How to Enable or Disable Sticky Keys in Windows 11

Today, we will review how to enable or disable Sticky Keys in Windows 11. This useful accessibility feature allows you to release keys and don't hold them when composing a keyboard shortcut or hotkey sequence.

If you frequently read articles on Winaero or any other Windows-related guides on the Internet, you have probably noticed that those guides often mention keyboard shortcuts, such as Win + R or similar.

Windows requires pressing and holding keys for shortcuts to work, which might be a problem for users with limitations or disabilities. Luckily, Windows 11 has a built-in feature called "Sticky Keys." It lets you input shortcuts without holding keys altogether. For example, instead of pressing and holding Win + R, you can first press the Win button, release it, and then press the R button.

Enable or Disable Sticky Keys in Windows 11

There are multiple ways to configure Sticky Keys. The fastest way is to toggle enable them with a hotkey. Alternative methods involve the Settings app and the classic Control Panel.

Using a keyboard shortcut

Even if you have no problems inputting keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11, you may notice sticky keys kicking in. Pressing the Shift key quickly five times turns on sticky keys in Windows 11. Windows 11 will ask whether you want to enable sticky keys. Press Yes.

If you find this default behavior annoying, you can turn off the keyboard shortcut. You can disable the sticky keys shortcut in Windows 11 to prevent the system from interrupting your workflow or gaming sessions. Here is how to do that.

Disable Sticky Keys keyboard shortcut in Windows 11

1. Open Windows Settings in Windows 11.
2. Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.
3. Click Sticky Keys.
4. Toggle off the Keyboard shortcut for Sticky keys option.

You are done. Windows 11 will no longer bother you with enabling sticky keys when you press the Shift key five times in a row.

Alternatively, you can use the classic Control Panel for the same.

Using Control Panel

1. Right-click the Start menu button and select Run. Alternatively, press Win + R.
2. Enter the control command.
3. Go to Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center.
4. Click the Make the keyboard easier to use link.
5. Click the Set up Sticky keys link.
6. Uncheck the Turn on Sticky keys when SHIFT is pressed five times option.
7. Press OK to save changes.

Even if you disable the above mentioned shortcut, there are still a couple of methods to disable or enable the Sticky keys feature.

Enable Sticky Keys in Windows 11 from Quick Settings

1. Click one of the following icons in the notification area: battery, network, or volume. Alternatively, if possible, press Win + A.
2. Click the Accessibility button.
3. Next, toggle on Sticky keys.

Done! After that, Windows will place the sticky keys icon in the notification area, providing you with a quick way to manage related settings.

Finally, it is easy to turn on  Sticky Keys using the Windows Settings app.

Using the Windows Settings app

1. Right-click the Start menu button and select Settings.
2. Go to Accessibility > Keyboard.
3. Turn on the Sticky Keys toggle option.
4. You can now close the Settings app.

Enable Sticky Keys in Windows 11 using Control Panel

1. Right-click the Start menu button and select Run.
2. Enter the following command: control. It launches the classic Control Panel, which is still present in Windows 11.
3. Open the Ease of Access section.
4. Click Ease of Access center.
5. Scroll down and click the Make the keyboard easier to use link.
6. Turn on (check) the Turn on sticky keys option.
7. Press OK to save the changes.

That is it.

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