Windows Keyboard Software Guide

This page covers everything you need to know for remapping keys, creating keyboard shortcuts, key macros, or keyboard layout.

What Do You Want to Do?

Different tools have different features and purposes. Here's a list of possible features. Most tools can do only SOME of the following:

• Swap, disable, or reassign modifier keys, such as Ctrl, Alt, CapsLock, ❖ Window keys.
• Define combination keys, such as make Ctrl+m to invoke a action.
• Define key sequence, such as F8 m to invoke a action.
• Define action to launch a file (launch app, run script, or just open file).
• Define action to insert static text, such as your address, phone number.
• Define action to insert dynamic text, such as today's date.
• Define action to insert math symbols or Unicode symbols. example: ♥ 😸
• Define action of pressing other key combo. (For example, send Alt+Tab)
• Define action for special keyboard keys, such as sending multimedia keys (Play, Pause, Next, Prev), sound level up/down, Mute, Sleep, email key.
• Define action that's app specific. For example, F8 will do different things depending on which is current app.
• Define action of key macros. Record and Playback a sequence of key strokes or mouse events.

Here's a list of keyboard tools and solutions.

Programable Keyboard

Best solution is actually a programable keyboard. See:

• Why Programable Keyboards Are Better Than Software Key Remap
• Programable Keyboards with Onboard Memory

Microsoft PowerToys, Keyboard Manager

This is for basic key remapping and macro.

• 
  Microsoft PowerToys

AutoHotkey

AutoHotkey is a the most powerful scripting engine that also lets you assign keys to any script or run any app, or insert some text, or act as pressing other keys. This is the most versatile.

The disadvantage is that you'll take significant time to learn how to use it. Few hours to begin with.

To get started, see:

• 
  AutoHotkey Tutorial

Switch Keyboard Layout

Windows 10, How to Switch to Dvorak Keyboard Layout

Find Key Press and Keycode

To program keys, often you need to know the keycode. Or, if you have a programable keyboard, but you forgot what key do. You need a app that shows key presses and its keycode.

Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator

[Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator 2017-03-12 By Microsoft. Search the web. The download link changes all the time.]

I have not used this one but heard good things about it.

X-Mouse Button Control

[X-Mouse Button Control 2012-11-19 By Phillip Gibbons. At http://www.highrez.co.uk/downloads/XMouseButtonControl.htm , accessed on 2012-11-19 ]

I have not used this one but heard good things about it.

However, i recommend a gaming mouse with programable buttons instead. see Mouse Reviews