Disabling Sticky Keys Feature in Windows: A Step-by-Step Guide

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What to Know

• Windows 11:Settings >Accessibility >Keyboard . Toggle offSticky keys .
• Windows 10:Settings >Ease of Access >Keyboard . Press the toggle underUse Sticky Keys .
• Windows 8 & 7:Control Panel >Ease of Access >Ease of Access Center >Make the keyboard easier to use . Clear the checkbox.

This article explains how to undo Sticky Keys in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

How to Turn Sticky Keys off in Windows 11 & 10

The quickest way to turn off Sticky Keys is to pressShift five times. Another way is to press any two keys simultaneously, such asCtrl +Alt .

Here’s how to disable Sticky Keys with the Settings app:

1. OpenSettings . It’s accessible through a search in the Start menu or via the hidden Power User Menu (right-click the Start button to find it).
2. Go toAccessibility >Keyboard in Windows 11, orEase of Access >Keyboard in Windows 10.
3. Select the toggle next toSticky Keys (Windows 11) orUse Sticky Keys (Windows 10) to set it to off.
   You can also disable the shortcut so that pressing Shift a few times doesn’t enable Sticky Keys. Some other options you’ll find in Settings let you disable the Sticky Keys sound and hide its icon from the taskbar.

How to Turn Sticky Keys off in Windows 8 & 7

These versions of Windows also use the “press Shift five times” shortcut to enable and disable Sticky Keys. Pressing two keys at the same time will also disable it. Another way to undo Sticky Keys is through some settings:

1. Open Control Panel . The fastest way there is to search for it in the Start menu.
2. Go toEase of Access >Ease of Access Center >Make the keyboard easier to use .
3. Clear the checkbox next toTurn on Sticky Keys .
   
4. SelectApply to save.

What Are Sticky Keys?

Every keyboard uses modifier keys, which change the function of a letter key. The one you probably use most often isShift . Under normal circumstances, with Sticky Keys off, you’d need to press and holdShift as you press the8 key, for example, to create an asterisk.

Sticky Keys assist people with disabilities or who suffer from repetitive stress injuries. Turning this feature on effectively_sticks_ the key in the pressed position, letting you use shortcut keys one press at a time.

To return to the asterisk example, having Sticky Keys on would mean you could pressShift , let go of it, and then press8 to type the asterisk. The same is true for any other shortcut that uses theCtrl ,Alt , orWindows key .

Sticky keys can be useful if you don’t like holding down a key for long periods of time. If you’re not a touch-typist, in particular, or if you’re learning how to use software that makes heavy use of modifier keys, it can be useful while you track down which key you want to press. Otherwise, they’re probably not worth leaving on.

The Best Windows Keyboard Shortcuts in 2024

FAQ

• How do I turn off the Sticky Keys notification in Windows?
  In Windows 11, go toSettings >Accessibility >Keyboard >Notification preferences and toggle off Notify me when I turn on Sticky, Filter, or Toggle keys from the keyboard .
• How do I change my keyboard keys in Windows 10?
  To remap the keyboard in Windows , download Microsoft Power Toys and go toKeyboard Manager >Remap a Key orRemap a Shortcut . If you have an external keyboard and mouse, use the Windows Mouse and Keyboard Center.
• How do I disable the keyboard in Windows?
  To disable your Windows keyboard , right-clickStart and selectDevice Manager >Keyboards . Next, right-click your keyboard and selectDisable device .

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