How to Remap a Keyboard Key in Windows 11

Sadique Hassan•Updated Jun 3, 2022

In this guide, we will show you the steps to remap a key on your keyboard in Windows 11. There could be a slew of different reasons as to why you might prefer to perform the remapping of the keys. For many, it’s generally the ease of user experience as they associate a lengthier shortcut key combinations to a single key [after all, who would press the Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Win + L keys to open LinkedIn!]. However, for others, it’s not just a matter of comfort, they are forced to do so out of compulsion.

One such example could be the non-working of one of your keyboard keys. In this regard, my keyboard’s Shift key recently bid adieu. As a result of which, I wasn’t able to open Task Manager, permanently delete a file, or capitalize the letter without opting for workarounds. If you are also stuck in a similar situation, then this guide will make you aware of the steps to remap a key on your keyboard in Windows 11. Follow along.

How to Remap a Keyboard Key in Windows 11

While we usually cover these guides using the Registry Editor, however, this time around, we will be using a first-party app, developed by Microsoft. The reason why we aren’t using Registry is the fact that each key comes with a different D-word 32-bit or Binary Value.

So listing the values for each of the keys present on the keyboard would prove to be quite a cumbersome process. Moreover, since the app is open source and provided by Microsoft, there isn’t any point of concern associated with it. So on that optimistic note, let’s get started.

To begin with, download the Power Toys from GitHub [Direct Download: PowerToysSetup-0.58.0-x64.exe].
Then launch it and hit Install [or click Options to change its installation directory]. Once installed, open it.
Then go to Keyboard Manager from the left-hand side and click on Open Settings.
After that, click on Remap a Key.
Now click on the plus sign under Physical Key.
Then select that key from the drop-down to whom you wish to transfer the responsibilities. For example, in my case, the Shift key is not working and I want the left Alt key to perform its duty. So I will add the left Alt key here.
After that, click on the drop-down arrow next to Mapped To.
Now select the key from the drop-down that you wish to remap [in my case, it is the Shift key]. Then click OK in the top right.
You will now get a confirmation dialog box, click on Continue Anyway.
That’s it. The remapping of the keyboard key on your Windows 11 PC is now complete.

How to Unmap a Keyboard Key in Windows 11

If at any point in time, you wish to revert the process, in other words, unmap the keys, then here’s what you need to do.

Launch Power Toys and go to Keyboard Manager
Then click on Open Settings and go to Remap a Key.
Now click on the Delete icon next to the mapping.

That’s it. These were the steps to remap a key on your keyboard in Windows 11. Likewise, we have also listed the steps to unmap them. If you have any queries concerning the aforementioned steps, do let us know in the comments. We will get back to you with a solution at the earliest.

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