How to Bind Keys on Windows

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This wikiHow teaches you how to reassign your keyboard buttons and select a different function for any button on your keyboard, using Windows.

1

Get SharpKeys from GitHub.

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    Download SharpKeys from https://github.com/randyrants/sharpkeys/releases . SharpKeys is an open-source software that allows you to reassign your keyboard buttons on Windows.
    • Click the latest ZIP file download of SharpKeys (e.g., sharpkeys394.zip ) to download the file.
    • Once downloaded, unzip the file .
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2

Open SharpKeys and accept the agreement.

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    This launches SharpKeys for the first time.
3

Click the "Add" button.

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    This will allow you to add a new keyboard button configuration.
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4

Select the key you want to change.

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    For example, if you want to change your keyboard's Caps Lock button to Space, find and select Caps Lock on the left list.
5

Choose a new function for the key.

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    The new functions appear in the "To this key" column. For example, if you're changing your Caps Lock button to Space, find and select Space on the right list.
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6

Click "OK" to save your configuration.

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    Now that you've made this change, your configuration is saved. However, you'll still need to make a change to your registry.
7

Write the change to your registry.

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    You'll probably need to click OK to give admin permission to the app before it can write to the registry. Once written, you'll still have one more step to complete.
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8

Restart your computer.

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    Once your computer comes back up, the key will be remapped.

Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Are there any other ways to do this?
    Michael Thompson-Brown
    Cybersecurity Expert
    Michael Thompson-Brown is a Cybersecurity Expert based in Portland, Maine. He is the owner and founder of PCRescue!, a company that provides cybersecurity and data management solutions to small businesses and individuals. Michael has over 25 years of experience in the IT industry and is a certified ethical hacker. He is passionate about helping clients protect their data and systems from malicious attacks and helping them optimize their online presence and reach. He received a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from Western Governors University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
    Michael Thompson-Brown
    Cybersecurity Expert
    Expert Answer
    To bind keys in Windows, begin by opening the application or game where you intend to customize key bindings. Some keyboard models have dedicated applications for key binding. If applicable, launch the keyboard's accompanying software. Otherwise, you can open the application or game settings and locate the key binding or key mapping section. Select the action you want to assign a key to and press the desired key or key combination. Ensure to save your changes before exiting the settings menu.
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