How would I go about changing keybinds on windows 11, to rebind the windows key to another key.

Question

I have an issue with my current laptop that has caused the windows key to stop functioning entirely. I do not know what caused it, and don't care much to fix it, since most of the time the key just bothers me by taking me out of full screen apps, and I had no way to disable the key at will, other than removing the keycap (if I was using an external keyboard).

The main issue is that I cannot use any keybinds that use the windows key, (eg, the clipboard), and it can get very annoying not being able to do things that would make my life slightly easier, and my tasks slightly quicker.

Is there a way to give another key (or preferably, several keys at the same time) the function of the windows key, or a single key the function only when I enable it? I've tried following some instructions, only to get stuck on the very first step, either because I have no idea what its telling me to do, or its simply impossible for various reasons.

Answer 1

There are very few "commands" that actually require the Windows key. For example snapping windows or the fancier tab switcher use the key as does the run command. If you can identify what operations you want to use then it would be easier to simply remap them instead. Remember that not all keyboards actually have the Windows key so there are almost always alternative keys.

AFAIK, out of the box, you cannot remap the Windows key itself. However there are 3rd party apps that supposedly let you do this like AutoHotKey and SharpKeys. These are third party products and would require more software to run on your machine so use at your own risk.

You might also look at the Windows Powertoys Keyboard Manager app. I'm not sure if it can remap the Windows key but it might be a good starting point.

You didn't provide us a link to the steps you were trying to follow so it is hard to say where things might be going wrong.

Answer 2

Hello,

Thank you for posting in Q&A forum.

Here are 2 methods that we can take to achive the purpose:

1.Navigate to Settings -> Devices -> Typing -> Advanced Keyboard Settings -> Input Language Hotkeys -> Click on Input language hotkeys.

By changing Key sequence you can assign the new key combination.

2.Go to Microsoft Store, search for "Microsoft PowerToys." and install the app. In this application you will be able to enable keyboard manager and remap the key.!

To help other customers who may be facing the same issue, please don't forget to vote if the reply is helpful.

Best Regards

Zunhui