SharpKeys is a Registry hack that allows certain keys on a keyboard to behave like others. If you frequently hit Caps Lock by accident, for example, you can use this utility to map Caps Lock to the Shift key or turn it off entirely. Support for up to 104 mappings, an extensive list of available keys, and a “Type Key” option to aid in mapping management are all included in this official release. Because this Registry hack relies on internal support in Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11, you must be running one of these OSs.
Is it safe to use?
The fact that SharpKeys modifies the system registry may be regarded as a security risk by some users. However, because this is the only way to remap keys, all similar software tools do the same. Nonetheless, it is completely safe in the sense that it does not harm your computer.
installing SharpKeys
SharpKeys comes in both a setup and a portable version. The main difference between the two is that the portable edition can be stored on an external drive such as a USB pen drive, plugged into any PC, and used immediately without having to unpack it first. If you don’t like the default option for the setup operation, you can change the default install folder.
SharpKeys’ graphical user interface is clearly out of date. On the plus side, it makes it simple to use its features.
Using SharpKeys
At first, the list of key mappings is empty. To make something:
- Click the Add button, which will open a new window where you can choose between the old and new keys.
- Browse through the list of supported keys, or;
- By pressing the Type Key button and typing the old or new key on your physical keyboard.
You can create as many key mappings as you want. You only need to click the Write to Registry button to commit the changes to the registry. However, in order for the new changes to take effect, you must restart your computer.
SharpKeys also detects any attempts to assign multiple new keys to the same original key, which is a great feature. This action is forbidden, so you don’t have to be concerned about key conflicts. If you want to learn more about how it works, you can use simple tools to track registry changes.