How to Use a Windows PC Keyboard on Mac by Remapping Command & Option Keys

How to Use a Windows PC Keyboard on Mac by Remapping Command & Option Keys

Macs can use nearly all keyboards built 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 key of a Windows keyboard are switched compared to the Mac keyboard layout of OPTION/ALT and COMMAND keys. This 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 , so that the keyboard layouts will mimic expectations based on the standard Apple modifier key layout, rather than what it says on the PC keyboard. For most Mac users who connect a PC keyboard to their Mac, this will dramatically improve their typing experience when using a PC keyboard. This trick works the same with all Windows and PC keyboard with the standard CTRL / Windows / ALT key layout, and all versions of Mac OS: Once finished you will have a new digital layout of the Windows PC keyboard keys when used on the Mac: * : Some PC keyboards also have the CNTRL and ALT keys switched too, compared to a standard Mac key layout. If applicable, go ahead and switch those with the same Modifier Key trick outlined above. A simple way to confirm the keyboard modifier keys are switched as expected is to issue a keyboard shortcut, like a screen capture ( ) or a Close Window command (Command + W). It should work as youd expect based on the Mac keyboard layout. Obviously this isnt going to change the actual physical keyboard appearance, so youll have to get used to the appearance of the keys saying one thing, but doing something else. But if you are mostly a touch-typer and never look at your hands when typing this shouldnt be an issue. Essentially you are reversing the Windows PC keyboard Windows and ALT keys (which become the Command 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 / OPTION key on the Mac, and the Windows PC keyboard ALT key becomes the new COMMAND key on the Mac, just like it would be on an Apple keyboard. For example, heres a Windows PC keyboard with a different modifier key layout than the Apple keyboard layout: And heres a Apple keyboard with different modifier key layout than the Windows PC keyboard: Thus you can see why switching the modifier key behavior when the PC keyboard is connected to the Mac can be helpful. This trick should be particularly useful to Mac users who have a favorite PC keyboard laying around they want to use, or perhaps prefer a particular Windows PC keyboard for one reason or another. And yes this tip works the same regardless of the Windows PC keyboard connected to the Mac, and regardless of the Mac operating system or the Mac itself. You can switch the modifier keys in any release and with any keyboard this way. By the way if youre coming to the Mac from the Windows world, which is perhaps why you have a Windows PC keyboard in use on a Mac in the first place, youll probably appreciate learning , what , potentially , or , and too. So, try this out if you have a Windows keyboard you want to use with a Mac, or if you want to try an external PC keyboard on a Mac then go ahead and dont be shy, because simply swapping those two modifier keys can remedy one of the biggest annoyances when using a Windows PC keyboard on a Mac. If you have any other helpful tips for using a Windows or PC keyboard on a Mac, then share them with us in the comments below!