Sticky keys elevates accessibility up a notch on Windows, especially for a physically challenged individual. It overthrows the obligation of pressing multiple keys for different operations and produces an intuitive experience for everyone.
However, when you’re engaged in gaming, it can be problematic.
So in this write-up, I’ll walk you through the process of turning the sticky key feature on and off.
How to Turn On or Off Sticky Keys in Windows 11/10
You know, in multiple ways, you can activate Sticky Keys when needed. But is it annoying you? Just deactivate them in the same manner.
Here are some methods to enable or disable sticky keys in Windows 11/10:
1. Enable or Disable Sticky Keys From Quick Settings
- Hit Win+A simultaneously to open Quick Settings.
- Click on Accessibility.
- Toggle On or Off Sticky Keys.
2. Press the Shift Key 5 times
Hit the Shift key 5 times in a row on your keyboard. A new floating window will appear with a high-pitched sound asking, “Do you want to turn on Sticky Keys?”. Click Yes to enable the sticky keys.
Similarly, to disable the sticky key feature on Windows 11, press the Shift key 5 times again. With each press, you’ll hear the same noise as the floating window that appeared in the first place. On the 5th/final press, a slightly different sound will confirm a disabled sticky key.
Not just the Shift key, Windows allows you to turn any keys into a shortcut for different programs.
3. Toggle Sticky Keys from Windows Settings
- Click on the battery/wifi/volume icon at the bottom right corner of the taskbar.
- Choose the gear icon at the bottom right corner of Quick Settings.
- Select Accessibility from the left pane.
- Scroll down and click on Keyboard.
- Move the slider to turn on or off Sticky Keys.
4. Turn On or Off Sticky Keys from the Control Panel
- Search for the Control Panel in the Windows search bar and click on it.
- Navigate to Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center.
- Scroll down and select Make the keyboard easier to use.
- Check or Uncheck Turn on Sticky Keys box to enable or disable sticky keys.
Additionally, there are also other tools, such as two-finger gestures, voice control via Cortana etc., to enhance accessibility in Windows.
What Are Sticky Keys in Windows 11/10
Shift, Ctrl, Alt and Windows are known as the common sticky keys on Windows 11/10. The functionality of this feature is as the name suggests. Let me explain.
See, when you enable Sticky Keys on your OS, it remembers the keys you pressed and holds them for you. You don’t need to press and hold keys for multi-key action on the OS.
For instance, when you copy something, you select that item and press Ctrl + C together on the keyboard. But with sticky keys, you press the Ctrl button and let it go. Then press C. It will perform the exact copy operation.
This is a handy feature if you are unable to press multiple buttons simultaneously on your keyboard. Probably due to some defective buttons on the keyboard or physical disability.
On the contrary, this feature is a nightmare if you are a gamer. While gaming, you’ll press multiple buttons at once 100% of the time. As a result, sticky keys bring about trouble and inconvenience.
Check out the easiest way to turn bluetooth on or off in Windows 11.
FAQs
How Do I Know If My Sticky Keys Are on?
If you press Ctrl, Alt, Shift and Windows keys and hear a beep every time, that means sticky keys are on your computer.
Who Benefits From Sticky Keys?
Users with physical impairment benefit the most from sticky keys. This is an accessibility feature that eases out multi-button presses simultaneously.
Are Sticky Keys And Hotkeys the Same?
No, sticky keys and hotkeys are different. Hotkeys are assigned to perform quick actions such as taking a screenshot, whereas sticky keys retain the key press for selective buttons i.e, Ctrl, Shift etc., and enhance accessibility.
Ending Remarks
So, that marks the end of this tutorial. Hope it helps you to find out ways to get control over the sticky key feature.
Having more thoughts? Comment down below.
