Quick Steps to Fix Switched Alt and Windows Keys on Your PC

It’s frustrating when your Alt and Windows keys seem to have switched places, leaving you scrambling to figure out why things aren’t working as expected. Whether you’re an avid gamer, a power user, or just trying to navigate your PC with ease, these keys play a critical role in making shortcuts, managing your system, and speeding up your workflow. But what happens when your keys get remapped, either accidentally or due to a software glitch? Don’t worry—this issue is more common than you think, and fixing it is usually a quick and simple process.
Here’s a quick guide to help you get your alt and windows key switched back to their default functionality.
Step 1: Check for Physical Keyboard Issues
Before diving into software solutions, it’s always good to rule out any physical issues with your keyboard. A stuck or malfunctioning key could cause unexpected behavior. Start by gently pressing both the Alt and Windows keys to ensure they’re not sticking or damaged. Try plugging in a different keyboard if you suspect hardware failure to confirm the issue is software-related.
Step 2: Reset Keyboard Settings in Windows
For many users, the problem stems from keyboard settings within the operating system. Windows has built-in options that may have altered the behavior of your keys, often without you even noticing.
1. Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Accessibility: Go to the “Accessibility” section and click on “Keyboard.”
3. Check Sticky Keys & Filter Keys: These features can alter key behavior by holding down keys or ignoring rapid key presses. Make sure both Sticky Keys and Filter Keys are turned off.
4. Restore Defaults: If you’ve made custom changes to your keyboard layout, consider resetting to the default layout.
This simple step can often resolve the issue, especially if you’ve accidentally enabled a setting that affects key behavior.
Step 3: Use SharpKeys to Remap Keys
If you’re still facing the switched Alt and Windows keys issue, a third-party tool like SharpKeys can offer a more targeted solution. SharpKeys is a lightweight and free program designed to remap your keyboard keys. This can come in handy if the keys have been swapped due to accidental remapping or a system glitch.
1. Download and Install SharpKeys: Start by downloading SharpKeys from its official site and installing it.
2. Open the Program: Once installed, open SharpKeys and click on “Add.”
3. Remap the Keys: In the remapping window, press the current Alt key in the left box and the Windows key in the right box. This tells SharpKeys to swap the two.
4. Apply Changes: Click “Write to Registry,” and then restart your computer.
SharpKeys will automatically reset your keys to the default behavior, making sure the Alt and Windows keys are functioning as they should.
Step 4: Check the Registry for Manual Remapping
If you’re comfortable editing system files, you can manually fix key remapping through the Windows Registry. While this is a more advanced method, it offers full control over your system settings.
1. Open the Registry Editor: Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter to open the Registry Editor.
2. Navigate to the Keyboard Layout: Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetControlKeyboard Layout.
3. Look for Key Mapping Entries: If you find any entries related to remapped keys, such as swapped Alt or Windows keys, delete them.
4. Restart Your Computer: After making these changes, restart your system for the changes to take effect.
Be sure to back up the registry before making any changes to avoid accidental system damage.
Step 5: Reset the Keyboard Driver
Sometimes, the issue could be related to the keyboard driver itself. Updating or reinstalling the driver can help clear out any issues causing the keys to malfunction.
1. Open Device Manager: Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
2. Locate the Keyboard: In the Device Manager, expand the “Keyboards” section, right-click on your keyboard, and choose “Update driver.”
3. Search for Updates: Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software” to see if there’s a newer version available.
4. Reinstall the Driver: If the update doesn’t work, right-click on your keyboard in Device Manager, choose “Uninstall device,” and restart your PC. Windows will automatically reinstall the necessary drivers.
Step 6: Restore Your System to a Previous State
If the problem started recently and none of the above steps have worked, restoring your system to an earlier point could resolve the issue. Windows provides a feature called System Restore, which lets you revert your system to a previous state without affecting your files.
1. Search for System Restore: In the Start menu, type “System Restore” and select “Create a restore point.”
2. Choose System Restore: Under the “System Protection” tab, click on “System Restore.”
3. Select a Restore Point: Choose a restore point from when the keys were functioning correctly and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.
Conclusion
Swapped Alt and Windows keys are a common issue, but with a few simple steps, you can fix it quickly. From checking your keyboard settings and using remapping tools like SharpKeys to editing the registry or reinstalling drivers, there are several ways to restore your keys to their default state. Whether you’re troubleshooting a system glitch or addressing a user error, following these steps should get your Alt and Windows keys back in working order.