Windows 7: Sticky Keys

Sticky Keys enables the user to enter key combinations by pressing keys in sequence rather than simultaneously. This will benefit users who are unable to press or have difficulty pressing shortcut key combinations.

Turning On Sticky Keys

Sticky Keys may be turned on via either of the two following ways:

Via the Control Panel

1. Open the Ease of Access control panel via the instructions above and click on Change how your keyboard works.

2. Check the box labeled Turn on Sticky Keys, and click OK (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Ease of Access keyboard options. Check the circled box to enable Sticky Keys.

By Pressing the SHIFT key five times

Without pressing other keys, press the SHIFT key five times to enable Sticky Keys. A window will be displayed asking you if you wish to turn on Sticky Keys (Figure 2). Clicking Yes will enable Sticky Keys.

Figure 2. Turn on Sticky Keys dialog box.

How To Know That Sticky Keys is Working

By default the Sticky Keys icon will display on the task bar (Figure 3), and Windows will play a sound when a modifier key is pressed. If you do not see the icon or hear a sound when pressing a modifier key, make sure the Feedback options are checked in the Sticky Keys options dialog (Refer to Sticky Keys Options).

Figure 3. Sticky Keys icon.

Turning Off Sticky Keys

To turn off Sticky Keys, press the shift key five times or uncheck the Turn On Sticky Keys box in the Ease of Access control panel. If the default options are selected, pressing two keys simultaneously will also turn off Sticky Keys.

Sticky Keys Options

You may configure Sticky Keys options by clicking on Set up Sticky Keys in the Ease of Access control panel. As stated above, Sticky Keys is configured by default to play a sound when enabled or disabled via the SHIFT key or when a modifier key is pressed.

For More Information

To read more about Sticky Keys for Windows 7, click on the following links:

• Windows 7 keyboard shortcuts
• Introducing Accessibility in Windows