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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

+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.

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