Sticky keys are a special feature of the Windows operating system. This option allows you to enter combinations of several keys by successive presses. For example, to start the "Task Manager" you have to press successively Ctrl, Alt and Esc, and not the entire combination at the same time. The function is relevant for people with disabilities. By default, the operating system activates this feature by pressing the Shift key five times. If this is convenient for some users, then gamers often have problems. For example, if this key is actively used in the gameplay. The user presses Shift many times or clamps it for a long time, as a result of which the game minimizes to the desktop without warning, and the system displays a dialog box related to enabling / disabling sticky keys. Let's see how you can turn off this feature on a Windows computer.
How can I turn off the option?
The Windows operating system offers a number of options to turn off certain functions. With the release of Windows 8 and 10, these methods have become even more. Next, we will consider each algorithm that allows you to disable sticky keys.
Window Shift with Shift
If you already have this feature enabled and it is bothering you, the easiest way is to get to the settings using a special dialog box call. To do this, quickly click on Shift 5 times. If the first time it was not possible to activate the option, then do this procedure until a dialog box with a choice appears.
In this window, the system prompts you to enable sticky keys. You can agree or refuse with the "Yes" and "No" buttons, respectively. But you can also go to the settings by clicking on the link marked in the screenshot below.
After clicking, a window with accessibility options will open in front of you. In the "Keyboard" section, uncheck and disable the item marked in the screenshot.
Now sticky keys on Windows will not be activated by any keystrokes. We proceed to the next method.
Options Window
In Windows 8 and 10 operating systems, a new settings assistant has appeared. Its functionality is similar to the "Control Panel", but it is a stylized interface in which a slightly different distribution of sections. You get to this window using the instructions above. However, you can launch the "Parameters" in another way. They are presented below:
- right-click on the "Start" icon and select the item of the same name in the menu that appears;
- use the search bar on the taskbar;
- go to the Start menu and click on the gear icon;
- being in the "This computer" window, open the top panel and click on the "Open Settings" button;
- Use Win + I keyboard shortcuts.
After you have used one of the described methods, a window with sections will appear in front of you. Select "Accessibility." We find the section "Interaction" and select the item "Keyboard". Next, the settings window described in the previous instruction appears. Disable the sticky keys function again. This method is available on Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 operating systems.
Shutdown through the "Control Panel"
On all versions of the OS from Windows 7 and below there is no "Options" window, so you have to use the standard "Control Panel". To start it, use one of the tips:
- run the Run window (Win + R) and use the control command;
- the same command can be used to launch the "Control Panel" on the command line;
- in Windows 7, go to the "Start" menu and start the corresponding application;
- in Windows 8 or 10, click RMB on the "Start" icon and select the menu item of the same name;
- use the search bar (relevant for all versions of the OS).
Here we select the display type "Small Icons" and open the "Accessibility Center" item.
To go to the sticky settings on Windows, you need to scroll down the window and click on the button marked in the screenshot.
Here you need to uncheck the boxes that are in the subsection called "Simplify typing." After that, click the "Apply" button and close the window.
The described method with the "Control Panel" is relevant for all Windows operating systems, starting with XP. The only difference between new versions of XP may be in a slightly different arrangement of settings items.
Input filtering
There is another option that can significantly interfere with gamers. Input filtering is activated by holding the Shift key for a long time. To disable this feature, you need to go back to "Options" - "Accessibility" and move the item "Use input filtering" to the "Off" position. The same can be done through the "Control Panel". To call this settings window, you can hold down the right Shift for 8 or more seconds.
Now you know how to disable key sticking and input filtering on all current versions of the Windows operating system. You should not constantly minimize games to the desktop if you can turn off annoying OS functionality with a few clicks.