Computer users can change some settings and features, including programmable keys or keyboard shortcuts, on a computer keyboard in Windows or macOS. The settings and features can change depend on the type of keyboard.

To access settings for your computer keyboard, follow the steps for the type of operating system on your computer.

Microsoft Windows

To access keyboard settings in Windows, follow the steps below.

  • Microsoft Windows

  • Apple macOS

  • Open the Control Panel.

  • Click or double-click the Keyboard icon. If you’re not viewing the Control Panel as icons, change the View by to Large icons or Small icons in the top-right corner of the Control Panel.

In the Keyboard Properties window, you can change some basic settings for your keyboard, as shown in the example below.

If you have a multimedia or programmable keyboard, additional settings and features can be changed through software from the keyboard manufacturer. The keyboard software may come with the keyboard or the computer, or you can download it from the keyboard manufacturer’s website.

Once installed, the keyboard software lets you access and modify additional settings and features for your keyboard. The specific settings and features available are different for each keyboard. If you have a Microsoft keyboard, you can adjust additional settings through the Mouse and Keyboard Center.

  • How to toggle Scroll Lock, Num Lock, and Caps Lock.
  • How to disable or enable the Num Lock key at startup.

Apple macOS

To access keyboard settings in macOS, follow the steps below.

  • Click the Apple menu icon in the upper-left corner.
  • Select the System Preferences option in the menu.
  • In the System Preferences window, click the Keyboard icon.

The Keyboard window opens and lets you change some basic settings and configure keyboard shortcuts.

Once installed, the keyboard software lets you access and modify additional settings and features for your keyboard. The specific settings and features available are different for each keyboard.

  • How to turn off or disable a laptop keyboard.
  • See our keyboard page for an explanation of the keyboard and related links.
  • Keyboard help and support.