The special Windows keys were created to facilitate user access and use when operating the computer. They have always existed, from the first version of Windows to the latest. Find out how many versions of the operating system exist in the link above. It is very easy to activate and deactivate them, but first let’s see what their main functions are.
Creating a tabular guide for enabling or disabling special keys in Windows involves outlining the steps for each key. Here’s a basic format for such a guide:
Special Keys Enable/Disable Guide for Windows
| Key | Function | To Enable | To Disable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sticky Keys | Makes it easier to press key combinations | 1. Press Shift key 5 times. | 1. Press Shift key 5 times. |
| 2. Click ‘Yes’ in the pop-up. | 2. Click ‘No’ in the pop-up. | ||
| Filter Keys | Ignores brief or repeated keystrokes | 1. Hold down right Shift key for 8 seconds. | 1. Hold down right Shift key for 8 seconds. |
| 2. Click ‘Yes’ in the pop-up. | 2. Click ‘No’ in the pop-up. | ||
| Toggle Keys | Sounds a tone when you press Caps Lock, | 1. Hold down Num Lock for 5 seconds. | 1. Hold down Num Lock for 5 seconds. |
| Num Lock, and Scroll Lock | 2. Click ‘Yes’ in the pop-up. | 2. Click ‘No’ in the pop-up. | |
| High Contrast | Makes text and objects more distinguishable | 1. Press left Alt + left Shift + Print Screen. | 1. Press left Alt + left Shift + Print Screen. |
| 2. Click ‘Yes’ in the pop-up. | 2. Click ‘No’ in the pop-up. |
Note:
- These instructions are based on typical settings in Windows. Depending on your version of Windows, the steps might slightly differ.
- It’s always a good idea to check your specific Windows version for the most accurate instructions.
Special key functions
Many people believe that these special functions of the keys are useless or annoying since just pressing them activates their function and for others the special keys make their experience using the computer much easier. They all have a different function, let’s see some of them.
Alt (Alternative)
This modifies the operation of the alphanumeric (F1, F2 etc.) and function keys , thus allowing alternative characters and actions to be obtained that are different from those obtained with the other modifier keys. For example, pressing the combination or keyboard shortcut Alt + F4 closes the active window.
Enter
This special key allows you to enter data into an application, it indicates that you have finished writing, activate menu options , start the execution of programs or files. In general it works to transfer control from the computer user.
Recoil
It works to remove or delete the character to the left of the insertion point, which then happens to be located where the removed character was located.
Caps LOCK
It works in combination with the keyboard lights on the right side, turning them on or off each time it is pressed. If the light is off the alphabetic keys will appear in lower case and if it is on they will appear in upper case.
bloq NUM
The function of this key is to lock or unlock the functions of the numeric keys located in the right zone in the case of an expanded keyboard.
Shift (Uppercase)
There are two keys with similar functions , but this one modifies the action of the alphanumeric keys when they are pressed at the same time. In the case of letters, it is used to write in capital letters (in case the capital letters are not blocked).
In the case of numbers and punctuation marks, if this key is pressed together with the numbers, the marks drawn on top of the numbers will appear. It also modifies the function keys. For example, pressing Shift + F10 will bring up the context menu for the selected object.
Alt Gr (Graphic Alternative)
It modifies the operation of some of the alphanumeric keys , thus allowing to obtain the special characters marked in the lower right part of the keys.
Ctrl (Control)
There are two keys that allow you to obtain additional characters when pressed simultaneously with alphanumeric keys. It also produces special actions when pressed simultaneously with the function keys.
For example, pressing Ctrl + W will close the current window, Ctrl + P activates the action of printing the active page or frame, and Ctrl + E activates the full selection of the active page. Other Ctrl functions would be:
- Ctrl + G: Save.
- Ctrl + A: Open.
- Ctrl + C: Copy.
- Ctrl + V: Paste.
- Ctrl + X: Cut.
- Ctrl + Z: Undo.
- Ctrl + K: Italic letter.
- Ctrl + N: Bold font.
- Ctrl + S: Underline
- Ctrl + Right Arrow: Moves the cursor to the start of the next word.
- Ctrl + Left Arrow: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the previous word.
- Ctrl + Down Arrow: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph.
- Ctrl + Date up: Moves the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph.
There are also other types of commands that the Ctrl key includes, in this case if we press three keys Ctrl + Alt + Delete we indicate to the software or the operating system that it must perform a certain task, such as starting a session or interrupting a function.
How to enable or disable the special keys?
It really is a fairly simple process, without many complications and very fast. To activate them you just have to press the Shift key 5 times in a row . A box will appear which will indicate if you want to activate or deactivate them.
Another way is also by control panel. Click on the accessibility option , then on accessibility center and then on changing keyboard operation. In the section of special keys you can activate or deactivate them in the box “make the keyboard easier to read”.
Without a doubt, these special keys make everything easier and faster. We hope this tutorial has been helpful.
