How to Enable and Disable Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows

Keyboard shortcuts are a game-changer for boosting productivity on Windows think Ctrl+C to copy or Alt+Tab to switch apps in a flash. But what if they’re getting in your way, triggering accidentally, or conflicting with your favorite programs? Whether you’re a shortcut enthusiast looking to customize your setup or someone who wants to turn them off entirely, knowing how to enable and disable keyboard shortcuts in Windows can make your computing life smoother.

In this guide, we’ll explore simple steps to tweak these handy (or pesky) key combos, giving you full control over your keyboard experience.

How to Enable Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows?

If you are not able to use the shortcuts keys in Windows, then follow the below keyboard troubleshooting to enable the keyboard shortcuts in Windows.

Method 1: Enable Keyboard Shortcuts on Windows by Running the Keyboard Troubleshooter

Step 1: Go to Settings

• Click on Start Menu > Select Settings > Tap on System > then Update & Security.

Step 2: Go to Troubleshoot

• Click on Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooter

Step 3: Run Troubleshooter

• Under Find and Fix problems > Select Keyboard > Tap on Run the Troubleshooter

Method 2: Enable Keyboard Shortcuts on Windows by Sticky Keys

Note: Keyboard shortcuts sometimes fail to process if users can't press the shortcut keys simultaneously. Users need to enable the Static Keys to work with shortcut keys in Windows.

Step 1: Go to Settings

• Click on Start Menu > Settings > Select Ease of Access.

Step 2: Choose Keyboard

• Go to the Interaction section > Select Keyboard.

Step 3: Select Sticky Keys

• Turn on the toggle which shows "Use Sticky Keys"

Method 3: Enable Keyboard Shortcuts on Windows by Turning on Hotkeys

Step 1: Go to gpedit.msc

• Press Windows Key + R > type gpedit.msc into the dialog box > Press Enter.

Step 2: Choose Configration

• Press User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > File Explorer

Step 3: Choose Disabled

• Open Turn off Windows keys hotkeys > Select Disabled or Not Configured > Click on Apply.

How to Disable Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows?

Just like the Enable Process of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts, there are three different methods present to Disable Keyboard Shorcuts in Windows. Let us start with the Windows Group Policy Editor.

Method 1: Disable Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows by Local Group Policy Editor

Note: Users can troubleshoot the internal system and resolve the system settings. Now we can see how to disable Windows shortcut keys using the Local Group Policy Editor.

Step 1: Go to Edit Group Policy

• Go to the Start menu > Type Edit Group Policy > Right-click on Best Match > Select Run as administrator

Step 2: Choose File Explorer

• Navigate to User Configuration > Tap on Administrative Templates> Click on Windows Components > File Explorer button.

Step 3: Turn Off Windows Key Hotkeys

• Double-click on Turn off Windows Key Hotkeys.

Method 2: Disable Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows by Registry Editor

Step 1: Open Registry Editor

• Go to the Search Menu > Type Registry Editor

Step 2: Open as Administrator

• Right-click on the Best Match result > Select Run as administrator

Step 3: Enter Below Command

• Now, copy and paste the below command into the address bar > Enter.

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies 

Step 4: Enter Value of NoWinKeys

• Click on Explorer key > Right-click on a blank space > Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value > Name this value NoWinKeys > Press Enter.

Method 3: Disable Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows By System Settings (for Certain Hotkeys)

Step 1: Go to Settings

• Go to the Search Menu > Type Allow the shortcut key to start Filter Keys > Tap on Best Match

Step 2: Uncheck Allow the Shortcut Key

• Uncheck the Allow the shortcut key to start Filter Keys > Locate Use Sticky Keys > Uncheck Allow the shortcut key to start Sticky Keys

Step 3: Go to Toggle Key Option

• Scroll down to the Use Toggle Keys option > Uncheck the Allow the shortcut key to start Toggle Keys option.

Step 4: Use the PrtScn Button

• Scroll down to the Print screen shortcut option > Turn off Use the PrtScn button to open the disabling snipping button.

Conclusion

Users can access multiple types of Windows System Settings by using proper Keyboard Shortcuts or Hotkeys. By Disabling Keyboard Shortcuts on Windows, users can improve their overall computing experience and prevent effective accidental actions. By following all the mentioned methods and steps, we can Enable and Disable Keyboard Shortcuts on Windows properly.

Also Read

• How to Create Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 10?
• Top 100+ Computer Keyboard Shortcut Keys List (A to Z), PDF Available
• Keyboard Shortcuts that Work on Both Windows 11 & Windows 10