Windows Keyboard Software Guide

By Xah Lee. Date: . Last updated: .

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:

Here's a list of keyboard tools and solutions.

Programable Keyboard

Best solution is actually a programable keyboard. See:

Microsoft PowerToys, Keyboard Manager

This is for basic key remapping and macro.

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:

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.

switch hitter 2022-05-15 wYNg6
2022-05-15 Switch Hitter https://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/switch_hitter.html
lets you see what key you pressed and its keycode.
keyboard state view 87m7h
Keyboard State View https://www.nirsoft.net/utils/keyboard_state_view.html
lets you see what key you pressed and its keycode.

Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator

[Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator 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 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