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How can I switch or swap my left and right Alt keys functions.

Anonymous
2024-04-25T13:49:36+00:00

Hi there.

I want to switch or swap my left and right Alt keys functions.

Screen orientation is Right Alt key plus Arrows and to go back or forward is Left Alt key plus arrows.

I want my Right Alt key to help me navigate the pages and Left Alt key for screen orientation.

How can I get them changed?

Please let me know.

Best

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Input and language

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  1. Anonymous
    2024-04-28T07:10:42+00:00

    Hi

    Welcome to Microsoft community.

    To swap the functions of your left and right Alt keys on Windows 11, you can use a tool called SharpKeys. It's a free software that allows you to remap your keyboard keys. Here's how you can do it:

    1. Download SharpKeys:
      • Visit the SharpKeys GitHub page to find the download link. Download and install SharpKeys on your Windows 11 PC.
    2. Open SharpKeys:
      • Once installed, open SharpKeys. You'll be presented with a very straightforward interface.
    3. Add a New Mapping:
      • Click the "Add" button. A new window will appear where you can choose which key you want to remap from and to.
      • You’ll see two columns: “Map this key (from key)” and “To this key (to key).”
      • Click on the "Type Key" button under "Map this key (from key)" and press the Left Alt key on your keyboard. SharpKeys will identify it.
      • Then, click on the "Type Key" button under "To this key (to key)" and press the Right Alt key. Click "OK."
    4. Swap the Right Alt Key:
      • Click "Add" again to swap the other direction.
      • This time, under "Map this key (from key)," press the Right Alt key, and for "To this key (to key)," press the Left Alt key.
    5. Write to Registry:
      • Once you've added the key mappings, click "Write to Registry." This will apply the changes you've just made.
    6. Restart Your Computer:
      • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Your Alt keys should now have their functions swapped.

    Please note that while SharpKeys is widely used and considered safe, modifying registry settings can potentially cause issues if done incorrectly. Always proceed with caution and consider creating a system restore point before making changes to your registry.

    If you decide later that you want to revert the changes, simply open SharpKeys, select the mappings you've made, click "Delete," and then "Write to Registry" again. Remember to restart your PC to apply any changes.

    Disclaimer: Generally, modifying registry subkeys or work group is intended for advanced users, administrators, and IT Professionals. It can help fix some problems, however, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For further protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click How to back up and restore the registry in Windows - Microsoft Support to view the article. 

    Let me know if you need further assistance.

    Best regards

    Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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