#Keyboard keys get mixed up windows 10 how to#
#Keyboard keys get mixed up windows 10 software#

The swap may also happen when a keyboard is plugged into a USB port it’s not used to, like moving from USB 2.0 to USB 3.0. The Fn shortcuts we mentioned above may have been pressed without knowledge, especially if you recently moved your keyboard or carried it to a different location (or have a cat). Many times, people accidentally trigger an alternate mode with keys have swapped. Image used with permission by copyright holder How do the arrow keys get swapped? If you game in a web browser, check to see if you have any extensions enabled that are swapping the keys when you don’t want them to be. Their menu settings may have options to switch to a traditional keyboard setup if that’s the case. Some programs may swap the keys automatically when you start using them.

Step 6: Check your game and app settings.

#Keyboard keys get mixed up windows 10 how to#

If you know that your keyboard has gaming profiles set up on it, you may want to review how to switch between profiles, and make sure you didn’t accidentally switch to a profile that includes the key swap. Step 5: Additionally, if you have gaming keyboard profiles set up, you may have accidentally switched to a profile with the WASD keys as directional keys. The Sharpkeys app is a good pick for key customization.

#Keyboard keys get mixed up windows 10 software#

But if you don’t have this kind of software on your keyboard, you can still download third-party apps that do the same thing. Many gaming keyboards include software that allows you to remap any key, not just hot keys made for special purposes. If none of the keyboard shortcuts seem to be working, you may want to remap the keys manually. Try these out and see if any of them swap the keys back:įn + Windows key (on compatible keyboards) Step 3: If the Fn + W trick didn’t work, your keyboard may have a different configuration, and you’ll have to experiment a little. The most common Microsoft Teams problems and how to fix themĬhrome has a security problem - here’s how Google is fixing it Image used with permission by copyright holder To unswap WASD, press the Fn + W keys once. The Fn key enables a variety of keyboard functions, and in this case it can be in charge of WASD swapping. It often has a small indicator light showing if the key has been enabled. Not all keyboards have one, but most do, and it’s typically located in the lower-left portion of the keyboard. Step 2: Look for the Fn key on your keyboard. This is a quick fix that usually resets any alternative arrow key modes and will get the WASD keys functioning as they normally would. Step 1: If you can, unplug your keyboard and plug it back in again, preferably into a different port. Let’s look at how to fix WASD keys that have suddenly become arrow keys, and why this swap happens.

That’s not ideal, especially when it comes to normal typing projects - and it can be frustrating for gamers if they can’t switch to the directional option again, or if the keys suddenly switch in-game and need to be switched back. However, sometimes the WASD and arrow keys can switch accidentally, or become permanently swapped on a keyboard.