User question

Hello.

I have a laptop for about 4-5 years. And the "i / z" key stopped working (more precisely, if you press it hard - only then will it work). I wanted to replace the keyboard, but exactly the same is not present (to fit a similar one would ruin the laptop).

Do not tell me how, instead of "I", to reassign the key, say, to the left "Ctrl" (I almost never use it anyway, I'm used to the right one). I tried the KeyExtender, SharpKeys utilities (and some other, I don't remember the name anymore), but they for some reason they did not work for me (perhaps the protection of the system does not work).

PS I'm using Windows 8 now ...

Good day!

I will also add that not only those who do not work are faced with a similar task. specific key, but also those who want to improve the controllability of the character in the game, set a sequence of keystrokes on one key at once, those who want to disable unnecessary buttons altogether (for example, there may be such buttons on a multimedia keyboard).

In the article I will consider several utilities, and show on screenshots how to accomplish this task. Let's get down to business? ..

"Change" one button to another

MapKeyboard

Developer: http://www.inchwest.com

One of the most reliable utilities in terms of work. By at least it worked for me both in "old" Windows 2000 / XP, and in relatively new OS Windows 8/10.

The utility is very compact and does not need to be installed. After starting, to replace the key, you need to perform only 3 actions (they are marked in the screenshot above):

1. select a key that does not work instead (for example, left Ctrl);
2. then indicate in the "Remap selected key to" column the key that does not work (ie the left Ctrl will be used instead);
3. press the "Save layout" button (the system will be rebooted). After rebooting - instead of Ctrl, the "Z" button will be triggered.

If you want to reset all the changes made: use the "Reset keyboard layout" button.

KeyTweak

Developer site: http://webpages.charter.net/krumsick/

KeyTweak main window: action # 1

Simple but reliable program, which allows you to change the assignment of keys on the keyboard. Allows you to change the scan-code of keys among themselves, or disable it altogether separate keys.

Note that using the program is extremely simple (despite the fact that it does not have a translation into Russian). First, select the key that does not work well for you, then in the "Choose New Remmaping" column specify the key instead, and press the "Remap Key" button (see the screen above).

Then accept the changes (the "Apply" button in the lower right corner of the screen) and agree to restart the computer.

Actually, after rebooting, your keys will perform the "new" assigned actions. Convenient, simple and efficient tool!

Key remapper

The main window of the program (after installing and launching the program).

This program simply could not fail to mention in this article. It not only allows you to reassign individual keyboard keys, but also allows you to set whole key combinations: as you like, for example, if you hang Alt + Shift + Esc ( fast switching programs) ?! Also, using the buttons on the keyboard, you can emulate the operation of the mouse.

And another one important detail: you can set up replacement only in certain applications(which, undoubtedly, will appeal to game lovers: after all, you can get some advantage and speed up your reaction, if by pressing one button a whole combination will be performed!).

The program supports several profiles (for example, you can create a set of substitutions for each game separately).

Important: the program does not make any changes in the system registry, does not require a PC restart for the changes to take effect.

As for the use: everything is simple here:

• first indicate the key that you want to change;
• and then, in the second column, the key that will replace it. See screenshot below.

Note that full version paid programs. However, acquaintance can be safely started with free product... Recommend!

Add-ons are welcome ...

All the best!

A broken or tea-drenched key or keys often mean a purchase. new keyboard... And if a replacement for a stationary PC is not difficult, then for a laptop it can become a serious problem, since you need to select specific model... But do not rush to the store, try reassigning the non-working key first.

Let's take a look at programs that allow you to remap keys. This is sometimes necessary not only in the event of a button breakage, but also for convenient setting keyboard for yourself.

Method 1: MapKeyboard

The utility is free, but its support has ended. Now it is a part of the HotKeyControl project, which allows free use of the program for 15 days. However, MapKeyboard itself can still be downloaded from the Internet.

The changes will take effect only after you log in again.

Method 2: KeyTweak

KeyTweak is a simple program that has more functionality compared to MapKeyboard. Requires installation on a computer.

Method 3: SharpKeys

This program has the largest number opportunities - it not only reassigns, but also allows you to add certain functions to any key.

Method 4: "Registry Editor"

Most difficult way since all registry changes will need to be done manually. Suitable for those who are especially curious and for those who, for some reason, cannot or do not want to install third-party software on a PC.

• 8 pairs of zeros;
• number of reassigned keys +1;
• 3 pairs of zeros;
• key scan codes;
• 4 pairs of zeros.

Let's take a look at this on specific example... Suppose we want to swap keys "Page Up" and "Page Down", disable "End"... First you need to find out their scan codes. This can be done in. We are interested in the first column "Keys" and the second "Press Code XT"... Let's write out the codes of the keys of interest to us:

• Page Up - E0 49;
• Page Down - E0 51;
• End - E0 4F.

Now you need to make small transformations - swap the bytes. Thus, we get:

• Page Up - 49 E0;
• Page Down - 51 E0;
• End - 4F E0.

If the code consists of one byte (for example, "Enter" — "1C"), it must be padded with two zeros: "1C, 00" and then swap them: "00, 1C".

To change the values ​​of the keys, you need to perform two operations: first assign the value to the second, and then assign the second value to the first. To disable the function of a key, write 2 pairs of zeros before its code. For our example, it will look like this:

• replacing Page Down with Page Up - 49 E0 51 E0;
• replacing Page Up with Page Down - 51 E0 49 E0;
• shutdown End - 00 00 4F E0.

Let's fill in the binary parameter value completely. For our example, it will look like this

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 04 00 00 00 49 E0 51 E0 51 E0 49 E0 00 4F E0 00 00 00 00

Remember which keys you reassign so as not to get confused. You can always return to the default values, but then you have to start over the setup procedure.

As you know, most computers or laptops PC and Mac are used standard keyboards with a preset key layout and language layouts... For many users, for example, when changing operating system or the equipment itself, it can be difficult to get used to the new position of the buttons. In this case, you can reassign so that they match the layout that the user is used to. But most often this applies only to those situations when, when entering text, the user does not look at the characters, but applies the so-called

Why is it necessary to remap keys on the keyboard?

But the matter is not limited only to the above situations. Quite often, you can also find cases when on a computer or laptop some key is out of order.

In the case of standard equipment in the form of PS / 2 keyboards, the issue is solved quite simply by buying a new one. But what to do if a laptop breaks down - not a cheap pleasure. Here, as an alternative, you can simply reassign the keys on the keyboard, abandoning rarely used buttons. However, even more primitive situations can be encountered when it is necessary to change the combinations corresponding to switching languages ​​and layouts.

How to change the keyboard shortcut: Windows tools

To begin with, let's consider the simplest option associated with language layouts. By default in all latest Windows systems to change the language, switching based on the left Alt key in combination with Shift is used. But many users prefer to change the language and layout using the Ctrl / Shift combination, considering it more convenient.

To change the switch, you must use the standard "Control Panel", in which you select a section of language (Windows 10) or languages ​​and regional standards (Windows 7, for example). Then the transition to additional parameters and change the keyboard shortcut is selected language bar by pressing the corresponding button in a new window, after which the Ctrl / Shift combination from the list is simply indicated.

In principle, you can reassign the keys for changing a symbol or action using small program to control the Layout Creator keyboard and mouse, which can be downloaded directly from Microsoft. After starting the application, it is enough to select a list of all actions, and, if necessary, change them for each individual button until the keys are completely disabled. You can immediately change the appointment operating keys like Shift, Alt, etc.

Reassignment via the system registry

You can also reassign keys on the keyboard and more. complex method without using third-party utilities, using the settings and parameters of the system registry, the editor of which is called by the regedit command via the Run console.

Here you need to find the KeyboardLayout directory in the HKLM branch through the SOFTWARE directory. Here you will have to create string parameters indicating the button codes for reassigning from one key to another. The process is quite laborious, so it will not be useful to most users, since without knowing the reassignment, disablement codes and the order of entering characters, it will be quite problematic to perform such operations. A simple technique is given for common understanding that in the registry it is also possible to do this.

Most popular third-party applications

But suppose a user on Shift keyboard or some other key doesn't work. Reassigning is much easier using special applications, which are just for this purpose.

Among the many programs of this type, they are especially popular and are distinguished by their ease of execution. necessary operations the following:

• MapKeyboard;
• SharpKeys;
• MKey.

MapKeyboard

This program allows you to remap keys on your keyboard as quickly and easily as possible. After starting the utility, the on-screen keyboard will appear.

Let's say you want to reassign a key or Shift. On the (virtual) keyboard, press the desired button, through the Remap selected key line, select new symbol or another key operation, and then save the settings by clicking the Save Layout button. Upon completion of all actions, a system reboot will be required.

SharpKeys

Before us is another simple program... The procedure is almost the same as in the previous case. First, the (Add) key is added, then a new character or action is selected from the list ( complete shutdown- Turn Key Off), after which the changes are saved by pressing the Write To Registry button, and then, again, made full restart systems.

The one and only the main problem This utility is that it does not work with and the reassignment of Cyrillic characters must be done using their counterparts in the English layout.

MKey

Finally, one more small application (this time in Russian) that allows you to remap any button and even change the standard combinations or set your own combinations.

As usual, first is added source key, then a line of emulation of pressing is used, a letter or action of another key is selected from the list, and the changes are saved by pressing the button with the image of a floppy disk. By the way, this program compares favorably with two previous topics, which allows you not only to remap the keys, but also can be used when configuring different kinds manipulators, gamepads or actions with software players.

Conclusion

That's it for the remapping operations. In principle, depending on the situation, the system's own tools can also be used. In the literal sense, you can only reassign standard combinations, which are initially set in the OS parameters. If not use third party utilities, you will have to deal with system registry but this is difficult enough. Therefore, if the question arises of quickly carrying out all the necessary operations, it is still better to give preference to the applications described above. And the MKey program (short for Media Key) in this respect looks more convenient in all respects, only it constantly "hangs" in the system tray. But its resource consumption is minimal, so this will not affect the performance of a computer or laptop.

28. 02.2018

Dmitry Vassiyarov's blog.

Tired of standard layout keys?

Hello dear readers.

For you, I have prepared an article on how to remap keys to Windows keyboard 10. Unlike more early versions operating system, standard features"Tens" in this regard are limited. But I found several simple ways solving this problem.

Do you know why you might need this at all? Below I have described reasons to help you convince yourself of the usefulness of keyboard remapping.

Setting hotkeys to change the language

To change the keys for switching the layout, follow these instructions:

• Go to the Toolbar through the "Start" menu;
• Select the "Language" section;

• Click on the line "Additional parameters" located on the left;

• In the next window, click the link "Change keyboard shortcuts";

• Further, in the first column "Change input language" you need to move the mark to the item "Ctrl + Shift";

• Finally, click the "OK" and save "buttons on all open windows.

Why didn't we change anything in the second column "Change keyboard layout"? Because it may only be required when adding a touch and enhanced keyboard.

Changing the combination on the lock screen

The above setting is valid only in open account, but on the lock screen (where we enter the password to enter it) - no. To replace the keyboard shortcut on it, do the following:

• Repeat the first two steps from the previous instructions;
• On the left, click on the line "Change date, time and number formats";

• At the bottom, check the boxes opposite both lines.

Hotkeys for quick launch of applications

In the top ten without third-party programs you can only change the keyboard shortcut for switching the language and set a combination for quick opening of a particular application. We have dealt with the first task. Let's move on to the second one:

• Make a shortcut the desired program on your desktop. To do this, click on the corresponding file with the extension .exe right click mouse, hover over the "Send" line and select the required item.

Please note that if you use an existing combination, then it will no longer perform the same action. For example, if you specify "Ctrl + C", then they can no longer be copied, but you can only call the application.

Reassigning broken buttons

This task requires deeper customization than the previous ones. To perform it, you need to create new sections in the system registry and set certain parameters for them. Let's not complicate our life, but use the MapKeyboard utility, which will do everything for us. It does not need to be installed, that is, you should only download from here https://mapkeyboard.ru.uptodown.com/windows/download and run as administrator (via the RMB menu).

Before proceeding with the reassignment, decide which function keys will replace those that have disappeared or do not work. It is logical that they should be rarely used, for example, Scroll Lock, Insert, Pause (Break), End, Home, Page Up and Down, and the block of numbers to the right along with the Num Lock button.

Let's move on to action:

• The application interface is presented as virtual keyboard... First, click on the button that will replace the missing one.
• At the bottom there is a field with an arrow. Click on it to see the list of keys and select from it the one that will replace the one selected in the previous step.

• Replace other non-working buttons in the same way.
• When done, in the lower right corner of the keyboard, click the "Save Layout" button.
• A window will pop up, requiring a system reboot for the changes to take effect. Click Yes.

We do as it was

If you decide to return the layout to its previous state, use the same utility to perform the following procedure:

• Click the "Reset keyboard layout" button at the bottom of the virtual keyboard.
• A dialog box will pop up where you need to agree to return the layout to its former state.

• Then another window will appear, warning you about the need to restart the system for the changes to take effect. Give your consent to this too.

When the computer is turned on again, the keyboard layout will be the same.

Disable unnecessary keys

Got keys you don't use? Disable them so they don't get in the way. This is possible with the help of another utility SharpKeys, which, like the one mentioned above, does not require installation. Better to download with official page https://github.com/randyrants/sharpkeys.

To disable unused buttons, follow these instructions:

• After starting the program, click at the bottom below "Add". You will see two lists: on the left are those keys that need to be reassigned, and on the right are those to which we will change them.
• In the list on the left, select an unnecessary key, for example, "Function: F1".
• On the right, click the "Turn Key Off" line.
• Confirm the decision with the "OK" button.

I hope that it was not in vain that I wrote such a long article - and you found a suitable way to solve your problem.

Computer keyboard refers to peripherals that suffer the most from user carelessness. Recall, for example, the classic situation with spilled coffee or knocked out "gamer" keys. And, nevertheless, there is still a way out - you can programmatically reassign non-working keys.

MapKeyboard program

The problems described above can be easily dealt with small utility MapKeyboard designed to be remapped system keys and mouse buttons. The program is free, does not require installation, moreover, it will not hang in the background - all changes are made in the registry once.

If you need to make subsequent changes to the keyboard layout, the program just needs to be run again.

Working with the utility

Download the application, unpack it to disk and run it as administrator. The main window opens.

Before starting work, let's decide on which keys we will reassign the inactive ones. They are chosen so that the absence does not bring significant discomfort. Donate without prejudice:

• Pause (Break);
• Scroll Lock;
• Insert;
• Home;
• Page Up / Page Down.

Having defined, we proceed directly to the replacement process. First, in the MapKeyboard window, click the key that is planned to act as a replacement, let it be Scroll Lock.

In the field with the drop-down list "Remap selected key to:" we find the key that we want to replace, for example "z".

Once selected, the reassigned key is highlighted in green. Click "Save layout" to save the changes. If you want to return the keyboard to the initial state, just click "Reset keyboard layout".