Though it rarely happens but is possible that one of the keys of your keyboard could stop working or the plastic cover just falls off, making it hard to use the keyboard. This can mean only one thing- It is time to get a new Keyboard. But what if you did not want to spend those dollars right now and keep using your existing keyboard. Well, the Good News is that you can remap the keyboard on Windows 10.

• Key Remapper Windows 10 Download
• Key Remapper Free
• Windows Key Remapper Free
• Free Key Remapper Software

Reassigning or Realigning one keyboard key to do some other key’s job is known as Remapping Keys.

Remap keys on your keyboard quickly and easily, using this lightweight, minimalistic application with a comprehensive user interface What's new in KeyTweak 2.3.0: Updated to support Windows Vista.

It has always been possible to remap the keyboard on Windows 10 computer but most of us are not aware of how to do it. It can be done with the help of third-party software designed for the very purpose of changing the predefined function of any key on the keyboard and assigning it to another key. This feature, though is not recommended still has great benefits in some situations.

• SharpKeys for Windows 10. It is an open-source tool available for free download on GitHub.
• Remapping the keyboard is just one of a number of customisation options available in PowerToys, a set of tools aimed at power users which returned to Windows 10 in 2020. You might also be.

When Should I Remap The Keyboard On Windows 10?

• Physical damage to any of the keys on the keyboard. Take for instance your Caps Lock key breaks off, and you have two Shift keys on your keyboard. You can align one of the Shift Keys to function as the Caps Lock key until you purchase another keyboard.
• Windows keyboard on Mac. If you have to use a Windows keyboard on Mac, then you should remap keys of the Left ALT Button to CTRL and you would find it easier to work as CTRL is substituted as Command key in Mac machines and placed on the left of the spacebar.

• For Gaming Purpose. Gamers need to bring all those keys needed while playing a game, close to each other. This will ensure they do not miss pressing the relevant key when required and will improve their

There are games where the Shift key is set as an Attack key, and although we have two of them on the keyboard, I still prefer the Space Bar key to be the Attack key due to its length and position. Suppose while playing, I get distracted and need to press the attack key, it would take time to locate the Shift key, and press it. However, the Spacebar key can be pressed by anyone even without looking at the keyboard.

• Ease-of-use in the Work Environment. Some programs used in our work require you to use only a certain set of keys. Remapping those keys and making them easily reachable will improve the quality of your work and make it faster.

How Do I Remap My Keyboard On Windows 10?

The best free tools to remap the keyboard on Windows 10 are:

• SharpKeys for Windows 10.

It is an open-source tool available for free download on GitHub. It is easy to download and install, program and more importantly, does not occupy much disk space of your hard drive. To use Sharpkeys for Windows 10, follow these steps:

Step 1. Download SharpKeys for Windows 10.

Note: Click on the file which is labeled as Sharpkeys39.msi.

Step 2. Located the installation file just downloaded in your Downloads folder and double click on it. This will begin the installation. Click on the positive options to complete.

Step 3. Once the program is installed, open it and click on Add.

Step 4. This will open a new SharpKey window with two lists of keys. The left column would contain the list of keys that you wish to change. And the right one would contain the resultant key. So, you can remap the functions of the keys present on the left column and make them function as the ones on the right. For example, look at the screenshot below:

Here in the screenshot shown, I have remapped Left CTRL button to function as Letter A. Once you have decided which key should be replaced, select it and click Write To Registry button to complete the operation and reboot your computer. Next time, I clicked left CTRL key, I got Letter A as an output.

Note: You can either search for the key in the list by dragging the scroll bar on the right side of the list or click the Type Key button and it will open a small window asking you to just type the relevant key on your keyboard. This will not work if the keyboard key is broken and cannot be pressed.

• KeyTweak

KeyTweak is a free and powerful application than can reconfigure your keyboard in quick and simple steps. It has an easy to use interface and presents a virtual keyboard in its program interface. The keys of your keyboard are numbered from 1 to 126, which makes it easy to pick a specific key and choose the remapping of that key and change it. KeyTweak also allows the users to remap keys of the special buttons present in the multimedia keyboards like Play, Mute, etc.

Note: Notice the Left CTRL Key was remapped by using SharpKeys to Letter A. That remapping is also recognized and displayed by KeyTweak in the top box.

Any changes done to the keys will take effect only after a reboot of the system. It has three ways to remap the keyboard on Windows 10 including the simple way which uses the virtual keyboard. The other ways or modes include Half Teach Mode and Full Teach Mode.

• Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator

This free tool is developed by Microsoft and can assist the user in remapping the keyboard keys except for the function keys like TAB, ALT, Return, and CTRL. It also works on a limited number of devices and is mainly designed for Microsoft hardware only. It also facilitates a virtual keyboard that makes it easy to choose and assign any key.

• Auto Hotkey

All the software described above records the changes which the user wishes to make and then tweaks the Windows registry to confirm the changes after a restart. AutoHotkey uses a different technique of creating executable scripts. Creating these scripts does take time but a script once created can be run on multiple computers. The user does not need to install the program on multiple computers or make the changes again on a different computer. A single run of the script will make the same changes on any computer you run it on. The steps required to create and execute a script are available in the tutorial section. This tool also helps to generate Key binds and keyboard executable automation. This means you can press a few keys in order for a process or application to run. For example: When you press CTRL+Shift+Esc, Task Manager comes up, similarly, you can create your own automation commands. To learn these features would require a lot of time and effort. But a simple remapping of keys can be done easily.

• Key Remapper

A powerful key remapping tool that can even realign the mouse clicks is Key Remapper. It can remap keys of the mouse wheel rotation to a different value. I tried swapping the ESC and the TAB key and it worked just fine. This app also allows the user to remap the keyboard on Windows 10 for specific applications only. The keyboard would always function normally, and the special mapping would be activated only if the specified program is in session. Users can also set different mapping styles for different applications. This means you can remap a set of keys while playing a game and a different set of keys while writing on MS Word.

Key Remapper Windows 10 Download

Conclusion: Remap The Keyboard On Windows 10 With These Tools

Those were the five best free tools that can help you remap the keyboard keys on Windows 10. Although I prefer SharpKeys for Windows 10 for an easy and convenient remapping, you can use anyone from the list that suits your needs. The Auto Hotkey application, though a bit complicated to use, but can assist you to create automation commands in Windows 10.

Remapping keys may not be a frequently arising issue and you may not need the solution to your faulty keyboard right now. But I recommend that you press the CTRL + D keys on your keyboard to bookmark this page, so you can find it when you really need it. Also, to get updates on tech issues, do subscribe to our newsletter and YouTube Channel.

The keyboard is one of the most crucial parts of a computer, without which it’s nearly impossible to access the system. Yes, we do have the touch screen computers today, but very few of us use these systems. For some, it can be challenging to use the usual QWERTY format in the way they are already arranged. But if you want to customize the keyboard according to your convenience you can use key mapping software.

For instance, you may want to replace the position of the “Tab” key with “Ctrl” key, you can use the programs to remap them. You can also add new personalized keys, or deactivate any key for added convenience like disabling the “Fn” button. Moreover, there are times when some of your keys might have stopped working making it tough for typing. While using a macro tool can help you remap keys or operate a shortcut service, these need to be saved in the system memory for them to work all the time.

Therefore, using a key mapping tool can be the best alternative as these do not need a process to run the background for it to function. Here we have listed some of the best key mapping software programs that you can use instead of 3^rd party tools.

SharpKeys

If you are having a tough time re-mapping the keys on your keyboard, SharpKeys does the job for you. It can change the way how different keys work, efficiently. For instance, if you are having a tough time with one of the keys like hitting the “Fn” key accidentally every time you want to press the “Ctrl” key, you can either disable it or change its function to a different key.

The software helps you map up to 104 different types of combinations! It’s a pretty easier tool to start with an empty interface to work upon. It shows only the edits that you have made unless you hit the “Add” option to start remapping a new key. The interface then gets divided into two vertical panes of which one shows the “From Keys”, and the other one shows the “To Keys”.

You can now select the “From key” from the list on the left, and move it to the “To key” on the right where it is mapped. However, since not all the keys listed may not be available on your keyboard, you can make your choice by pressing the “Type Key” option and then hit the physical key you want to select. You must complete the process by hitting the “Write to Registry” option and wait for the successful mapping confirmation by the registry. Now, shut down the application and log out, or restart to apply the new mappings.

Price: free

Keytweak

Keytweak is one of the keymapping software programs that lets you remap the keyboard keys. It enables you to alter all the mapped keys, activate/deactivate keys, and even store your alignment in a single click. On launching the user interface of the software, it shows the alignment of your keyboard in association with a range of buttons and commands. Here you can assign each key as per your requirement and place it beside a command or simply let it be empty to deactivate it. As the mapping is done, the keys store your command and activate the software function. From here on, your keyboard starts getting mapped as per your set alignment.

Whether it’s for the safety of your system, simply to redefine the keys to operate a program, or you need it to play some game, there are many reasons why remapping can be good using this software. Alternatively, the remapping of keys is also useful in case any of the keys are damaged and they have stopped working.

Price: free

Key Mapper

If you are looking to configure your keyboard, Key Mapper is just the right tool that can help you with it. Using this software, you can remap the keyboard keys as per your choice. For instance, you can change the function of one key (Caps Lock) to work like another (for example, Ctrl), or to any other function that may not be even present on your keyboard.

This free application is available for Windows 2000 and previous versions. It’s a lightweight program that does not occupy much storage space compared to many other similar programs. It comes equipped with a various keyboard designs (pre-set) such as, featuring a number pad which is not present in most laptop keyboards, Mac keyboard, or typewriters key alone.

In order to map a key, all you need to do is to either use the software’s key capture feature or just pick a key from the list and prepare a new mapping. Wondering how to use the key capture feature? All you need to do is to choose the desired key and hit the set button, pick a key group and a key from the list, and hit the map button. Now, the virtual keyboard will show you a new key replacing the old one.

If you want to deactivate the mapped key at a later date, you can easily do that by simply pulling it away from the keyboard. In addition, you can also change the attributes of the key like the color, add toggle function to the key menu, choose another language, and much more.

Price: free

MapKeyboard

Most keyboard mapping programs take up considerable storage space. However, MapKeyboard is a really small and one of the best key mapping software programs around that occupies only 30KB in file size. You can easily customize the keyboard layout settings using this free software, despite the missing hotkey feature.

The interface of the program is a lot similar to the usual keyboard image that’s easy to use by the majority of the users. It’s easy to use and easy to understand even for the beginners. It lets you replace a keys function using a pull-down menu of the output keys. What’s more? It also allows you to create different layouts that match your requirements.

Moreover, you can also quickly return to the actual keyboard layout in just a single click feature that helps reset the keyboard. Overall, it’s a handy software and offers an effortless way to customize your keyboards.

Price: free

Key Remapper

Key Remapper by ATNSOFT is one such key remapping software that enables you to disable keys/mouse buttons/mouse wheel rotations and even remap them. Moreover, it also carries out counter remapping of keys and mouse buttons. It basically modifies their functions. For example, you can change the Left Shift and the Caps Lock, and other such combinations.

It also allows you to replace certain keys or mouse buttons by a mix of key or mouse button with modifiers. For example, the “Alt” key can be replaced with a combination function such as, “Alt+Tab”, etc. You can even mirror the double mouse button and key hits, and fix a certain interval between the hits.

In addition, it allows you to block keys, mouse buttons, or the mouse wheel rotation along with their combinations with different modifiers. Not just that, it also limits the remapping and blocking functions to certain programs and Windows. It also helps you create and change between key sets quickly, in just two clicks.

Price: free license available; upgrade starts from $49.95

AutoHotkey

AutoHotkey is a lot different from the other best key mapping software in the list. It’s a much powerful application which is easy to learn. It allows you to assign hotkeys for the keyboard and mouse, remap keys or buttons, and even offers the auto-correct type swaps. The software makes it incredibly easier to create simple hotkeys in just a few lines.

This free and open source software comes with a dedicated scripting language for Windows helping you to create small to more complex scripts, effortlessly. It helps you create scripts for all types of tasks that includes filling forms, macros, and more.

If you are a beginner, then it offers an integrated command for you. And, if you are a professional, then you will all the more appreciate the skilled scripting language for quick prototyping and limited projects. The program offers you a lot more flexibility to automate any desktop task. It’s compact, quick, and is ready to use.

It comes with a straightforward and adaptable syntax that helps you stay focused more on the task than focusing on each of the technicalities.

Price: free and open source

Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator

If you are looking to customize your keyboard layout right from the ground up, then Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator can be your best bet. It helps you define your keyboard layout in a language unsupported by Microsoft, quickly, easily, and effectively. You can also create your own keyboard layout that helps you to quickly and easily replace your preferred symbols with just a few keystrokes.

While it helps you define new keyboard layouts right from the ground up, it also helps you create a new layout on the current one. Moreover, it allows you to change a current keyboard layout file and create a new layout out of it. Additionally, it saves the subsequent keyboard layout results for further use and installation.

Price: free

Key Manager

Key Manager by ATNSOFT is another product in their range that’s an advanced version of their Key Remapper. It offers a lot more functions than just remapping keys and mouse buttons. For instance, this software lets you even remap combinations of mouse buttons and keys, keys and mouse button arrangements, and even the long presses.

You can choose to display your actions in pop-up menu forms that can be launched with hotkeys, edit, record, paste content, run macros, and much more. Imitating mouse clicks, opening websites, changing the layout, filling up forms instantly, or controlling the power settings of the monitor are some of the other things that you can choose to display.

Price: free license available; upgrade starts from $49.

KeyExtender

If you intend to extend your key functions, KeyExtender can be of great heal to you. It helps you to make your keyboard alignment more convenient for you to work or play games. That’s not all! You can also change your usual keyboard format (102) into a cross-functional keyboard without spending much of your funds. Whether you want to replace A key with E key on your keyboard, want to add the Crtl+V function to a single key like the “Tab”, or want the F9 key to type frequently used text, the software is apt to take care of all that and more.

The interface is simple, compact, and nonresizable, and is comparatively much easier to use and understand. It uses pull-down menus to change the way a key works. It also allows you to easily define hotkeys using the Settings options and enable or disable the impact of the software on your keyboard. Overall, if you are looking for a skilled remapping software, KeyExtender can be the solution.

Price: free trial available; priced at $19.95

Keyboard Layout Manager

Keyboard Layout Manager is a dynamic software that offers an impressive range of characters to be deployed in different languages or specific areas. This program offers the opportunity to map almost all characters that you require, to one of your preferred keyboard keys and define customized layouts.

It’s a lightweight application and is pretty compact acquiring only up to 1MB of your hard disk space. Given that it cuts down your system resources utilization, it automatically becomes light on your computer. You can select from a range of option from the main window, for example, language or layout, including the keyboard in use. Moreover, you can even create a new variety, in case you do not want to mess with the current ones.

The virtual keyboard offered by the program is fully supported and you are also free to use any of the keys apart from the major function buttons. it allows you to assign a character using a maximum of three mouse clicks. What’s more? It also offers you the opportunity to use all of the key combinations that help you map up to 6 characters for each button.

Key Remapper Free

Overall, it’s a robust tool that helps you map your keyboard keys easily and effectively.

Windows Key Remapper Free

Price: free trial available; shareware

While many of us are comfortable with the usual QWERTY layout of our keyboards, there are many who prefer it to be their way. So, if you are one of the latter and looking for one of the best key mapping software, this post is for you. Make a pick from the list and map keys fast and easy with your chosen software.

I find passion in writing Tech articles around Windows PC and softwares

Free Key Remapper Software