keyboard assignments change

April 11, 2023

Share this page

Remapping 101: How to change your keyboard key output

Your PC or laptop keyboard doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. If you’re not a fan of certain key placements or find that you aren’t using some of your keys, you can rearrange the functions of your keys however you like. Most keyboards are laid out in the same way, but Windows 11 features  allow you to make the necessary adjustments to help you type more comfortably. Learn how you can remap your keys and change keyboard outputs on Windows 11 .

Why remap your keyboard?

If you’re used to a standard keyboard layout, you may not initially see the value in remapping your keys. Here are some common reasons for changing keyboard outputs:

• Typing on a foreign keyboard. If you want to type in any language besides English, it can be difficult to type seamlessly on an English-only keyboard. By switching your key functions, you can cater to different language settings.
• Using your keyboard for PC gaming. PC gamers rely on their keyboards to play their favorite games. Remapping your keys to best suit your gaming needs can improve performance and make your frequently used keys more accessible.
• Repurposing underused keys. Not everyone uses their keys the same way. If it seems like a key that you don’t often use is taking up valuable space on your keyboard, you can reassign its function to find a good use for it and increase productivity.

Popular QWERTY alternatives

You may notice that top row of letters on your keyboard, going left to right, spells QWERTY. However, there are other popular keyboard layouts that can help you type faster or more comfortably. Learn more about each layout and how they might benefit your typing:

• AZERTY. The AZERTY layout simply moves the output of the Q , W , and M keys. It is most often used in France and other surrounding countries.
• Dvorak. The Dvorak layout puts the most used keys in the middle row, which decreases finger movement. This typing method can help reduce strain in your fingers, which makes for a more ergonomic experience.
• Colemak. The Colemak layout offers a slight improvement on the Dvorak layout. It also places the commonly used keys in the middle row, but it keeps the useable features of the QWERTY layout intact.

How to remap your keys on Windows 11

The easiest way to change your keyboard functions on Windows 11 is to use the Keyboard Manager  utility. The Keyboard Manager is one of many utilities available in Microsoft PowerToys , which are a collection of productivity tools that allow users to customize their Windows experience.

How does Keyboard Manager work?

Once you’ve downloaded PowerToys onto your device, select Keyboard Manager and toggle Enable Keyboard Manager. You’ll find separate sections for remapping keys and remapping shortcuts, each of which can be adjusted to your liking. Some keys and shortcuts cannot be remapped in Keyboard Manager, and these limitations are highlighted on the platform. PowerToys must be running for the key mapping to work, so make sure you don’t close out of the program after making your selections.

What other keyboard mapping functions are available on Windows?

If you are still running Windows 10 on your PC, you can download Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator  to create your own keyboard layouts. Microsoft keyboard users can also try the Mouse and Keyboard Center  app to get the most out of the customization features within the accessories. Other keyboard mapping options can be downloaded on Microsoft Apps .

By learning how to remap your keys, you can break the mold and take control of how you use your keyboard. Shop for Microsoft Keyboards  to find the perfect keyboard to test your remapped keys on Windows 11 .

Products featured in this article

More articles

How to check your GPU and why it matters

How to use Windows Remote Desktop to access a PC

How to find and enjoy your computer's accessibility settings

How to remap any key on your keyboard in Windows 11 or 10

Turn a key you don't use such as "insert" into one you really need.

Even if you have one of the best gaming keyboards or best mechanical keyboards on the market, you may not have all the keys you want or need. For example, my 96 percent keyboard has a number pad, arrow keys and a function row, but no print screen key. 

I do have an insert key, but let's be honest — the last time I needed the insert key was in the 1990s. Fortunately, it's easy to remap any key to become any other key so I can turn insert into print screen or turn my numpad into a series of media buttons.

On some fancier keyboards, you can remap keys at the firmware level; these boards usually have either QMK or Via firmware. And, once you remap it there, the new key assignment will apply across computers and operating systems.

However, most keyboards don't have customizable firmware so the easiest way to remap a key is to do so by tweaking a setting in the OS. In Windows, it's really easy to remap a key by modifying the registry. And you don't even need to go into the registry, because there's a utility called SharpKeys that will write your remaps to the registry for you.

How to Remap a Key Using SharpKeys

1. Install SharpKeys from the Microsoft Store.

2. Launch SharpKeys.

3. Click the Add button.

Stay On the Cutting Edge: Get the Tom's Hardware Newsletter

Get Tom's Hardware's best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox.

4. Select the key to remap by either picking it in the left-side menu or clicking Type Key and typing it.

5. Select the key to remap to from the right-side menu and Click Ok .

6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 for additional key remaps if you need them.

7. Click Write to Registry .

You'll get a confirmation message. 

8. Close SharpKeys then reboot your PC or log out then in again.

The new key mappings should work in Windows from now on and you won't need to run SharpKeys again unless you want to do more remaps.

Related Tutorials

• How to use numpad for macros media player
• New Keyboard Shortcuts Every Windows 11 User Should Know
• How to Build a Custom Mechanical Keyboard: A Step-By-Step Guide
• How to Clean Your Keyboard

How to Make Windows 11 Look and Feel Like Windows 10

Kill Windows tasks with impunity — Windows 11 has a hidden 'End Task' taskbar option that's quick and easy to toggle

Best PC Gaming Handhelds 2024: Windows and Steam Decks

Most Popular

• Your Back-to-School Tech Guide
• All About Google's New TV Streamer

How to Remap a Keyboard in Windows 10

Use Microsoft PowerToys to reassign keys and change keyboard shortcuts

Jonathan Fisher is a CompTIA-certified technologist with more than 10 years of experience writing for publications like TechNorms and Help Desk Geek.

• Wichita Technical Institute
• The Ultimate Guide to Keyboard Shortcuts
• The Ultimate Guide to Keyboards
• The Ultimate Guide to Computer Mice
• The Quick Guide to Webcams
• Printers & Scanners
• Raspberry Pi

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.

Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day

• How to Screenshot on a Logitech Keyboard
• How to Type a Tilde Mark
• What Is a Keyboard?
• How to Fix a Dell Keyboard Not Working
• How to Zoom In or Out With Your Keyboard
• Num Lock: What It Is and How It Works
• How to Make a Heart on a Keyboard
• How to Turn On the Keyboard Light (Windows or Mac)
• How to Unlock a Frozen Mouse on a Laptop
• How to Fix Razer Synapse Not Detecting a Mouse or Keyboard
• How to Use Alt Codes
• How to Pair a Logitech Keyboard
• My Keyboard Won't Work. Now What?
• How to Change Mouse Speed or Sensitivity
• How to Fix an HP Laptop Keyboard That's Not Working
• How to Charge a Logitech Keyboard

• All about AI
• Google Gemini AI
• Inflection AI Pi Chatbot
• Anthropic Claude
• Multimodal AI
• Generative AI
• AI Image Generation
• AI VIdeo Generation
• AI Coding Assistants
• AI Regulation
• AI Research
• Large Language Models (LLM)
• Microsoft Azure
• Google Cloud
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Surface Pro
• Surface Laptop
• Surface Book
• Surface Duo
• Surface Neo
• Surface Studio
• Surface Hub
• Surface Pen
• Surface Headphones
• Surface Earbuds
• About WinBuzzer
• Follow Us: PUSH, Feeds, Social
• Join our Team
• Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

How to Reassign Keyboard Keys on Windows 11 or Windows 10

Table of Contents:

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

• Desktop Operating Systems
• Microsoft Windows
• Operating Systems

Recent News

Adobe Releases Illustrator Beta for ARM Windows Devices

Amazon Faces Recall Order for Over 400,000 Hazardous Products

Meta Shuts Down Celebrity AI Chatbots Due to Low User Engagement

3 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!

Afam has been a content writer with Guiding Tech Media since August 2023. However, his experience in tech writing dates back to 2018, when he worked as a freelance writer for Make Tech Easier. Over the years, he has grown a reputation for publishing quality guides, reviews, tips, and explainer articles. His work is featured on top websites, including Technical Ustad, Windows Report, and Next of Windows. He has training as a Microsoft Certified Professional and has covered more Microsoft-related guides on these platforms.

• You can remap keyboard keys using Microsoft PowerToys, SharpKeys, and Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (MSKLC).
• Microsoft PowerToys allows remapping single keys to other keys or specific actions, and even remapping entire keyboard shortcuts.
• Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (MSKLC) lets you create entirely new custom keyboard layouts.

Method 1: Using Microsoft PowerToys

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

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 can be remapped. If your shortcut requires 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 you want as a remapped action. Alternatively, you can remap your selected shortcut from the dropdown menu to perform a particular task.

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

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

Method 2: 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 and install it.

Step 2: Open SharpKeys on your Windows 11 machine.

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

Step 4: Select the key you want to remap from the left list.

Step 5: Select the key you want as a remapped key from the right list. You can also click Type Key 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 have now been remapped successfully using SharpKeys in Windows 11. SharpKeys is as good as Microsoft PowerToys, but applying new changes requires a reboot every time.

Method 3: Using Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (MSKLC)

The Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator (MSKLC ) is a great option because it allows you to create or modify keyboard layouts. Here are the steps to use it.

Step 1: Visit the official SKLC page and hit the download button. Extract the file, double-click the downloaded file, and follow the wizard to complete the installation.

Step 2: Launch the app.

Step 3: Click the File menu, and click Load Existing Keyboard to use the current keyboard layout as a base, or simply click File and New .

Step 4: Click the key you wish to remap on the visual keyboard.

Step 5: Enter the new function and click the OK button.

Step 6: Repeat step 5 for as many keys as you like to remap.

Step 7: Click the Project menu, then Validate layout .

Step 8: Click Project, then Test Keyboard Layout .

Step 9: Click Project , then Build DLL and Setup Package ; choose a saving location and click OK .

Step 10: Navigate to where you saved the file and run the setup.exe file, following the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Step 11: Open your Settings app. You may use Windows + I to open it.

Step 12: Navigate Time & language > Language & region .

Step 13: Click the three dots for your preferred language and click Language options .

Step 14: Click Add keyboard , and add your new keyboard. You may now press Windows + Space to switch to your custom keyboard.

Was this helpful?

Last updated on 08 July, 2024

The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

The article above may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. The content remains unbiased and authentic and will never affect our editorial integrity.

DID YOU KNOW

Chinmay Dhumal

More in windows.

Fix: Folder Icons Showing Black Background in Windows 11

4 Ways to Fix “There Has Been an Error” in Microsoft Store

Join the newsletter.

Get Guiding Tech articles delivered to your inbox.

How-To Geek

How to remap any key or shortcut on windows 10.

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

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.

• PC Optimization

How to remap keyboard keys on Windows 11, 10

Do you need to reassign keyboard keys or shortcuts? In this guide, we'll show you how on Windows 11 and 10.

• To remap a keyboard key on Windows 11 and 10, open PowerToys > Keyboard Manager > Remap a key , configure the key remap and save changes.
• To remap a shortcut on Windows 11 and 10, open PowerToys > Keyboard Manager > Remap a shortcut , configure the shortcut remap and save changes.

On Windows 11 (or 10), you can remap keys and shortcuts in different ways, but I have found that using PowerToys is the fastest and easiest method, and in this guide, I’ll show you how.

If you use your computer for gaming or work, sometimes you may need to reassign some keys and shortcuts to different keys or a combo of keys because it makes more sense or can help improve productivity. 

Regardless of the reason, Windows 11 doesn’t include a feature to change the actions of keys or shortcuts, but you can use tools like PowerToys from Microsoft to remap virtually any key globally or for a specific application. The app also works to remap shortcuts. You can even create remaps to launch apps, URIs, and web pages.

In this guide , I will teach you how to quickly use the PowerToys app to remap keys and shortcuts on Windows 11 and even on Windows 10.

Remap keyboard keys on Windows

Remap keyboard shortcuts on windows.

To remap keys on your keyboard on Windows 11 (or 10), use these steps:

Open PowerToys .

Click on Keyboard Manager .

Turn on the “Enable Keyboard Manager” toggle switch.

Click the “Remap a key” option.

Click the “Add key remapping” button.

Choose the “Send key/Shortcut” option.

Click the Select button.

Press the keyboard key to remap (source).

Click the OK button.

Click the Select button to set the “To send” setting.

Press the keyboard key to remap (destination).

Click the OK button again.

Click the Continue anyway button (if applicable).

Once you complete the steps, the key will now perform the action of the new key mapping on Windows 11.

To remap keyboard shortcuts on Windows, use these steps:

Click the “Remap a Shortcuts” option.

Click the “Add shortcut remapping” button in the “Select” setting.

Click the Shortcut (pen) button.

Confirm the keyboard shortcut to remap in the setting (for example, “ALT + T” ).

Select the action from the “To” setting.

Confirm the shortcut remap (according to your selection).

(Optional) Specify the name of the “.exe” program (for example, msedge.exe (Edge), explorer.exe (File Explorer), and chrome.exe (Google Chrome)) to target the shortcut on a specific application.

After you complete the steps, the Windows shortcut remap will perform the action you configured in the application.

If you want to remove the remap, you can go to the “Remap a key” or “Remap shortcuts” page and click the “Delete” (trash) button for the action you want to remove.

Although PowerToys can make it easier to remap keys and shortcuts on Windows, it’s important to note that the application doesn’t make system changes, meaning that the remaps will only work as long as PowerToys is running on the system.

Update July 8, 2024: This guide has been updated to ensure accuracy and reflect changes to the process.

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 21 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter) , YouTube , LinkedIn and About.me . Email him at [email protected] .

• How to create a Windows 11 (or 10) bootable USB from macOS
• How to share files on Windows 11

We hate spam as much as you! Unsubscribe any time Powered by follow.it ( Privacy ), our Privacy .

• Helldivers 2
• Dragon’s Dogma 2
• Wuthering Waves
• Genshin Impact
• Counter Strike 2
• Honkai Star Rail
• Lego Fortnite
• Stardew Valley
• NYT Strands
• NYT Connections
• Apple Watch
• Crunchyroll
• Prime Video
• Jujutsu Kaisen
• Demon Slayer
• Chainsaw Man
• Solo Leveling
• Beebom Gadgets

How to Remap Keyboard in Windows 10, 8, 7, and Vista

Remap Keyboard in Windows 10 Using Third Party Tools

Why the need of remapping windows keyboard.

• If you break any of the keys on the keyboard or it stops working on its on, remapping your Windows 10 keys is a good option.
• If you work interchangeably on Windows and Mac and want to use a Windows keyboard on Mac . I have found that remapping left Alt button to Ctrl helps a lot.
• If you use your PC primarily for gaming, than remapping some keys can help you improve your gameplay.
• If you work a job where you have to use one key a lot, remapping it to a key which is easily reachable can improve your workflow.

So, if any of these reasons make sense to you, here is how you can remap keyboard on your Windows 10, 8,7, and Windows machine.

Remap Keys on Windows 10 with SharpKeys

• On the main screen of SharpKeys, click on “Add.”

• This will open a key mapping window. Here, from the left pane, select the key that you want should perform some other action . And from the right pane, select the key whose function you want it to perform . You can also click on “Type Key” available at the bottom of both the panes, and then tap your desired key to make that selection. Once you’ve made your selection, click on “OK” to continue. On my computer, I wanted to turn off the Scroll Lock, so I selected “Special: Scroll Lock” from the left pane and “Turn Key Off” from the right.

• When you come back on the main screen of the tool, you should now see the entry of the remapping that you want to do. To finalize this, click on “Write to Registry.”

Reassign Keyboard Keys in Windows 10 Using Other Tools

1. keytweak.

KeyTweak is a tool which offers multiple ways – three, to be precise – to remap a key. The first is using the virtual keyboard. This method allows you to choose a key that you want to map, and then select the key, from a drop-down menu, to which you want to map it. The second way, the Half Teach Mode, works very similarly. The third (and the last) way is the Full Teach Mode. This allows you to press both the from and to mapping keys. Using this tool can get a bit of confusing as this uses scan-codes instead of the usual characters.

2. Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator

3. AutoHotkey

AutoHotkey takes a different approach for remapping the keys. Instead of the standard registry tweaking, it allows you to create scripts that you can run . A major advantage that you get with this tool is the ability to export the scripts as executable files. Though this does not have an interface as such, the steps for creating and executing scripts can easily be found in the tutorial of the tool. This tool brings more features and is really powerful. Not only you can remap keyboard keys but you can also create key binds, create keyboard executable automation, and more . Note that all these pro features also mean that you will have to invest time in learning this app. If you just want to remap your Windows keyboard, the above tools will be more than enough.

4. Key Remapper

Remap Keys on Windows 10 with PowerToys

Install: ( Free )

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix keyboard typing wrong characters, why is my laptop not typing, how do i change my laptop keyboard back to normal, what are keyboard hotkeys, how do you fix keys on a laptop keyboard.

You’ll have to replace the laptop keyboard or remap the non-functional keys with functional ones using one of the apps like SharpKeys, KeyTweak, or PowerToys.

What is key mapping?

How do i unlock my keyboard on windows 10, why are my keyboard buttons messed up, how do you check if all keyboard keys are working, remap keyboard in windows 10 easily with these tools.

Team Beebom

Beebom provides useful digital tips and resources on software, apps and gadgets you can’t live without. Our aim is to become your favorite digital resources destination on the web.

Thanks, works like a charm.

tried keytweak and it worked for me

Programmable keyboard like Corsair. Take it with you.

I think it’s better to go with standard one: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/surface/mouse-and-keyboard-center-download-f5b10905-7887-eedb-2f1c-d0737a36a3b2

Works with microsoft products only

Thanks will try. I spilled beer over my keyboard, cleaned it, almost all keys work except k and p for some reason. So i will switch keys with ; or [

Another reason to need this: my Lenovo Yoga 510 has the right-hand shift key *outside* the up arrow, meaning I keep hitting UP and finding I’m typing in the middle of the line above, when I meant to capitalise a word. I might eventually get used to this but looked for a way of remapping instead – a new skill for me, delighted to find it can be done. Off to try SharpKeys now, and if it’s easy as it sounds, I can see myself customising my keyboard in lots of ways… Having a right-hand Function key instead of the AltGr that I almost never use, for example… yabbadabbadoo, fun fun fun.

Thx for add end of the software, i really like that software :3 (i am not friend with that person, i am a person download this software for osu)

ANOTHER REASON TO REMAP: If you have a weak right hand pinky like me, you can remap the Shift key to the never used (by me anyway) but thumb-pressable right ALT key (just to the right of the spacebar).

I want to be able to press the “star” key and have it print my name. I could do this in windows 7.

AutoHotKey can do that. See the description in the article above.

Todas o no servían o era demasiado complicadas Excepto por la 4. Key Remapper

Muchas gracias

Do any of these solutions let you quickly switch between mappings? A *lot* of laptop keyboards nowadays are coming without the embedded numeric keypad, and it’s driving me nuts – I don’t want to have to carry a separate keypad that is easily broken or lost. The ability to quickly switch between normal and custom with a quick keypress would be invaluable.

I have a laptop PC with a US key layout. Which is mostly OK, except that I have the machine set to UK, and I also sometimes use a separate UK keyboard. If I remap the keys so that they do what they say on the keycaps, it will be wrong when I plug in the external keyboard.

Is there a way to have a different keyboard map depending on whether an external keyboard is attached or not?

Willing to use AutoHotKey if it’s clever enough.

thnx a lot realy helped me <3

Add new comment

TechRepublic

Account information.

Share with Your Friends

How to remap keys using Windows 10 PowerToys Keyboard Manager

Your email has been sent

Over the years, I have written and re-written about a technique that allows you to remap the keys on a Windows 10 keyboard using a tool found in an old Windows Server Resource Kit. While that technique still works, with the latest release of Windows 10 PowerToys, there is now an even better way to remap the keys on a keyboard.

Version 0.18.0 of Windows 10 PowerToys includes a new app called Keyboard Manager. This utility allows you to remap keys and key combinations on your keyboard with just a few clicks of the mouse. This how-to tutorial shows you how to access Keyboard Manager and then use it to remap keys.

SEE: Stand up and stretch: Improving the ergonomics of your office boosts productivity and reduces injury (TechRepublic Premium)

Using PowerToys Keyboard Manager to remap keys

Keyboard Manager is part of the latest set of Windows 10 PowerToys. Download and install the latest version of PowerToys and launch the application. Using the left-hand navigation bar ( Figure A ), select the Keyboard Manager tab and then flip the switch to the “on” position.

To remap a single key on your Windows 10 keyboard, click the Remap a key button. A new screen will pop up ( Figure B ), and then you’ll be asked to enter a keystroke that you would like to change, followed by the new key you would like it to represent.

As an example, if you are prone to inadvertently pressing the Caps Lock key, you can remap that key to something else and move Caps Lock to a safer spot on the keyboard. In Figure C , we are remapping the Caps Lock key to be Left-Shift and moving Caps Lock to be the right-hand Windows key. Click OK to complete the process.

Now, the Keyboard Manager shows what keys have been remapped ( Figure D ), so you can see at a glance what you have done in the past.

You can also remap common keyboard shortcut combinations using Keyboard Manager. In Figure E , we will remap Break (Alt-Scroll Lock) to be Paste Text Only (CTRL-Alt-V). Click OK to complete the process.

Your remapped keys and key combinations will remain in effect as long as the Keyboard Manager is turned on and Windows 10 PowerToys is running. As a practical matter, this caveat means you will likely want to set PowerToys to automatically run during the Windows 10 boot process.

SEE: How to use Windows 10 PowerToys Run to open applications, folders, and files (TechRepublic)

Using the left-hand navigation bar in Windows 10 PowerToys again, select the General and then flip the Run at Startup switch to the “on” position, as shown in Figure F .

Now, when you start or restart Windows 10, PowerToys will automatically start and run in the background, ensuring your keyboard remapping remains in place.

Subscribe to the Developer Insider Newsletter

From the hottest programming languages to commentary on the Linux OS, get the developer and open source news and tips you need to know. Delivered Tuesdays and Thursdays

• What's in Windows 10 19H2 for enterprises?
• Windows 10: A cheat sheet
• What to do if you're still running Windows 7 (free PDF)
• Power checklist: Securing Windows Server 2016
• Microsoft delivers first Windows 10 Fast Ring build from its new development branch
• 6 simple security changes all Windows 10 users need to make
• Get more must-read Microsoft tips and news

Create a TechRepublic Account

Get the web's best business technology news, tutorials, reviews, trends, and analysis—in your inbox. Let's start with the basics.

* - indicates required fields

Sign in to TechRepublic

Lost your password? Request a new password

Reset Password

Please enter your email adress. You will receive an email message with instructions on how to reset your password.

Check your email for a password reset link. If you didn't receive an email don't forgot to check your spam folder, otherwise contact support .

Welcome. Tell us a little bit about you.

This will help us provide you with customized content.

Want to receive more TechRepublic news?

You're all set.

Thanks for signing up! Keep an eye out for a confirmation email from our team. To ensure any newsletters you subscribed to hit your inbox, make sure to add [email protected] to your contacts list.

How To Remap Or Reassign Keys On Your Keyboard

Unless you own a high-end keyboard or a custom mechanical keyboard , chances are you might not be able to configure your current keyboard’s layout to your liking. Of course, for the most part, we imagine that many people are already satisfied with the way their keyboard has been laid out.

However, if you think that certain keys would be better placed elsewhere, or if you want to disable certain keys, you can actually do that. Unfortunately, there is no native way to remap or reassign keys in Windows, but our guide below will show you several different apps that might be worth checking out if you want to remap your keyboard or reassign several keys.

SharpKeys ( Download )

Also, another thing to take note is that it will write to your computer’s registry, so if you’re not familiar or comfortable with that, you might want to seek out an alternative.

Keytweak ( Download )

For example, some users might not have a need for a Caps Lock key, so they might want to reassign it to something else, such as Ctrl or Alt.

MapKeyboard ( Download )

The UI will also highlight keys in green to indicate that they have been edited, and once you’re done editing, you’ll need to logoff your computer and relogin and you will be all set and the changes will take effect.

AutoHotKey ( Download )

The software we listed above does a very good job of remapping or reassigning keys. However, if you need something a bit more complex and powerful, that’s where AutoHotKeys comes in handy. This is because with AutoHotKeys, with a little bit of time and learning, you can create scripts to run more complex actions.

For example, you can create macros with AutoHotKeys where with by pressing certain keys or shortcuts, you can type certain lines of text, run programs, batch files, and so on. You can even make shortcuts even shorter, where instead of pressing three keys, you can reduce it to two, and so on.

However, like we said, AutoHotKeys is a bit more complex and you will need to learn how to script it, but it can be a very powerful tool once you get the basics down.

Filed in Computers . Read more about Keyboards , Microsoft , Windows and Windows 10 .

How to change keyboard layout on Windows 10

If you have to use more than one keyboard layout on Windows 10, in this guide, I'll show you how.

• Chang layout
• Remove layout

On Windows 10 , in the initial setup, you usually get prompted to configure additional keyboard layouts. However, you can always add or remove layouts if you don't choose the correct setting or must type in another language.

Typically, changing the input settings is uncommon, but there are many situations when you might need to. For instance, sometimes you may need to switch to the Spanish layout to write words that include special characters like "Ñ," or prefer a different layout, such as the United States-Dvorak.

Whatever the reason it might be, Windows 10 ships with easy settings to add, remove, and change layouts for hardware and touch keyboards.

In this how-to guide , I will walk you through the steps to manage keyboard layouts on Windows 10.

How to add keyboard layout on Windows 10

To add a new keyboard layout on Windows 10, use these steps:

• Open Settings .
• Click on Time & Language.
• Click on Language .
• Under the "Preferred languages" section, select the current default language.
• Click the Options button.

• Under the "Keyboards" section, click the "Add a keyboard" button.
• Select the new keyboard layout to add to Windows 10.

• Repeat steps 6 and 7 to add more layouts.

Once you complete the steps, the new keyboard layout will be added to the device, and you can switch between them using the instructions below.

While changing layouts is straightforward, it'll reconfigure some of the keyboard keys, which means some of the keys may print a different character depending on the layout.

Get the Windows Central Newsletter

All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

To switch between keyboard layouts on Windows 10, use these steps:

• Click the Input Indicator icon in Taskbar (bottom right).
• Select the new keyboard layout.

• Repeat steps 1 and 2 to switch back to the default layout.

After you complete the steps, you can start typing with the new keyboard layout.

Enable Input Indicator

If the Input Indicator is not present in the Taskbar, you can enable it through the Settings app.

To enable the Input Indicator on Windows 10, use these steps:

• Click on Personalization .
• Click on Taskbar .
• Under the "Notification area" section, click the "Turn system icons on or off" option.

• Turn on the Input Indicator toggle switch.

Once you complete the steps, the icon will appear in the Taskbar's notification area to access the layouts and switch between them. You can also use the "Windows key + Spacebar" keyboard shortcut to cycle between the available keyboard layouts quickly.

How to remove keyboard layout on Windows 10

To remove a keyboard layout on Windows 10, use these steps:

• Under the "Keyboards" section, select the keyboard to remove from the list.
• Click the Remove button.

• Repeat steps 6 and 7 to remove additional layouts.

Once you complete the steps, the keyboard layout will be removed from the device.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources:

• Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
• Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Mauro Huculak has been a Windows How-To Expert contributor for WindowsCentral.com for nearly a decade and has over 15 years of experience writing comprehensive guides. He also has an IT background and has achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and CompTIA. He has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years.

• 2 Monster Hunter Wilds' Insect Glaive gameplay trailer reveals some huge quality of life changes
• 3 Blizzard drops a new cinematic trailer for World of Warcraft: The War Within, centered around the Nerubians of Azj-Kahet
• 4 Elon Musk's Grok AI spreads election misinformation despite claims of being "the world's most powerful AI" and secret access to X data for training
• 5 Apple says 'there's no price Microsoft could pay' to make it ditch Google: "They offered to give us Bing for free"

How to Change Your Keyboard Layout in Windows 11

We'll show you 4 different ways

Knowing how to switch keyboard layouts is essential if your computer has multiple keyboards or you type in several languages. You might also need to change your keyboard’s layout if some keys are swapped or stop working correctly .

This tutorial covers four ways to change the keyboard layout on Windows 11 computers. You’ll also learn how to add and remove keyboard layouts on your Windows PC.

Change Keyboard Layout From the Taskbar

You can change your PC’s keyboard layout from the system tray on the Windows 11 Taskbar.

Select the Language Bar in the bottom-right corner of the Taskbar and choose a keyboard layout.

Can’t find the Language Bar on your PC’s system tray? Go to Settings > Time & language > Typing > Advanced keyboard settings and uncheck Use the desktop language bar when it is available . That’ll unhide the Language Bar and dock it to the system tray.

Change Keyboard Layout Using Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows 11 has several hotkeys for changing keyboard layouts. Use these hotkeys if you routinely switch keyboard layouts or languages while typing.

Pressing Windows key + Spacebar switches your keyboard layout in Windows 11. You should see your keyboard layout change on the Taskbar’s system tray.

Alternatively, press and hold the Windows key and press the Spacebar key . Hold the Windows key and select a preferred keyboard layout using your mouse/touchpad cursor.

You can also use the Left Alt + Shift key combination to change your computer’s keyboard layout.

Ctrl + Shift is another shortcut for changing the keyboard layout on Windows 11 devices.

Change Touch Keyboard Layout

Switching the touch keyboard’s layout is easy if you use a Windows 11 tablet or touchscreen PC.

Tap the language abbreviation in the bottom-right corner and choose a new layout on the list.

Change Keyboard Layout via Windows Settings

Open the Settings app ( Windows key + I ) and follow the steps below to change your keyboard layout.

• Select Time & language on the sidebar and select Typing .

• Scroll down the page and select Advanced keyboard settings .

• Open the Use language list drop-down menu and choose your desired keyboard layout or input method.

The new input method immediately becomes the default keyboard layout for your computer. You can change your default input method at any time.

Add or Remove Keyboard Layouts in Windows 11

Does your keyboard have an unfamiliar layout? Do you want to add secondary layouts to your keyboard? Follow the instructions below to add or remove keyboard layouts on your PC.

• Open the Settings app, select Time & language on the sidebar, and select Langauge & region .

• Select the three-dot icon on a language in the “Language” section and select Language options .

You’ll find all installed keyboards for the selected language in the “Keyboards” section.

• Select the Add a keyboard button to add a new keyboard layout to the language.

• Scroll through the list and select the keyboard layout you want to add.

• To delete a keyboard, select its three-dot menu icon , and choose Remove .

Switch to Different Keyboard Layouts

Windows 11 offers flexible options to change keyboard layouts. Use the above methods to switch keyboards in applications—even on the sign-in screen. Reboot your computer or update its operating system if you have trouble changing, adding, or removing keyboard layouts.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time. Read Sodiq's Full Bio

Read More Posts:

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

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.

• 44 Scroll lock: Why are you looking at me? –  Colonel Panic Commented 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 Commented Oct 21, 2015 at 21:17
• @harrymc the vlaurie.com link is dead (now hosted by ParkLogic) –  john v kumpf Commented 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 Commented Jul 13, 2018 at 7:54
• SharpKeys (free download from authoritative source): github.com/randyrants/sharpkeys/releases –  caw Commented 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 Commented 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 Commented 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 Commented Aug 27, 2014 at 13:31
• Do I have to run the app all the time, or is the change permanent? –  Colonel Panic Commented 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 Commented 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 Commented 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 Commented 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 Commented 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 Commented Nov 20, 2019 at 17:35
• I wanted to interchange my backspace and caps lock. This method doesn't work for me. –  Black Chase Commented 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 Commented 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 Commented 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_ Commented 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 Commented 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.

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged windows keyboard remapping ..

• The Overflow Blog
• This developer tool is 40 years old: can it be improved?
• Unpacking the 2024 Developer Survey results
• Featured on Meta
• We've made changes to our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy - July 2024
• Introducing an accessibility dashboard and some upcoming changes to display...

Hot Network Questions

• Has Apache or the FSF commented on whether LLVM's "Apache 2.0 License with LLVM exceptions" is compatible with GPL v2?
• Is each representation induced by a simpler representation
• Solar System Replacement?
• How can I run a machine language program off the disk drive on an Apple II?
• Why did all countries converge on the exact same rules for voting (no poll tax, full suffrage, no maximum age, etc)?
• What happens if your child sells your car?
• Possible downsides of not dealing with the souls of the dead
• If my character has the same name as a character from another story, will the publisher tell me to change it?
• High-precision solution for the area of a region
• Too many SMB SAMR requests to Primary Domain Controller from Remote Site
• Can a train/elevator be feasible for scaling huge mountains (modern technology)?
• Does the volume of air in an air tight container affect food shelf life?
• Low current continuity checker
• Is it OK to call a person "sempai" who is actually much younger than you?
• How does one find historic prices for goods?
• Why do commercial airliners go around on hard touchdown?
• Why 'Caesar fertur dixisse' and not 'Caesarem fertur dixisse'?
• How do the Fremen harvest spice?
• How different is Wittgenstein's Language game from Contextuality?
• Closed form of an integral using Mathematica or otherwise
• Carbon steel griddle spanning 2 electric burners?
• Set all numbers greater than "X" bold, for decimal numbers
• What is the anti-trust argument made by X Corp's recent lawsuit against advertisers that boycotted X/Twitter
• What would "doctor shoes" have looked like in "Man on the Moon"?

You must sign-in with your Lenovo ID to access your Shopping Cart, directly. Otherwise, select an item to start building your Cart.

Benefits of having a Lenovo ID

Critical product support, upgrades, and alerts on topics such as safety issues or product recalls.

Quick, secure access to your purchase history for warranty validation or insurance claims.

New product announcement updates and exclusive online offers

This browser is no longer supported.

Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.

Keyboard Manager utility

• 14 contributors

The PowerToys Keyboard Manager enables you to redefine keys on your keyboard.

For example, you can exchange the letter A for the letter B on your keyboard. When you press the A key, a B will be inserted.

You can exchange shortcut key combinations. For example: The shortcut key Ctrl + C will copy text in many applications. With PowerToys Keyboard Manager utility, you can swap that shortcut for ⊞ Win + C . Now, ⊞ Win + C will copy text. If you do not specify a targeted application in PowerToys Keyboard Manager, the shortcut exchange will be applied globally across Windows.

Also, you can exchange key or shortcut to arbitrary unicode text sequence. For example, you can exchange the letter H for the text Hello! . When you press the H key, Hello! will be inserted. Similarly, you can use shortcut Ctrl + G to send some text (e.g. Hello from shortcut! ).

PowerToys Keyboard Manager must be enabled (with PowerToys running in the background) for remapped keys and shortcuts to be applied. If PowerToys is not running, key remapping will no longer be applied.

There are some shortcut keys that are reserved by the operating system or cannot be replaced. Keys that cannot be remapped include:

• ⊞ Win + L and Ctrl + Alt + Del cannot be remapped as they are reserved by the Windows OS.
• The Fn (function) key cannot be remapped (in most cases). The F1 ~ F12 (and F13 ~ F24 ) keys can be mapped.
• Pause will only send a single key-down event. So mapping it against the backspace key, for instance, and pressing and holding will only delete a single character.
• ⊞ Win + G often opens the Xbox Game Bar, even when reassigned. Game Bar can be disabled in Windows Settings .

To create mappings with Keyboard Manager, open the PowerToys Settings. In PowerToys Settings, on the Keyboard Manager tab, you will see options to:

• Open the Remap Keys settings window by selecting Remap a key
• Open the Remap Shortcuts settings window by selecting Remap a shortcut

Remapping keys

To remap a key, open the Remap Keyboard settings window with Remap a Key . When first opened, no predefined mappings will be displayed. Select Add key remapping to add a new remap. Note that various keyboard keys actually send a shortcut.

Once a new remap row appears, select the input key whose output you want to change in the “Select” column. Select the new key, shortcut or text value to assign in the “To send” column.

For example, to press A and have B appear:

To swap key positions between the A and B keys, add another remapping with:

Remapping a key to a shortcut

To remap a key to a shortcut (combination of keys), enter the shortcut key combination in the "To send" column.

For example, to press the Ctrl key and have it result in ⊞ Win + ← (left arrow):

Key remapping will be maintained even if the remapped key is used inside another shortcut. The order of key press matters in this scenario as the action is executed during key-down, not key-up. For example, pressing Ctrl + C would result as ⊞ Win + left arrow + C . Pressing the Ctrl key will first execute ⊞ Win + left arrow . Pressing the C key first will execute C + ⊞ Win + left arrow .

Remapping a key to text

To remap a key to arbitrary unicode text, in the "To send" column first select "Text" in the combo box and then fill the text box with wanted text.

For example, to press the H key and have it result in Hello! :

Remapping shortcuts

To remap a shortcut key combination, like Ctrl + C , select Remap a shortcut to open the Remap Shortcuts settings window.

When first opened, no predefined mappings will be displayed. Select Add shortcut remapping to add a new remap.

When a new remap row appears, select the input keys whose output you want to change in the “Select” column. Select the new shortcut value to assign in the “To send” column.

For example, the shortcut Ctrl + C copies selected text. To remap that shortcut to use the Alt key, rather than the Ctrl key:

There are a few rules to follow when remapping shortcuts. These rules only apply to the "Shortcut" column.

• Shortcuts must begin with a modifier key: Ctrl , Shift , Alt , or ⊞ Win
• Shortcuts must end with an action key (all non-modifier keys): A, B, C, 1, 2, 3, etc.
• Shortcuts cannot exceed four keys in length, or five if the shortcut is a 'chord'.

Shortcuts with chords

Shortcuts can be created with one or more modifiers and two non-modifier keys. These are called "chords". In order to create a chord, select Edit to open the dialog to record the shortcut using the keyboard. Once opened, toggle on the Allow chords switch. This allows you to enter two non-modifier keys. For example, you can create shortcuts using a chord based on 'V' for V olume U p and V olume D own like this:

Chords are handy if you have a number of shortcuts that are similar, and it makes sense to have them all start with the same non-modifier key.

Remap a shortcut to a single key

It is possible to remap a shortcut (key combination) to a single key press by selecting Remap a shortcut in PowerToys Settings.

For example, to replace the shortcut ⊞ Win + ← (left arrow) with a single key press Alt :

Shortcut remapping will be maintained even if the remapped key is used inside another shortcut. The order of key press matters in this scenario as the action is executed during key-down, not key-up. For example: pressing ⊞ Win + ← + Shift would result in Alt + Shift .

Remap a shortcut to text

For example, to replace the shortcut Ctrl + G with Hello! text, choose Text in the combo box and enter "Hello!":

Remap a shortcut to start an app

Keyboard Manager enables you to start applications with the activation of any shortcut. Choose Start App for the action in the "To:" column. There are a few options to configure when using this type of shortcut.

Remap a shortcut to open a URI

This type of shortcut action will open a URI. The only input is the actual Path/URI. Almost anything you can issue on the command line should work. See Launch an app with a URI for more examples.

App-specific shortcuts

Keyboard Manager enables you to remap shortcuts for only specific apps (rather than globally across Windows).

For example, in the Outlook email app the shortcut Ctrl + E is set by default to search for an email. If you prefer instead to set Ctrl + F to search your email (rather than forward an email as set by default), you can remap the shortcut with "Outlook" set as your "Target app".

Keyboard Manager uses process-names (not application names) to target apps. For example, Microsoft Edge is set as "msedge" (process name), not "Microsoft Edge" (application name). To find an application's process name, open PowerShell and enter the command get-process or open Command Prompt and enter the command tasklist . This will result in a list of process names for all applications you currently have open. Below is a list of a few popular application process names.

How to select a key

To select a key or shortcut to remap:

• Select Select .
• Use the drop-down menu.

Once you select Select , a dialog window will open in which you can enter the key or shortcut, using your keyboard. Once you’re satisfied with the output, hold Enter to continue. To leave the dialog, hold Esc .

Using the drop-down menu, you can search with the key name and additional drop-down values will appear as you progress. However, you can't use the type-key feature while the drop-down menu is open.

Orphaning Keys

Orphaning a key means that you mapped it to another key and no longer have anything mapped to it. For example, if the key is remapped from A to B , then a key no longer exists on your keyboard that results in A . To remind you of this, a warning will display for any orphaned keys. To fix this, create another remapped key that is mapped to result in A .

Frequently asked questions

I remapped the wrong keys, how can i stop it quickly.

For key remapping to work, PowerToys must be running in the background and Keyboard Manager must be enabled. To stop remapped keys, close PowerToys or disable Keyboard Manager in the PowerToys settings.

Can I use Keyboard Manager at my log-in screen?

No, Keyboard Manager is only available when PowerToys is running and doesn't work on any password screen, including while Run As Admin.

Do I have to restart my computer or PowerToys for the remapping to take effect?

No, remapping should occur immediately upon pressing OK .

Where are the Mac/Linux profiles?

Currently Mac and Linux profiles are not included.

Will this work on video games?

We suggest that you avoid using Keyboard Manager when playing games as it may affect the game's performance. It will also depend on how the game accesses your keys. Certain keyboard APIs do not work with Keyboard Manager.

Will remapping work if I change my input language?

Yes it will. Right now if you remap A to B on English (US) keyboard and then change the language setting to French, typing A on the French keyboard ( Q on the English US physical keyboard) would result in B , this is consistent with how Windows handles multilingual input.

Can I have different key mappings across multiple keyboards?

Currently no. We are not aware of an API where we can see the input and which device it came from. The typical use case here is a laptop with an external keyboard connected.

I see keys listed in the drop down menus that don't work. Why is that?

Keyboard Manager lists mappings for all known physical keyboard keys. Some of these mappings may not be available on your keyboard as there may not be a physical key that it corresponds to. For instance: the Start App 1 option shown below is only available on keyboards that physically have a Start App 1 key. Trying to map to and from this key on a keyboard that does not support the Start App 1 key will result in undefined behavior.

Troubleshooting

If you have tried to remap a key or shortcut and are having trouble, it could be one of the following issues:

• Run As Admin: Remapping will not work on an app or window if that window is running in administrator (elevated) mode and PowerToys is not running as administrator. Try running PowerToys as an administrator .
• Not intercepting keys: Keyboard Manager intercepts keyboard hooks to remap your keys. Some apps that also do this can interfere with Keyboard Manager. To fix this, go to the settings, disable and enable Keyboard Manager.

Known Issues

• Keyboard Manager should not be used when playing video games. Keyboard Manager interception of key presses currently will impact the FPS.
• Remapping keys like Win, Ctrl, Alt or Shift may break gestures and some special keys
• AltGr and Ctrl+Alt gives issues, since AltGr behaves as (L)Ctrl + (R)Alt and remapping one of these keys can break the function.
• Note that some keyboard keys actually send a shortcut. Common examples are the Office key (Win+Ctrl+Alt+Shift) and the Copilot key (Win + C or Left-Shift + Windows key + F23).

See the list of all open keyboard manager issues .

Install PowerToys

This utility is part of the Microsoft PowerToys utilities for power users. It provides a set of useful utilities to tune and streamline your Windows experience for greater productivity. To install PowerToys, see Installing PowerToys .

Windows developer

Coming soon: Throughout 2024 we will be phasing out GitHub Issues as the feedback mechanism for content and replacing it with a new feedback system. For more information see: https://aka.ms/ContentUserFeedback .

Submit and view feedback for

Additional resources

Change your keyboard layout

Add a language.

Swipe in from the right edge of the screen, tap Settings , and then tap Change PC settings . (If you're using a mouse, point to the lower-right corner of the screen, move the mouse pointer up, click Settings , and then click Change PC settings .)

Tap or click Time and language , and then tap or click Region and language , and then tap or click Add a language .

Browse for the language you want, and then tap or click it to add it to your language list.

Download and install a language pack

Tap or click Time and language , and then tap or click Region and language .

If the language says Language pack available , tap or click Options .

Note:  If you don't see Language pack available , you might be able to download the language pack at the Download Center.

Tap or click Download . The download process might take a while, depending on your PC and the size of the language pack.

Set a language as your primary language

Tap or click the language that you want to see Windows in, and then tap or click Set as primary . The Will be display language after next sign-in message will appear under the language.

Tap or click Set as primary to move the language to the top of the list. If the language can become your Windows display language, you'll see Will be display language after next sign-in appear under the language.

Sign out of Windows, and then sign back in.

Warning:  When you change your primary language, your keyboard layout might also change. When signing back in to Windows, make sure you're using the right keyboard layout for entering your password. Otherwise, you might not be able to sign in. You can change your keyboard layout on the sign-in screen by tapping or clicking the language abbreviation button in the lower-right corner.

Change the keyboard layout or other method you use to type

Whenever you add a language, a keyboard layout or input method is added so you can enter text in the language. If you want to use a different keyboard layout or input method, you can add a new one or switch between the ones you have.

Add a keyboard layout or input method for a language

Tap or click the language you want to add a keyboard to, and then tap or click Options .

Tap or click Add a keyboard , browse the input method list for the one you want to use, and then tap or click it.

Switch between keyboard layouts or input methods

You can enter text with different keyboard layouts or input methods by switching between them. There are a few different ways to switch between keyboard layouts or input methods:

On a hardware keyboard, press and hold the Windows logo key , and then press the Spacebar to cycle through your input methods.

If you have a touchscreen, you can switch your touch keyboard layout by tapping or clicking the keyboard icon, and then tapping or clicking the keyboard layout you want to switch to.

Language abbreviation button in the touch keyboard  

On the desktop taskbar, tap or click the language abbreviation in the notification area at the far right of the taskbar, and then tap or click the keyboard layout or input method you want to switch to.

Language abbreviation button in the desktop taskbar

Change the default keyboard layout or input method

Your default keyboard layout or input method is the one that’s automatically used with the language you see Windows in (for example, the QWERTY keyboard for American English). If you want to keep your Windows language the same but use a different keyboard automatically, follow these steps:

Open Control Panel by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search ), entering Control Panel in the search box, and then tapping or clicking Control Panel .

Enter Add a language in the search box, and then tap or click Add a language .

Tap or click Advanced settings .

Under Override for default input method , choose the keyboard layout or input method you'd like to be your new default, and then tap or click Save .

Note:  If you don't see the keyboard layout or input method you want, then you haven't added it to your input method list. For instructions, see the Add a keyboard layout or input method for a language section.

Install or change a display language

You can change the language Windows uses to display text in wizards, dialog boxes, menus, and other items in the user interface. Some display languages are installed by default, while others require you to install additional language files.

To install a display language

To install a Language Interface Pack (LIP), double-click the file to open the setup program. To install a language pack, follow these steps:

Open Region and Language by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel , clicking Clock,  Language , and Region , and then clicking Region and Language .

Click the Keyboards and Languages tab.

Note:  The Display language section will be visible only if you have already installed a Language Interface Pack or if your edition of Windows supports a language pack. Language packs are available only in Windows 7 Ultimate and Windows 7 Enterprise.

To change your display language

When you change the display language, the text in menus and dialog boxes for some programs might not be in the language that you want. This happens because the program might not support Unicode.

Open Region and Language by clicking the Start button , clicking Control Panel , clicking Clock , Language , and Region , and then clicking Region and Language .

Under Display language , choose a language from the list, and then click OK .

Note:  If you don't see the list of display languages, you need to install additional language files.

To change the keyboard layout

Click the Keyboard layout button, and then select a keyboard layout.

Note:  If you don't see the Language bar, right-click the taskbar, point to Toolbars , and then click Language bar .

To change the keyboard layout on the Welcome screen

Note:  If you don't see the Keyboard layout button, you might not have more than one input language, or your regional and language settings might not be applied to reserved accounts.

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

Microsoft 365 training

Microsoft security

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

Ask the Microsoft Community

Microsoft Tech Community

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

Online support

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

• Mayo Clinic Careers
• Anesthesiology
• Dermatology
• Emergency Medicine
• Family Medicine
• Internal Medicine
• Lung Transplant
• Psychiatry & Psychology
• Nurse Practitioner & Physician Assistant
• Ambulance Service
• Clinical Labs
• Med Surg RN
• Radiology Imaging
• Clinical Research Coordinator
• Respiratory Care
• Senior Care
• Surgical Services
• Travel Surgical Tech
• Practice Operations
• Administrative Fellowship Program
• Administrative Internship Program
• Career Exploration
• Nurse Residency and Training Program
• Nursing Intern/Extern Programs
• Residencies & Fellowships (Allied Health)
• Residencies & Fellowships (Medical)
• SkillBridge Internship Program
• Training Programs & Internships
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Employees with Disabilities

Breakthrough

Search life-changing careers..

Job title or keyword

City or region

Radius Radius 5 miles 15 miles 25 miles 35 miles 50 miles 75 miles 100 miles

• United States Applicants
• United Kingdom Applicants
• United Arab Emirate Applicants
• Current Employees

Senior Specialist-HIMS - Remote

• Remote: YES

Not ready to apply? Join our talent community

Be challenged to deliver innovative solutions that will change health care.

Mayo Clinic’s tech culture is rooted in passion for technology, embraces innovative thinking and strives for high performance. Our teams drive change in health care through comprehensive connected health and digital transformation strategies.

Some examples of our major initiatives are:

• Utilizing artificial intelligence and machine learning principles to develop next generation patient centric care systems
• Transforming the practice by applying data science techniques to discover new approaches to health care delivery
• Leveraging Enterprise Architecture to construct integration centricity, promote data liquidity, and provide innovation support

This transformation creates, connects and applies integrated knowledge to deliver the best health care, health guidance and health information to patients, customers, partners, providers, employees anywhere and anytime so the needs of the patient come first.

Job Description

Department Health Information Management Services

Supports patient safety and quality care by being knowledge experts in the Epic Plummer Chart and documentation requirements based on internal policies, The Joint Commission standards, Federal/State and CMS regulations.  Monitors active deficiencies within the HIMS Completion, Compliance, and Escalation section, validating and reporting data based on aging criteria.  Coordinates with clinicians to ensure documentation contains all required elements and is completed in a timely manner.  Assists patients, care providers and allied health staff using outstanding customer service and professional communication.

Provides educational information regarding documentation requirements to clinicians and allied health staff.   Compiles and calculates statistical data for reporting to organizational stakeholders.  May process chart corrections and patient requests for amendments to clinical notes.  Utilizes independent analytical and critical thinking skills. Works independently and collaboratively across the enterprise with minimal supervision. 

Supports patient safety and quality care by being knowledge experts of the health care record achieved through quality documentation, integrity of the EHR, timely and accessible health information, regulatory compliance. Coordinates and maintains the flow and content of patient health information in both paper and electronic formats. Analyzes patient information to ensure compliance with standards established by Federal/State & Joint Commission & CMS regulations. Coordinates with clinicians to ensure documentation contains all required elements and is completed in a timely manner. Adheres to, and helps develop, institutional policies regarding health care documentation.

 Utilizes independent analytical and critical thinking skills. Works independently and collaboratively across the enterprise with minimal supervision. Adheres to guidelines with regard to accessing minimum necessary information to complete job function. Adheres to state and federal rules regarding privacy and confidentiality of protected health information. Leverages technology to serve the patients and practice. Assists in developing and training HIMS operational teams. Professionally communicates through all electronic, written, and verbal methods. Ensures great customer service while assisting patients, care providers, allied health staff, attorneys, insurance companies, government audits, and others in a courteous, professional and confidential manner.

This Position is 100% Remote can work from anywhere within the United States

** Visa sponsorship is not available for this position; Also, Mayo Clinic DOES NOT participate in the F-1 STEM OPT extension program**

During the selection process, you may participate in an OnDemand (pre-recorded) interview that you can complete at your convenience. During the OnDemand interview, a question will appear on your screen, and you will have time to consider each question before responding. You will have the opportunity to re-record your answer to each question - Mayo Clinic will only see the final recording. The complete interview will be reviewed by a Mayo Clinic staff member, and you will be notified of next steps. We value your interest in  the role and look forward to hearing back from you.

Associate’s degree in Health Information Technology. Health Information Technician (HIT) program students actively completing the last semester of the program will be considered; successful completion of HIT program required within 6 months of employment for continued employment.Demonstrated understanding of Joint Commission standards, State Regulations, and CMS requirements. Must possess knowledge of medical records format and content with the ability to perform work in a fast paced, constant change, production environment with a focus on quality. Must possess excellent customer service skills and be able to clearly, concisely and professionally communicate verbally and in written forms. Demonstrated ability to maneuver in multi technology environment and demonstrates proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) applications. Keyboarding skills required with intermediate typing/keyboard/computer skills. Versed in government regulatory and legal healthcare requirements to protect the patient and organization. Demonstrated medical terminology knowledge and basic project management skills. RHIT or RHIA certification required.

Career Path

Discover unlimited opportunities. Your IT career may start as a Help Desk Specialist or Work Station Technician, an intern, or entry-level Analyst/Programmer and develop into a mid- or senior-level technical position. You may choose to grow laterally as a technical expert, learning and supporting many different aspects of IT services. Or you may choose to become part of the leadership team.

Whichever direction you choose, we want you to stay and grow with us, and experience a life-changing career.

• Applications
• Business Relationship Management
• Enterprise Architecture
• Information Security

The Life Changers

When you choose an IT career with Mayo Clinic you will have an opportunity to engage with new and innovative solutions which will improve quality of life and patient outcomes. You will partner with brilliant Physicians and Scientists to help drive translational medicine in a fast-paced environment where creativity, energy, and dedication will result in success.” Marie Koctecki Senior Manager, IT Service Delivery

Over the span of my career, I have worked in multiple divisions across IT and have now advanced to a Service Delivery Manager role, managing a Project Management Office (PMO). The opportunities within the department of IT are vast. I have been able to gain my Project Management Professional (PMP) certification as well as my Certified Scrum Master (CSM) certification while at Mayo Clinic.” Betty Hutchins Manager, IT Service Delivery

I appreciate the breadth of career paths within IT and the ability to branch out and diversify my professional expertise while remaining with Mayo Clinic. The diverse backgrounds and depth of expertise of my coworkers is an attribute of Mayo’s unique culture; I enjoy the opportunity to work with so many world-renowned experts and thought leaders across a wide array of professions.” Samanthie Epps Manager, IT Speciality Systems

About our location

, Minnesota

We would love to connect with you.

Click the button for a list of our upcoming events.

Join our talent community.

Join our global talent community to receive alerts when new life-changing opportunities become available.

Mayo Clinic Laboratories uses enhanced technology to safeguard patient specimens

To improve specimen safety and tracking, Mayo Clinic Laboratories is using an enhanced form of radio-frequency...

Mayo Clinic and vMocion Introduce Technology which Creates the Sensation of Motion, Transforming Vir

Mayo Clinic and vMocion, LLC, an entertainment technology company, today announced it is making...

Jobs for you

• Top Matches for You
• Featured Jobs
• Recently Viewed Jobs
• Rochester, Minnesota, IT Senior Software Engineer - Remote Information Technology
• Rochester, Minnesota, IT Analyst/Programmer - Remote Information Technology
• Rochester, Minnesota, Specialist HIMS - Remote Information Technology
• Rochester, Minnesota, IT Systems Architect I - Remote Information Technology

You have no Recently Viewed Jobs. View all available opportunities.

Join Our Talent Community

Sign up, stay connected and get opportunities that match your skills sent right to your inbox

Email Address

Phone Number

Upload Resume/CV (Must be under 1MB) Remove

Job Category* Select One Administrative Anesthesiology Business Cardiology CRNA Dermatology Dialysis Technician Education Emergency Department Engineering ER Nurse Executive Facilities Management Family Medicine Fellowships Gastroenterology Hospitalist Housekeeping ICU Nurse Information Technology Internship Laboratory Licensed Practical Nurse Medical Surgical New Grad Nurse Nurse Manager Nurse Practitioner Nursing OB/GYN Oncology Ophthalmology OR Nurse Patient Care Pediatrics Pharmacy Phlebotomy Physician Physician Assistant Psychiatry Psychology Radiology Research Scientist Security Surgery Therapy Travel Nurse

Location Select Location Albert Lea, Minnesota Arcadia, Wisconsin Austin, Minnesota Barron, Wisconsin Bloomer, Wisconsin Caledonia, Minnesota Cannon Falls, Minnesota Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin Decorah, Iowa Duluth, Minnesota Eau Claire, Wisconsin Fairmont, Minnesota Holmen, Wisconsin Jacksonville, Florida La Crosse, Wisconsin Lake City, Minnesota London, England Mankato, Minnesota Menomonie, Wisconsin New Prague, Minnesota Onalaska, Wisconsin Osseo, Wisconsin Owatonna, Minnesota Phoenix, Arizona Red Wing, Minnesota Rice Lake, Wisconsin Rochester, Minnesota Saint Cloud, Minnesota Saint James, Minnesota Scottsdale, Arizona Sparta, Wisconsin Tempe, Arizona Tomah, Wisconsin Waseca, Minnesota Zumbrota, Minnesota

Area of Interest Select One Nursing Radiology Laboratory Medicine & Pathology Research Surgery Finance Cardiovascular Medicine Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Facilities Pharmacy Emergency Medicine Psychiatry & Psychology Surgical Technician Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Respiratory Therapy Neurology Radiation Oncology Anesthesiology & Perioperative Medicine Ambulance Services Environmental Services General Services Healthcare Technology Management Global Security Information Technology Gastroenterology & Hepatology Transplant Cardiovascular Surgery Family Medicine Housekeeping Medical Oncology Orthopedics Pediatrics Social Work Hospital Internal Medicine Obstetrics & Gynecology Administration Hematology Oncology General Internal Medicine Ophthalmology Patient Scheduling Senior Care International Mayo Clinic Laboratories Mayo Collaborative Services Community Internal Medicine Dermatology Desk Operations Engineering Artificial Intelligence & Informatics Digital Nephrology & Hypertension Office Support Regenerative Biotherapeutics Rheumatology Business Development Critical Care Endocrinology Pulmonary/Sleep Medicine Urology Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Clinical Genomics Hospice & Palliative Care Molecular Medicine Neurosciences Otolaryngology (ENT) Quality Strategy Education Infectious Diseases Legal Mayo Clinic Platform Sports Medicine Travel Cancer Biology Cancer Center Comparative Medicine Development/Philanthropy Health Care Delivery Research Linen & Central Services Spiritual Care Surgical Assistant Health Information Management Services Immunology Media Support Services Molecular Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics Neurologic Surgery Occupational/Preventative Medicine Pain Medicine Physiology & Biomedical Engineering Primary Care Volunteer Services Addiction Services Allergic Diseases Bariatric Medicine Communications Dental Specialities Epidemiology Executive Office Geriatric Medicine & Gerontology Home Medical Equipment Human Resources Information Security Marketing Spine Center

• Information Technology, Remote Remove
• Information Technology, Minnesota, United States Remove

Confirm Email

By submitting your information, you consent to receive email communication from Mayo Clinic.

Equal opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status. Learn more about "EEO is the Law." Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Reasonable accommodations

Mayo Clinic provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to increase opportunities and eliminate barriers to employment.  If you need a reasonable accommodation in the application process; to access job postings, to apply for a job, for a job interview, for pre-employment testing, or with the onboarding process, please contact HR Connect at 507-266-0440 or  888-266-0440.

Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a post offer placement assessment including a urine drug screen, immunization review and tuberculin (TB) skin testing, if applicable.

Recruitment Fraud

Learn more about recruitment fraud and job scams

Advertising

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised.

Advertising and sponsorship policy | Advertising and sponsorship opportunities

Reprint permissions

A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below.

Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy | Notice of Privacy Practices | Notice of Nondiscrimination

© 1998-2024 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved.