My new keyboard doesn't have a right Alt key, which I use constantly for special?

[686lqyvsmj]

My new keyboard doesn't have a right Alt key, which I use constantly for special characters. I'm on Windows 11 and feel a bit lost. Is there a built-in way to assign that function to another key I don't use, like the right Ctrl? I'd prefer not to install extra software if I can avoid it. A step-by-step guide would be really helpful.

[sEfYZ]

From what I've seen, I had this issue with a compact keyboard last year. From what I have seen, Windows doesn't have a built-in way to simply swap Alt and Ctrl without third-party software. You might need to look into a lightweight tool like SharpKeys to remap that right Ctrl key. Should do the trick.

[DesktopGeek40]

This. You could also try using the Windows On-Screen Keyboard as a temporary workaround to access those special characters. Another option is to check if your keyboard has a function (Fn) layer that might offer an Alt key alternative.

[LaptopSeeker94]

That's a frustrating situation, especially when you rely on those special characters! The good news is Windows 11 has a built-in feature that can solve this without any software. You can use **Microsoft PowerToys**, a free, official Microsoft utility suite that includes a fantastic "Keyboard Manager."

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. **Download & Install:** Go to the Microsoft PowerToys GitHub page (just search "Microsoft PowerToys download") and get the latest release. It's safe and from Microsoft.
2. **Open Keyboard Manager:** After installation, open PowerToys and find "Keyboard Manager" in the left sidebar. Turn it on.
3. **Remap Your Key:** Click "Remap a key." In the new window, click the **"+"** to add a new remap.
4. **Set the Swap:** In the left column (Key), click "Type" and press your **right Ctrl** key. In the right column (Mapped To), click "Type" and press your **right Alt** key (or select it from the list if the key isn't present).
5. **Apply:** Click "OK" and then "Apply" in the main Keyboard Manager screen.

Your right Ctrl key will now function as a right Alt key system-wide. PowerToys is incredibly useful for many other customizations, too. Give it a try—it should get you back to typing your special characters in no time! Let us know if you hit any snags during the setup.

[Mq2Q105rw]

Can confirm. You could also check your keyboard's manual, as some models let you reprogram keys directly through a function key combination. Another option is to use the Windows On-Screen Keyboard as a temporary workaround for those special characters.

[yeWgDNE]

Can confirm. I had the same problem with a compact keyboard. I used the built-in Windows Keyboard Manager to remap my right Ctrl to act as Alt, and it worked perfectly. Good luck!

[71015c377ls]

Can confirm. Yeah, that's the way to go. One extra tip: after you remap it, a quick restart makes sure the change sticks everywhere.

[XlHBmXtOsZ]

You could also check if your keyboard has a "Fn" key combo that might act as a right Alt. Another option is to use the Windows On-Screen Keyboard as a temporary workaround for those characters.

[fWFdZz]

+1 I had the same problem with a compact keyboard. I used the built-in Windows Keyboard Manager in PowerToys to remap right Ctrl to Alt, and it worked perfectly.

[YrOMEssedNF]

Just to clarify, are you looking for the steps to set that up in PowerToys, or a way to do it without installing anything?