Windows 10: Left alt and windows key is switched

The title explains everything, whenever I press my left alt key, it opens the start menu and whenever I press my windows key, it uses the alt key instead. Does anyone have a fix? My keyboard is the AULA F99 mechanical keyboard. I already tried deleting all of my keyboard drivers and restarting my computer, I already tried Fn + R, A, and spacebar, and they didn't work.

:)

 

Left alt key does not work in video games

Hi



Welcome to Microsoft community.

I understand your frustration. Here are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to fix the issue with the left Alt key not working in games:

1. Check Game Settings:
   
   • Ensure that the left Alt key is correctly binded in the game settings. Some games may have been updated and reset the key bindings.
     
2. Run Game as Administrator:
   
   • Right-click the game's shortcut or executable file and select 'Run as administrator'. This gives the game full access to your system, which might resolve the issue.
     
3. Disable Sticky Keys:
   
   • Sticky Keys is a Windows feature that can interfere with gaming. Go to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and make sure Sticky Keys is turned off.
     
4. Check for Software Conflicts:
   
   • Other software running in the background may be using the Alt key and causing conflicts. Close any unnecessary applications while gaming and see if that helps. Perform a clean boot.
     
5. Update Keyboard Drivers:
   
   • Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting 'Device Manager'.
     
   • Expand the 'Keyboards' category, right-click your keyboard and select 'Update driver'.
     
   • Choose 'Search automatically for drivers' and let Windows search for the latest driver.
     

Please feel free to let me know how it goes.



Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Keyboard shortcut Alt key not working

Hi,



Before we proceed, I need more information to help you better.

• 
  Since when are you facing this issue?
  
• 
  Did you make any software or hardware changes on your computer prior to this issue?
  
  
  

I suggest you to follow the steps below and check if it helps.

Step 1: You may check if the ALT key is functioning correctly in on-screen keyboard. It will help us to verify if there is any issue with the keyboard.

Follow the steps below to open On-screen Keyboard.

• 
  Windows + Q, type OSK (on-screen keyboard)
  
• 
  And check if it works
  

Step 2: Run Hardware and device Troubleshooter.

Windows 10 has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix issues with hardware and devices. I would suggest you to run this troubleshooter to check if the issue is with your devices. Refer these steps:

• 
  Press Windows key +X, select Control panel.
  
• 
  Change the view by option on the top right to Large icons.
  
• 
  Click on troubleshooting and click on the view all option on the left panel.
  
• 
  Run the Hardware and devices troubleshooter.
  

Keep us posted on this issue so that we can assist you better.

 

How can I switch or swap my left and right Alt keys functions.

Hi



Welcome to Microsoft community.

To swap the functions of your left and right Alt keys on Windows 11, you can use a tool called SharpKeys. It's a free software that allows you to remap your keyboard keys. Here's how you can do it:

1. Download SharpKeys:
   
   • Visit the SharpKeys GitHub page to find the download link. Download and install SharpKeys on your Windows 11 PC.
     
2. Open SharpKeys:
   
   • Once installed, open SharpKeys. You'll be presented with a very straightforward interface.
     
3. Add a New Mapping:
   
   • Click the "Add" button. A new window will appear where you can choose which key you want to remap from and to.
     
   • You’ll see two columns: “Map this key (from key)” and “To this key (to key).”
     
   • Click on the "Type Key" button under "Map this key (from key)" and press the Left Alt key on your keyboard. SharpKeys will identify it.
     
   • Then, click on the "Type Key" button under "To this key (to key)" and press the Right Alt key. Click "OK."
     
4. Swap the Right Alt Key:
   
   • Click "Add" again to swap the other direction.
     
   • This time, under "Map this key (from key)," press the Right Alt key, and for "To this key (to key)," press the Left Alt key.
     
5. Write to Registry:
   
   • Once you've added the key mappings, click "Write to Registry." This will apply the changes you've just made.
     
6. Restart Your Computer:
   
   • Restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Your Alt keys should now have their functions swapped.
     

Please note that while SharpKeys is widely used and considered safe, modifying registry settings can potentially cause issues if done incorrectly. Always proceed with caution and consider creating a system restore point before making changes to your registry.

If you decide later that you want to revert the changes, simply open SharpKeys, select the mappings you've made, click "Delete," and then "Write to Registry" again. Remember to restart your PC to apply any changes.

Disclaimer: Generally, modifying registry subkeys or work group is intended for advanced users, administrators, and IT Professionals. It can help fix some problems, however, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For further protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click How to back up and restore the registry in Windows - Microsoft Support to view the article.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist