This tutorial explains sticky keys and different solutions to understand How to Turn Off Sticky Keys in Windows 10, Windows 8, and 7:
Sticky keys are a useful feature in Windows but users have reported issues while they try to turn them off. So, we have given you an exhaustive tutorial on how to disable them.
In this article, we will discuss all possible ways of doing that.
What are Sticky Keys?
Sticky Keys is a feature through which users can complete combination keyboard commands without pressing several keys at once. With this feature activated, you can press the keys one after the other, rather than at the same time.
For example, instead of ALT+CTRL+DEL, you can click ALT first, then CTRL, and then DEL, one by one. Or, instead of CTRL+C for copying, you can first press CTRL and then C. Windows released this feature for those who want to avoid repetitive strain injury or those who are suffering from physical disability.
Table of Contents:
How To Turn Off Sticky Keys
There are a few methods you can try to turn sticky keys off in Windows 10 and Windows 8 & 9. These are explained below.
In Windows 10
There are multiple ways to do that. They are as follows:
#1) Shift Keys
You can press the Shift keys five times to turn off the sticky keys.
#2) Keyboard Shortcuts
Press two keys on the keyboard simultaneously like Ctrl, Alt, Shift, Windows Logo Key, etc
#3) Ease of Access
- Open Settings.
- Go to Ease of Access
- Select Keyboards
- Disable the option “Press one key at a time for keyboard shortcuts”.
#4) Control Panel
- Open ‘Control Panel’
- Click on “Ease of Access”.
- Go to ‘Ease of Access Center’.
- Navigate to the “Make the Keyboard Easier To Use” option
- Under “Make it Easier To Type”, uncheck the option “Turn on Sticky Keys”
- Click Apply
In Windows 8 and 7
You can use Control Panel to disable sticky keys in Windows 8 and 7.
Follow the steps below:
- Open Control Panel
- Go to “Ease of Access”.
- Navigate to “Make the Keyboard Easier To Use”.
- Under the heading Make it Easier To Type, uncheck “Turn On Sticky Keys”.
- Click Apply.
Try turning off the NUM lock key and see if it works. FN key is supposed to perform certain functions if the key stays active. Simply turning it off might resolve the issue. You can also try pressing the right and left shift keys together. You can also use Shift Key and other keyboard shortcuts as mentioned above to turn off sticky keys in Windows 7 and 8.
Sticky Keys Won’t Turn Off: Solutions
It’s annoying when nothing works and you can’t turn off your sticky keys. If that’s the case with you, here are a few things you can do to fix it.
#1) Check For Malware
If nothing works, chances are your PC is infected with malware. You must understand that not all malware is harmful, some just annoy the user. You can use Windows Defender for that.
- Go to the search option
- Search for Windows Defender
- If you do not have the software, you can get it from Microsoft website.
- Click on Defender
- Select Scan Now
Now, let the Defender check for any presence of malware. And if any malware is detected, click on Remove all. Now try to turn off your sticky key.
#2) Reinstall Keyboard Drivers
If you are unable to disable sticky keys, it could mean that your keyboard drivers have become corrupt. So, try and reinstall keyboard drivers.
Follow the steps below:
- Press Windows+X to launch Device Manager
- Select Device Manager
- Locate Keyboard Driver
- Right-click on it
- Select Uninstall Device
- Click on Uninstall
Restart your system to automatically reinstall the keyboard drivers.
#3) Reinstall Synaptic Pointing Device
Sometimes, issues with the Synaptic pointing device can interfere with sticky keys. So, you will need to reinstall it in order to turn off the keys. The best way to uninstall software is to use an uninstaller like IObit, Revo Uninstaller Pro, Geek, etc.
The uninstaller will remove all the registry entries and files associated with the Synaptic Pointing Device. After you launch the uninstaller, you will see all the available apps on the dashboard. Select Synaptics and click on uninstall. Now download the touchpad driver for your system and see if the issue is resolved.
#4) Change Registry Values
Follow the steps below:
- Press Windows+R to launch the Run command.
- Type regedit.
- Hit Enter
- Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER
- Select Control Panel
- Click on Accessibility
- Go to Sticky Keys
- Locate Flags in the right pane and double-click on it
- Change its value to 506
- Go to Keyboard Response
- Double-click on Flags in the right pane
- Change the value to 122
- Go to Toggle Keys
- Double-click on Flags in the right pane
- Set the value to 58
- Close the Registry editor
- Restart your system
This should turn off your Sticky Keys.
#5) Change The Power Management Settings Of Your Keyboard
Follow the steps below:
- Press Windows+X keys to launch Power Menu
- Select Device Manager
- Right-click on your keyboard
- Click on Properties
- Go to the Power Management Tab.
- Uncheck the ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’ option.
- Click Ok.
Now if your keyboard is listed in both Keyboards and Human Interface Devices section, you will have to repeat it there as well.
#6) Replace The Keyboard
Sometimes, you are unable to disable sticky keys because your keyboard is faulty. The simplest way to fix this issue is to get a new keyboard. Before you replace the entire keyboard, make sure that the keys are not stuck, resulting in the issue.
#7) Install Latest Updates
Follow the steps below:
- Go to the Search option.
- Search for Settings.
- Select on Update & Security.
- Click on Check for Updates.
Windows will check for updates. And if there are any updates available, click on download. Once the process is finished, reinstall the system to install the updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q #1) How to turn on or off sticky keys?
Answer: The easiest way to turn on sticky keys is to press shift 5 times. You can press shift 5 times to turn them off if they are on and vice versa.
Q #2) Why I am unable to turn off sticky keys?
Answer: There are many reasons you might not be able to turn them off. It could be because of malware, an outdated keyboard driver, or a Synaptic pointing device. Check for malware and update the driver, or reinstall the synaptic pointing device.
Q #3) Are sticky keys useful?
Answer: They are useful if you want to avoid repetitive strain injury or if you are suffering from physical disability.
Suggested Reading =>> Top keyboard for gaming
Conclusion
Usually, sticky keys are an extremely handy option, especially if you don’t like holding down a key for long. But it can quickly turn into a nuisance. Pressing the Shift key five times does the job of turning off or on the sticky keys. It is not worth leaving on unless you are learning to use software that uses the modifier keys heavily.