Broken keyboard keys are quite a common occurrence on laptops and netbooks. Although itâs not a terrible problem if the keypress still registers without the key, it is quite difficult if a common key doesnât work at all. Maybe thereâs keys you keep hitting by mistake such as Caps Lock, or would just like a certain key to be in a more convenient location. Or, there might be a key on your keyboard you never seem to use or need.
In all those situations, a simple solution would be to change the keyboard keys to do something else. Whether itâs disabling the key or making it perform another action. More advanced users could turn to software such as a Macro tool which can help you remap keys on a keyboard or even perform more complicated tasks for you, or run a shortcut/hotkey utility.
When you press a key on the keyboard it sends a âscan codeâ to tell Windows what has been pressed. Scan codes can be edited in the system registry to map one key to another but editing the registry manually is tricky. Hereâs a selection of tools that can remap keyboard keys to other keys. Some edit the scan codes in the registry and donât need to stay running, others need to stay running in the background.
1. Microsoft PowerToys For Windows 10
Mastering a few crucial Mac keyboard shortcuts will make using your Apple computer easier and much more efficient. Cutting your reliance on your mouse will help you work more quickly, and youâll. Go to Settings - General - Keyboard - Text Replacement and tap on the + icon. Type in the expanded text in the Phrase section and type the snippet in the Shortcut section. Tap on Save when youâre done. Now, when you type the shortcut, it will automatically expand into the phrase. From MacOS, go to the Apple menu and choose âSystem Preferencesâ and then go to the âKeyboardâ preference panel. Choose the âShortcutsâ tab and then select âApp Shortcutsâ from the left side menu. Click on the â+â plus button to create a new keyboard shortcut on the Mac. Apple has admitted that thereâs a flaw with their design and as long as your MacBook is recognized as one of the afflicted models (if your keyboard isnât working, it probably is) then all you have to do is take your laptop to an Apple Authorized Service Provider, Apple Retail Store, or Apple Repair Center, and theyâll handle your MacBook.
The old utility suite for Windows XP and 95 called PowerToys was resurrected in 2019 for Windows 10 users. One built in feature is the Keyboard Manager which can remap one key to another and also remap keyboard shortcuts. PowerToys doesnât edit scan codes and has to stay running in the background, which could be an advantage or disadvantage depending on your requirements.
Open PowerToys and enable the Keyboard Manager. What is weather.app in coreservices on a mac. Click âRemap a keyâ and choose the key to change (Key column) and then what to change it to (âMapped toâ column). You can either find the key in the dropdown menu or type it in manually. Map a key to âUndefinedâ to disable it entirely.
Remap shortcuts is similar, add the new shortcut you want to use, and then the shortcut you want to emulate. A useful option is âTarget appâ that changes the shortcut only for the specified process (use Task Manager > Details to get process names). For example, âRWin+I > Ctrl+Shift+N > Chromeâ remaps Chromeâs new incognito window shortcut for Chrome.exe only and leaves the shortcut alone elsewhere in Windows.
Because it has to run in the background, PowerToys is best used if you also want to make use of other built in tools, like FancyZones or PowerToys Run. However, you can simply turn all the other features off to run the Keyboard Manager on its own.
Download Microsoft PowerToys For Windows 10
2. SharpKeys
SharpKeys is an easy tool to use but it lacks a keyboard interface layout which could make it quicker to identify the keys you want to change. The main interface is pretty empty to start with and only the edits you have made will show up here. Pressing Add will get things started for remapping a new key. Select the From key in the list on the left which is the the key you want to move, and the To key on the right is where you want to map it.
Do note that not all entries in the list will be available on your keyboard and if youâre unsure, use the Type Key button and physically press the key you want to select. The top âTurn key offâ option in the dropdown will disable the key entirely. Pressing âWrite to Registryâ when youâre done will commit the remapped keys to the Registry and youâll be required to log off or reboot for the changes to take effect.
Use the Load/Save keys buttons to save the list of key changes so they can be loaded again later on. SharpKeys is available as a zipped portable version or an MSI setup installer, the .NET Framework 4 needs to be installed for Windows 7 users.
Download SharpKeys
3. MapKeyboard
MapKeyboard is a portable and tiny keyboard remapper that is under 100KB in size. Just start the program and click on the key you want to remap. At the bottom left of the window, it will show in the âRemap selected key to:â box. Now all you have to do is click on the drop down menu and select the new assignment to give the key or select âDisabledâ to turn the key off.
Keys you have edited in this or any other program that uses the Registry are shown in green in the window. When you have finished with the mappings, click the âSave layoutâ button which will prompt you to logoff for the changes to take effect. MapKeyboard requires .NET Framework v3 to be installed for Windows 10 (and 8/8.1 Windows) users.
MapKeyboard 2.1 was the last version but we are linking to 1.5 which is functionally the same but comes without ads in the window for some of the developerâs other products.
Download MapKeyboard 1.5
4. Key Mapper
Key Mapper is an easy to use and intuitive tool that can remap a key or disable it completely. To disable a key all you have to do is click on it and drag it off the programâs window, which will then turn the key a brownish color. To map one key to another, click on the key and then drag and drop it onto the key you want it assigned to which will turn the newly assigned key an aqua color.
Double clicking on a key will popup a window where previous edits can be reversed. All the available keys that can be assigned are displayed in categories which groups keys together according to their function. This makes it easier to find what you want and once you select the desired key from the list, simply press the Map button to assign it to the key. Alternatively, use the Capture button and press the desired key.
There is a useful option in the Mappings menu to export all the changes made to a registry file which you can then import later or use on another machine. The on-screen layout can be resized or changed to exclude the keypad, have typewriter keys only, or show a Mac style keyboard. Key Mapper requires .NET version 2/3 which you will be prompted to install if your Windows 10 system doesnât have it installed already.
Download Key Mapper
5. Keytweak
KeyTweak offers a few ways to help remap one keyboard key to another. It has a Full Teach Mode where you click the button to begin and just press the from key and then the key you want to map to, then click the âRemap #1 to #2â button. There is also a Half Teach Mode which differs from full teach by offering a drop down list of available keys for you to remap to.
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The third way is by using the virtual keyboard in the main window to click on the key to change and then select the new mapping from the drop down below. This also gives you the option of quickly disabling a key and making use of any special keys your keyboard has such as media, Explorer, power, or internet keys.
The keyboard itself might be slightly confusing for some as it lists the scancode numbers for the keys and not the actual characters. Hovering over the key will show its friendly name in a tooltip. Click Apply when youâre done and reboot or log off. As KeyTweak is effectively abandonware and only one executable and pdf help file, weâve extracted the setup installer and zipped the files to make it portable.
Download KeyTweak Portable
6. Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator
The Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator allows you to create custom keyboard layouts completely from scratch or take an existing layout and edit it to your liking. It works by building and creating an installer that you can then install on any machine as an additional keyboard. Thereâs also three different setup options for the layout around the Enter key which is a useful feature for laptop and custom keyboards (View > Options).
Something MSKLC cannot touch is any special keys such as Enter, Shift, Control, Alt, Caps Lock, backspace, and the Function keys. The keys that are editable can have multiple entries for the normal keypress, Shift + keypress, Ctrl+Alt+ keypress, and Ctrl+Alt+Shift+ keypress. These can be shown on the main keyboard image by using the âShift statesâ boxes on the left.
Existing layouts can be loaded in and edited via File > Load Existing Keyboard. Once you have finished editing, the new layout can be tested and validated before the package is built (via the Project menu). Windows 10 requires the .NET framework version 3 to be installed.
Download Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator
7. RemapKeyboard
This last tool is a portable standalone executable and only 79KB in size. RemapKeybaord is quite similar to SharpKeys in that it doesnât have a visual keyboard layout or graphics but instead uses a list of keys in a map from and map to style. It also makes use of the scan code data in the registry.
Any custom scan code data from this or any other program will be shown in the far left pane. To create a new mapping, select the key from the list in the middle âMap this physical keyâ pane. Then, select the âto this effective functionâ key from the right pane. The disable key option is at the bottom of the list. Press âAdd new mappingâ at the top, then press âSave all mappingsâ to commit the changes to the registry.
Like all other tools using the registry scan code method, you have to log off or restart the system for the changes to take effect.
Download RemapKeyboard
Final Note: These tools donât create multiple function macro keys for launching programs or inputting text. They simply map one key on a keyboard to another or create different layouts of the standard keys. Also, laptop Fn or Function keys cannot usually be mapped because they are in most cases hardcoded and donât represent a physical keypress. Your laptop might have a BIOS option or a dedicated utility from the manufacturer, but itâs unlikely these tools will help.
You might also like:6 Ways To Disable or Remap the Caps Lock Key On Your Keyboard5 Free Tools to Remap and Customize Mouse Button Actions5 Free KVM Switch Tools to Share Keyboard and Mouse on Multiple Computers2 Tools to Use your Keyboard LEDâs as a Network Activity IndicatorHow to Install Bluetooth Keyboard on Windows 7
Ashearon4 months ago
Hello. Love this article, but Iâm still confused as to which program to go for. I have an Indonesian computer, and I need a pound sign! I have a function key number 5. when I press it nothing happens. yep still nothing happens, just testing it. Can i assign my Function key number 5 to be a pound sign?
Reply
Iâm not quite sure whether you mean the Fn function key a laptop keyboard or the simple F5 function key.
The pound sign can be typed with Alt+156 or Alt+0163 but unless you have it already on your keyboard as a standard key, Iâm not sure if these tools can map it.
Reply
Chris5 months ago
This article says ââ¦laptop Fn or Function keys cannot be mapped because they are in most cases hard coded into the keyboard and donât actually represent a physical key press.â
My 2019 ThinkPad, which has the Function key in the lower left exactly where the Left Control should be, does have the Function key mapped as Special:Wake (or Fn) (EO-63).
I am researching Windows key mapping tools in order to find one which will let me map Left Shift + Function to be the new Function key and then map the horribly positioned Function key to be Left Control.
The Control key is a cornerstone key used by Windows Hot Key sequences several dozen (hundred?) times each day. Note to the wise: Never buy a laptop with a Function key where normal keys go or you will suffer through so many mistakes during the day.
Reply
That may be a hardcoded mapping of your fn key but as far as I know, you canât map an fn key to some other key on the keyboard, the F key for example.
Reply
HF2 months ago
Had the same problem. In the thinkpadâs BIOS you can switch the FN and CTRL keys to match normal laptop. Reply
To get to BIOS you have to press one of keys when starting up before windows starts loading.
It be great to have a simple keyboard mapper than can also capture and combine mouse buttons.
For example capturing keyboard + mouse hotkeys and remapping to windows 10 media control / OSD overlay (for keyboards with no media keys for example): Reply
3rvx.com
sm6 months ago
autohotkey.com
Reply
Unfortunately, most of these tools are useless if you want to remap for example PgUP to Ctrl+Left, since they can only remap single keys and not key-combos.
Reply
Guest1 year ago
What about the portable âMulti Task Toolâ recently added in major geeks website? I really love it, it allows mouse movements to be easily remapped to anything.
Reply
You can look also on TouchCursor
Really useful.
martin-stone.github.io/touchcursor
Reply
David2 years ago
Would love a program that removes key combos such as Left Alt Tab. Even auto hotkey is letting me down here. Also, it seems EA games override any key reassignment of the tilde key.
Reply
Most donât work well. I have found none useful so far. MS KLC â once installed it is overridden by other keyboard layout (e.s. Korean) etc. What a dismal digital dismal dark age we live in! (Using PC with Win 7. Win 10 is good for many, but it is much more geared for I-Pad gadgetry stuff.
Reply
Vineet Garg3 years ago
Hi Ray, thanks for the wonderful article, i have been able to remap and disable keys and use my laptopâs faulty keyboard efficiently but only after a boot into an operating system . i want to just know if there are any options that can enable the same before even a actual boot into a OS ie. for selecting between various options before boot ? Thanks & regards.
Reply
Hi All, Reply
1. Thanks RAY for this wonderful article ! 2. LazyCatz says â Key remapper is better because it does not need to write any registry.â i also thought that but donât know/understand how it works then ? May be it just doesnât tell/ask you ! 3. sharpkeys portable does fine on my windows 7 & Vista. it seems its poor GUI doesnât pose big difficuties ! Thanks & Regards.
LazyCatz4 years ago
Key remapper is better because it does not need to wite any registry.
Reply
to be cont.d⦠Reply
Actually, KeyMapper talked straight to my needs. i had some non working keys and some unused keys !
Vineet Garg4 years ago
Hi Friends,
i have some words 1) Keytweak download is not available from here. i used Keytweak from Hirenâs BootCD and its very ordinary. may it be that a new version is advanced . 2) SharpKeys asks to add an entry in registry which i donât like at all ! 3) KeyMapper is outstanding but unfortunately doesnât work on my Windows 7 64 Ultimate sp1 . though it works very well on my Vista Ultimate 32 Sp2. How to restart adobe cc app on mac osx. i used MapKeyboard on win 7 which is ordinary but no choice. 4) Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator , i didnât give it a try because it prepares keyboard layout(s) which has/have to be installed ! i keep distance from installing items on my slow pc and it also has some limitations. Regards, Vineet Garg. Mac Keyboard Text Replace Only Works In Some Apps FreeReply
looks cool
Mac Keyboard Text Replace Only Works In Some Apps Without
thanks Raymond
Reply
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The copy-paste function in Windows 10 is often taken for granted. Itâs as simple as hitting the Ctrl+C and then Ctrl+V shortcuts on your keyboard. We use it several times daily to make our work easier. Everything seems fine until copy-paste stops working on your Windows 10 computer. Of course, you must've unplugged and re-plugged your external keyboard a few times. But what if that happens on a laptop?
Some users reported that copy-paste was not working in a particular app while others said it wasnât working across Windows 10 OS. Of course, there's no way I can talk about all the apps involved in this mix-up. That's why I will cover some common Microsoft apps that most people use. Of course, none of these tricks would work if those switches are borked.
Letâs begin.
Copy-Paste Not Working on Windows OS![]()
When you are no longer able to copy-paste text, files, and folders from one app to another or anywhere on your Windows 10 computer, it's time to take a serious and close look since it is a system-wide issue.
1. Reset Remote Desktop Clipboard Process With Admin Rights
On Windows, the Remote Desktop Clipboard process runs with name of rdpclip.exe file whenever your Windows boots.
Step 1: Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc combo on your keyboard to launch the Task Manager and search for rdpclip.exe under the Details tab.
Step 2: Canât find it? Click on File > Run new task and type rdpclip.exe and select the âCreate this task with administrative privilegesâ box. Hit Enter.
If the rdpclip.exe service is already running, right-click on it to select End task, and then restart it as shown above.
Here is another way to restart rdpclip.exe service for those who canât find it in the Task Manager. Drill down to the following folder structure:
Search for rdpclip.exe, right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
You are not done yet. You also need to search for dwm.exe and run it with admin rights too.
Step 3: Reboot your computer and check if you can copy-paste in Windows 10 or not.
2. Restart Windows Explorer
That will close all open apps and windows. Save all work before moving on with this solution.
Step 1: Launch the Task Manager again and find Windows Explorer under the Processes tab.
Step 2: Right-click on it and select the Restart option.
A reboot is not required in this case, but we recommend it. Check if the copy-paste is working or not.
Also on Guiding TechDitto : The Portable Clipboard Manager for All Your Copy & PastesRead More3. Clear Clipboard History
Clearing clipboard history and cache files could also help with the error.
Step 1: Search for and open Command Prompt (cmd) from the Start menu. Click on Run as administrator to run it with proper privileges.
Step 2: Type the below command and hit Enter to execute it.
Step 3: Reboot your computer and check again if copy-paste is working or not.
4. Antivirus Apps
An antivirus or malware app may be responsible for the error. Try disabling it before you check again if the copy-paste is working or not. There is no need to disable Microsoft apps like Windows Defender. Disable only third-party security apps.
5. Run Troubleshooter
Step 1: Press Windows key+I to open Settings and search for âFind and fix problems with keyboardâ in the search box. Thatâs because we mostly use the keyboard to copy-paste in Windows 10.
Step 2: Click on Advanced in the pop-up that follows and select Apply repairs automatically.
Step 3: Click on Next and follow on-screen instructions after that.
Mac Keyboard Text Replace Only Works In Some Apps Using
This is also a good time to check your keyboard for physical damage and errors. Also, you can use the right-click on the mouse to copy-paste text or URL to inspect if that works normally.
Copy-Paste Not Working in Windows 10 Apps
There are too many apps out on the Windows platform and covering all of them is not easy. If the problem is limited only to a select app, have you tried reinstalling it? Always install apps from the Microsoft Store instead of downloading the executable file from sketchy sources.
1. Send to Bluetooth Add-On
This solution is for Microsoft Office users. Disable the Bluetooth add-on if you have one installed and check if that helps.
Also on Guiding Tech5 Best Apps to Sync Clipboard Between PC and AndroidRead More2. Webroot Security Software
If you use any of their products, then it may be causing the copy-paste issue. Open Webroot and go to Identity Protection > Application Protection and find the app where you canât use the copy-paste function. Set it to Allow. I would also recommend you disable Protect Clipboard Data option there.
3. Skype Click to Call
Skype Click to Call plugin allows you to make Skype calls from your browser directly. The same plugin is also responsible for causing copy-paste issues in the browser and even across the Windows OS. Remove the plugin and see if it helps.
Try Third-Party Clipboard Managers
The default clipboard manager works but there are far better options available on the web. We have covered two amazing clipboard managers for Windows that will allow you to do much more than just copy-paste text, links, and other stuff.
Be Original
The copy-paste function in Windows 10 is a lifesaver for many people. Whether it's working on spreadsheets or transferring data, that simple function can save so much time. So when copy-paste stops working, it is rare. Hopefully, one of the above solutions should have solved it if your keyboard is working perfectly. There are a few apps that could replace the built-in copy-paste function of the clipboard manage too.
Next up:Using an Android smartphone? Here are 7 clipboard apps that will supercharge your experience in no time.
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.Read NextTop 7 Android Clipboard Apps for Faster Copy PastingAlso See#troubleshooting #windows 10 Did You Know
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