What Is The Windows Key On A Mac

Macs can use most all keyboards congenital for Windows PC, whether they are USB or Bluetooth, but you may notice that the layout of some of the modifier keys are different on a Mac keyboard from the layout of a Windows keyboard. Specifically, the WINDOWS and ALT fundamental of a Windows keyboard are switched compared to the Mac keyboard layout of OPTION/ALT and COMMAND keys. This tin can lead to erroneous keyboard shortcuts or other unexpected key press behavior when using a PC keyboard with a Mac.

A simple solution to this problem is to remap the Windows and ALT key and the command and choice/alt keys on the Windows PC keyboard connected to the Mac, and so that the keyboard layouts will mimic expectations based on the standard Apple tree modifier key layout, rather than what information technology says on the PC keyboard. For almost Mac users who connect a PC keyboard to their Mac, this will dramatically improve their typing experience when using a PC keyboard.

Using a Windows PC Keyboard on Mac with Remapped Windows & ALT Keys

This trick works the aforementioned with all Windows and PC keyboard with the standard CTRL / Windows / ALT fundamental layout, and all versions of Mac OS:

1. Connect the Windows PC keyboard to the Mac as usual, either past USB or Bluetooth
2. Pull down the  Apple card and choose "System Preferences"
3. Click on "Keyboard"
4. Choose the "Keyboard" tab and so click on the "Modifier Keys" button in the lower right corner of the preference console
5. Choose the PC keyboard from the "Select Keyboard" dropdown carte du jour at the tiptop of the Modifier keys screen to insure you are modifying the proper keyboard continued to the Mac



6. Click the dropdown adjacent to "OPTION Key" and select "Command"
7. Click the dropdown next to "COMMAND Key" and select "Option"



8. Click "OK" and test out the newly remapped keyboard keys *

Once finished you will accept a new digital layout of the Windows PC keyboard keys when used on the Mac:

• WINDOWS key becomes the ALT / OPTION key on Mac Os
• ALT cardinal becomes the Control key on Mac Bone

* NOTE: Some PC keyboards also have the "CNTRL" and "ALT" keys switched likewise, compared to a standard Mac key layout. If applicable, go ahead and switch those with the same Modifier Key flim-flam outlined in a higher place.

A simple mode to confirm the keyboard modifier keys are switched as expected is to effect a keyboard shortcut, like a screen capture (Command Shift 3) or a Close Window command (Control + W). It should work as you'd expect based on the Mac keyboard layout.

Plainly this isn't going to change the actual physical keyboard appearance, and then you'll have to get used to the appearance of the keys saying one thing, merely doing something else. Only if you are generally a touch-typer and never look at your hands when typing this shouldn't be an issue.

Essentially you are reversing the Windows PC keyboard Windows and ALT keys (which become the Control and Option/ALT keys when connected to the Mac), which puts them in line with the default Mac and Apple keyboard layout of those buttons. Thus, the Windows PC keyboard Windows key becomes the new ALT / Choice fundamental on the Mac, and the Windows PC keyboard ALT primal becomes the new Command fundamental on the Mac, just like information technology would exist on an Apple keyboard.

For example, here's a Windows PC keyboard with a different modifier cardinal layout than the Apple keyboard layout:

And hither's a Apple keyboard with different modifier primal layout than the Windows PC keyboard:

Thus you can run across why switching the modifier central behavior when the PC keyboard is continued to the Mac can exist helpful.

This flim-flam should exist especially useful to Mac users who have a favorite PC keyboard laying effectually they want to use, or perhaps prefer a particular Windows PC keyboard for i reason or some other. And yes this tip works the aforementioned regardless of the Windows PC keyboard connected to the Mac, and regardless of the Mac operating organization or the Mac itself. You tin switch the modifier keys in whatsoever release and with whatever keyboard this way.

By the way if yous're coming to the Mac from the Windows world, which is perhaps why you accept a Windows PC keyboard in employ on a Mac in the beginning place, y'all'll probably appreciate learning the Habitation and END button equivalents on a Mac keyboard, what the Impress Screen push equivalent is on a Mac, potentially using the Delete key every bit a Forward DEL on a Mac, or discovering how to use Folio Up and Page Down on a Mac keyboard, and understanding what and where the Selection or ALT key is on a Mac as well.

So, endeavor this out if you accept a Windows keyboard you desire to use with a Mac, or if you desire to try an external PC keyboard on a Mac and so go alee and don't exist shy, because simply swapping those 2 modifier keys can remedy i of the biggest annoyances when using a Windows PC keyboard on a Mac.

If you accept any other helpful tips for using a Windows or PC keyboard on a Mac, and then share them with usa in the comments below!

What Is The Windows Key On A Mac,

Source: https://osxdaily.com/2018/01/31/use-windows-pc-keyboard-mac-remap-option-command-keys/

Posted by: ramseythipper82.blogspot.com

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