Have you ever encountered an issue where your alt and windows key switched on your keyboard behave unpredictably? For instance, the Windows key might suddenly function as an Alt key, or pressing Alt could trigger the Start menu instead of its intended shortcuts. This is a common issue that many users face after updates, system glitches, or accidental key remapping. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry. Fixing the switched Alt and Windows key behavior is usually a quick and easy process.
In this guide, we’ll explore several methods to help you resolve this issue and get your keys functioning properly again.
Identifying the Problem
Before diving into the solutions, it’s important to identify exactly what’s happening. The Alt and Windows keys are fundamental to keyboard shortcuts, and if their behavior is switched, it can interfere with how you interact with your computer.
When the Windows and Alt keys are swapped, you might notice that pressing the Windows key brings up the Alt functions (such as Alt + Tab for switching between apps), or that pressing the Alt key opens the Start menu. This could happen due to system settings, accidental key remapping, or even a keyboard driver issue.
Solution 1: Check Ease of Access Settings
One of the first places to check is the Ease of Access settings in Windows. This area includes accessibility options such as Sticky Keys, Filter Keys, and other settings that can interfere with the normal behavior of your keys.
1. Open the Start Menu and search for “Control Panel.”
2. Navigate to Ease of Access: In the Control Panel, select “Ease of Access” and then click on “Ease of Access Center.”
3. Check Keyboard Settings: From the Ease of Access Center, click on “Make the keyboard easier to use.”
4. Disable Sticky and Filter Keys: If Sticky Keys or Filter Keys are enabled, disable them. These features can cause the Alt and Windows keys to behave unusually.
After making these adjustments, test your keyboard to see if the problem is resolved. This solution is quick and works in many cases where accessibility settings have interfered with key behavior.
Solution 2: Reset Keyboard Shortcuts
Sometimes, the issue arises from custom keyboard shortcuts that might have been accidentally activated. Resetting these shortcuts back to their default settings can help fix the problem.
1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Go to Devices: In the Settings window, select “Devices” and then click on “Typing.”
3. Reset Keyboard Settings: Scroll down to the “Advanced keyboard settings” and select “Input language hot keys.” Ensure that none of the keys have been remapped or assigned conflicting shortcuts.
If you’ve used any third-party keyboard remapping tools (such as SharpKeys or AutoHotkey), make sure to check those settings as well. Reverting any custom key assignments will often fix the issue of swapped keys.
Solution 3: Use Third-Party Software for Key Remapping
If the built-in settings don’t fix the problem, using third-party software can offer a more direct way to remap your keys back to their default functions. SharpKeys is a popular, user-friendly tool that allows you to quickly remap your keys.
1. Download SharpKeys: Go to the SharpKeys website and install the application.
2. Remap the Keys: Once installed, open SharpKeys. You’ll see a list of key assignments. Click “Add” to add a new mapping and choose the Alt and Windows keys you want to switch back to their original functions.
3. Save and Reboot: After making the changes, click “Write to Registry,” then restart your computer. The keys should now behave normally.
SharpKeys is a reliable solution for fixing key remapping issues, and it allows you to reset the keys with precision.
Solution 4: Update or Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
If none of the above solutions work, there may be a driver issue causing the swapped keys. In this case, updating or reinstalling your keyboard drivers could resolve the problem.
1. Open Device Manager: Press Win + X and select “Device Manager.”
2. Expand the Keyboards Section: In the Device Manager, locate and expand the “Keyboards” section.
3. Update Driver: Right-click on your keyboard device and select “Update driver.” Choose the option to search for updated driver software online.
4. Reinstall Driver: If updating doesn’t work, you can try uninstalling the driver and restarting your computer. Windows will automatically reinstall the appropriate drivers upon reboot.
Outdated or corrupted keyboard drivers can sometimes cause unusual key behavior, so keeping your drivers up to date is crucial for optimal keyboard performance.
Solution 5: Check for Malware or System Corruption
In rare cases, malware or system corruption might be causing the abnormal behavior of your keys. Running a full system scan with Windows Defender or another trusted antivirus tool can help rule out the possibility of malware.
Additionally, you can run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to check for and fix any corrupted system files that might be affecting your keyboard.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press Win + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”
2. Run SFC: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Allow the tool to scan and repair any issues it finds.
Conclusion
Switched Alt and Windows key behavior can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can quickly return your keyboard to normal. Whether it’s adjusting accessibility settings, using third-party software, or updating your drivers, there are several methods available to resolve this issue. By following these steps, you can restore your keyboard’s default functions and get back to a smoother, more efficient computing experience.