometimes the problem may lie in your system settings, especially if your keyboard layout has been changed to something non-standard. To reset the keyboard settings:
1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Go to Clock and Region, then click on Region and Language.
3. Click on Change Keyboards or Other Input Methods and then select Change Keyboard.
4. Ensure that the layout is set to English (United States) or your desired layout.
This step will reset any custom key mappings related to the keyboard layout.
Conclusion
If your Alt key is acting like the Windows key, don’t worry—it’s usually a minor glitch or an accidental setting change that can be easily fixed. Whether through the Ease of Access settings, third-party software like SharpKeys, registry modifications, or a simple keyboard layout reset, there are multiple ways to restore your Alt key to its original function. By following these steps, you’ll be back to using your keyboard efficiently and without frustration in no time.
