Bring back right Windows Key

1

I just bought a new Microsoft Wireless 850 keyboard, and noticed that in the new model the right windows key, between the option key and the right Alt key, has been replaced with a Fn key. I'm used to running shortcuts using the right Win Key, and feel completely crippled not having it.

I went back to the shop to replace it with a different keyboard, but it turns out that everything they have on stock, from various manufacturers (Logitech, Apple, Dell, etc) is the same - no right Win Key, but a Fn key instead.

This is really annoying me to the point I want to physically break things. Is there some way to assign this silly Fn key to behave like a WinKey? I'm open to everything - hardware, software, drivers, everything. I'm desperate.

I use OSX El Capitan (10.11.6) and Windows 10, so would ideally be looking for a solution for both.

Green Mind

Posted 2017-03-19T15:28:38.560

Reputation: 31

No; What you want is unrealistic; check online stores for a greater variety of keyboards – Ramhound – 2017-03-19T15:40:41.703

2

Easiest solution for Windows is to use AutoHotkey and re-map an unwanted key to RWin. (e.g. RCtrl::RWin). I'm not sure what you can use for Mac though. I don't think you can remap Fn keys since the OS receives no input when you press them. They only work in conjunction with other keys to modify their behavior so you can't remap them.

– Vinayak – 2017-03-19T16:10:27.760

If you are open to pressing two keys together to emulate the right Windows key, you could do that as well with AutoHotkey. Something like ~AppsKey & RCtrl::Send {RWin}. With that script running, pressing the AppsKey and RCtrl key together (press AppsKey first) will work as RWin key, otherwise they work like nothing changed. – Vinayak – 2017-03-19T16:32:09.650

Answers

0

For Windows 10, 8, 7, or Vista, the simplest solution is to download and instal SharpKeys. It allows you to remap any key to another function.

On Mac you have two options.

MacOS/OS X System Preferences:

For system wide keyboard shortcuts, try checking the Keyboard pane in System Preferences, then open the Shortcuts tab.

Use the free app Karabiner:

If you are using OS X El Capitan or lower, Karabiner can be used to fine tune the functionality of any key on your keyboard.

Sources:

Stevoisiak

Posted 2017-03-19T15:28:38.560

Reputation: 8 152

Thanks. I use OSX El Capitan 10.11.6 (edited my post to note that). I just tried to install Karabiner. Seems like it has what I want, but it just doesn't work. Where did you learn that it doesn't work? Is there a way to make it work? – Green Mind – 2017-03-19T16:06:57.763

1Seems like Karabiner has a setting to map Fn+something to Command+something, which is exactly what I need. However, I tried it and it seems like it only impacts the Macbook's keyboard, it doesn't impact my external wireless USB keyboard. – Green Mind – 2017-03-19T16:12:17.127

Are you able to remap it through System Preferences -> Keyboard -> Shortcuts? – Stevoisiak – 2017-03-19T16:24:19.697

No, it doesn't seem like System Preferences lets you assign shortcuts with Fn key in them, not even the internal keyboard's Fn key. – Green Mind – 2017-03-19T16:39:06.457

Asked: 2017-03-19T15:28:38.560

Viewed: 160 times

Active: 2017-03-19T16:32:35.117