How to Turn Off Sticky Keys in Windows 11

Windows operating systems come with a feature called Sticky Keys that enables users to execute keyboard shortcuts by pressing one key at a time, instead of having to press multiple keys simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for individuals who may have difficulty pressing and holding down two or more keys at once.

For example, with Sticky Keys disabled, copying text would require the user to press the CTRL + C keys simultaneously. However, with this feature enabled, the user can simply press the CTRL key, release it, and then press the C key to copy the text.

Despite its benefits, many users opt to keep Sticky Keys disabled, either because they are accustomed to the traditional method or because they may have mistakenly enabled it. If you wish to turn off Sticky Keys in Windows 11, follow these steps.

Turn Off Sticky Keys via Settings

To turn off Sticky Keys via Settings, right-click on the ‘Start’ icon in the Taskbar or press WINDOWS + X to launch the Quick Access menu, and then select ‘Settings’. Alternatively, you can simply press WINDOWS + I to launch the Settings app.

In Settings, select ‘Accessibility’ from the navigation pane on the left.

Next, scroll down and select ‘Keyboard’ under ‘Interaction’.

Finally, click on the toggle next to ‘Sticky keys’ to turn off the feature.

The Sticky Keys feature will now be disabled. You can also configure the Sticky Keys settings, such that it does not turn on by mistake or enhance its functionality.

To customize the Sticky Keys settings, click on the ‘Sticky keys’ option in the ‘Keyboard’ accessibility settings.

You will now have five self-explanatory customizations that you can either enable or disable. These are all individual preferences and cannot be generalized, therefore go through each and verify if you want it enabled.

Note: If you don’t want the Sticky Keys feature to turn-on on pressing the SHIFT key five times, disable the first option.

If you keep the ‘Keyboard shortcut for Sticky keys’ option enabled, simply pressing the SHIFT key will also turn off Sticky Keys. Also, the fourth option in the list, if selected, will enable turning off Sticky Keys on pressing two modifier keys at the same time.

Turn Off Sticky Keys via Control Panel

Another way to turn off Sticky Keys is through the Control Panel.

To turn off Sticky Keys via the Control Panel, search for it in the ‘Search Menu’ and click on the relevant search result to launch the app.

Next, click on the ‘View by’ drop-down menu and select ‘Large icons’ from the list of options.

Next, locate and select the ‘Ease of Access Center’ option.

You find now find various settings listed on the window, select ‘Make the keyboard easier to use’.

Finally, untick the checkbox for ‘Turn on Sticky Keys’ and click on ‘OK’ at the bottom to save the changes.

The ‘Sticky Keys’ feature will now be turned off.

Turn off Sticky Keys via Registry

For those of you who like taking the Registry route to make changes to the system, here’s how you can turn off Sticky Keys. It’s strongly advised that you follow the steps as it is and not make changes to any other entry in the Registry, since it could prove fatal for your system.

To turn off Sticky Keys via Registry, press WINDOWS + R to launch the ‘Run’ command, type ‘regedit’ in the text field and either click on ‘OK’ at the bottom or press ENTER to launch the Registry Editor. Click ‘Yes’ on the UAC box that appears.

Navigate the following path in the Registry Editor and double-click on ‘Flags’ to modify its value.

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Accessibility\StickyKeys

Now, enter ’58’ under ‘Value Data’ and click on ‘OK’ to save the changes.

The Sticky Keys feature will now be turned off.

Conclusion

Sticky Keys is a useful feature for some users who have difficulty pressing two keys simultaneously. However, it can be disabled easily through the Windows 11 settings or Control Panel. Users can also customize the Sticky Keys settings to their liking. For those who prefer taking the Registry route, there are steps that need to be followed carefully to avoid any issues. It's always recommended that users go with the first two methods if they are not familiar with the Registry. With these easy steps, anyone can turn off Sticky Keys on Windows 11 and enjoy a hassle-free computing experience.