How to Correct the Windows Key Acting Like Alt Key

Have you ever encountered the perplexing issue where your Windows key suddenly starts behaving like the Alt key? This misbehavior can cause frustration, especially when trying to use standard keyboard shortcuts. For instance, instead of opening the Start menu or triggering the Windows key shortcuts, the Windows key will invoke actions typically associated with the Alt key, such as activating menu bars or triggering shortcuts like Alt + Tab.
This issue can arise due to a variety of factors, including software conflicts, accidental key remapping, or settings changes. Fortunately, it’s possible to resolve this problem quickly with a few straightforward solutions. If you’ve found your Windows key not functioning as expected, here’s a guide on how to fix the alt and windows key switched.
Step 1: Check for Sticky Keys and Ease of Access Settings
One of the common causes of this issue is the Sticky Keys feature, which is part of the Windows “Ease of Access” settings. When enabled, Sticky Keys allows you to press one key at a time for keyboard shortcuts instead of holding down multiple keys simultaneously. However, this can sometimes cause the Windows key to act like the Alt key, especially when there are conflicts in the keyboard’s behavior.
To check and disable Sticky Keys:
1. Open the Ease of Access Settings: Click the Start menu, type “Ease of Access” into the search bar, and select the “Ease of Access Keyboard Settings.”
2. Turn off Sticky Keys: Look for the Sticky Keys section and make sure it is turned off. If it’s already off, toggle it on and off again to ensure it resets properly.
3. Disable Filter Keys: Similarly, make sure “Filter Keys” is also disabled, as this can affect the timing of key presses.
Once these settings are configured, restart your computer to see if the issue has been resolved.
Step 2: Investigate Keyboard Shortcuts or Custom Key Mappings
Another potential cause is the remapping of the keys, either through a system setting or third-party software. If you’ve used any keyboard remapping software in the past, it’s possible that the Windows key was unintentionally mapped to function as the Alt key.
To fix this issue:
1. Check for Remapping Software: If you have used software like SharpKeys or AutoHotkey in the past, open the program and verify the key mappings. Look specifically for any changes to the Windows key and reset them to their default settings.
2. Reset to Default Key Settings: For users who haven’t used any remapping software but suspect the issue arose after an update or system change, you can try resetting the keyboard settings to their default state through the Control Panel.
Step 3: Disable or Modify the Windows Key in the Registry
If you’re comfortable with advanced troubleshooting, the Windows registry can be edited to correct the misbehaving Windows key. This method is not recommended for beginners, as incorrect changes to the registry can cause system instability. However, it’s an effective way to restore the default behavior of your keys.
Here’s how to modify the registry to fix the issue:
1. Open the Registry Editor: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog, type “regedit,” and press Enter.
2. Navigate to the Keyboard Layout: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKeyboard Layout.
3. Check for Custom Mappings: In this folder, look for a registry entry named “Scancode Map” or any entry related to the Windows key. If you find any, it’s possible that they’re causing the key mapping issue.
4. Delete the Custom Mapping: Right-click the entry and select Delete. Afterward, restart your system to apply the changes.
Step 4: Update Your Keyboard Drivers
Outdated or corrupted drivers can sometimes lead to unusual behavior, such as the Windows key malfunctioning. Updating your keyboard drivers can help resolve this issue.
To update the keyboard drivers:
1. Open Device Manager: Right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
2. Locate Keyboard Drivers: Expand the “Keyboards” section, then right-click on the keyboard device listed and select “Update driver.”
3. Search Automatically for Updates: Choose the option to automatically search for updated drivers. If new drivers are found, they will be installed automatically.
After the update is complete, restart your computer to see if the issue persists.
Step 5: Perform a System Restore
If all else fails, performing a system restore can help revert any changes that may have caused the Windows key to malfunction. System restore allows you to roll back your computer to a previous state when the keyboard was functioning normally.
To perform a system restore:
1. Search for System Restore: Type “System Restore” in the Start menu search bar and select “Create a restore point.”
2. Open System Restore: Click on the “System Restore” button and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system to a previous point in time.
3. Choose a Restore Point: Select a restore point before the issue began and allow the system to revert to that state.
Conclusion
Having the Windows key act like the Alt key can disrupt your workflow and make simple tasks more challenging. However, by following these simple troubleshooting steps—such as checking your accessibility settings, verifying key mappings, editing the registry, updating drivers, or performing a system restore—you can quickly resolve the issue and get your keyboard back to normal. If the problem persists, it might be worth considering hardware issues or seeking further technical support.