Open System Preferences and select Keyboard. Click the Change Keyboard Type. This will open the keyboard identification window. Follow the on-screen instructions to help macOS recognize your keyboard. Mac Modifier Keys. On a Windows/generic PC keyboard, the Mac modifier keys are as follows; Windows/Start key: Command Key. Shift Key: Shift Key. Ctrl Key: Control Key. Alt Key: Option Key. In some very rare cases, the Command and Option keys may be swapped.
- If you’re a long-time Mac user transitioning to a Windows keyboard, the Windows key, which is equivalent to the Mac's Command key, may occupy the physical position of the Option key on a Mac keyboard. Likewise, the Windows keyboard's Alt key is where you expect to find the Mac's Command key. If you're used to using the modifier keys from your old Mac keyboard, you're likely to run into trouble for a while as you relearn the key locations.
- PrtScr is the key that is used on Windows keyboard to make screenshots - this key however is specific to Windows keyboards and does not exist on Mac keyboards. So if you attach one of those to a PC you will face a problem whenever you want to make screen shots.
- Emoji keyboard: Windows Logo +. Cmd + Ctrl + Space: Emoji keyboard: Windows Logo + + Cmd + Opt + = or – Magnifier / Zoom in or out in Mac: Windows Logo + Spacebar: Cmd + Space + Key configured in preferences: Switch keyboard language input: Windows Logo + A: Custom: Action Center in Windows / Notification Center in Mac: Windows Logo + Alt + D: Custom.
HELP FILE
Keyboard Mapping
Currently the following keys are considered equivalent.
Mac | Windows |
---|---|
Option/Alt | Alt |
Command (Apple) | Windows |
Clear | Num Lock |
Control | Ctrl |
![What Is The Windows Key On Mac What Is The Windows Key On Mac](https://www.maketecheasier.com/assets/uploads/2015/08/optionkeymac-featured-400x172.jpg)
Here is an example of a common keyboard activity:
Desired Operation | Viewer Type (client) | Host Type | Keyboard Combination |
---|---|---|---|
Copy | Mac | Window | Control key + c |
Copy | Windows | Mac | Windows key + c |
Right-Click from a Mac Client
To right-click an item on a host Windows PC from a Mac client, hold <Shift> + <Ctrl> and then click. You can also select the Set Right-click button in the Mac Viewer to set your next mouse click to be a PC right-click.
Lesson 13: Using a Windows Keyboard With a Mac
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Using a Windows keyboard with a Mac
If you want to use a Windows keyboard on your Mac, the good news is it's pretty simple. You can use almost any Windows keyboard as long as it has either a USB or Bluetooth connection.
Why use a Windows keyboard?
Where Is The Option Key On Keyboard
One of the main reasons you might choose to use a Windows keyboard on a Mac is that it's more readily available. In most stores, you'll find that there are more Windows keyboards than there are Mac keyboards. You may also have one lying around the house from an older computer.
Some people simply prefer to use Windows keyboards. Perhaps you recently switched from a Windows computer to a Mac and you prefer the feel of your old keyboard. There's also a variety of custom keyboards available, with most of them made for Windows machines.
What are the main differences?
Although Windows and Mac keyboards feature most of the same keys, there are a few that differ. When using a Windows keyboard on a Mac, the Windows key is used instead of the Command key, and the Alt key is used in place of the Option key. For example, the Undo shortcut would use Windows+Z instead of Command+Z. It's also worth noting that their positions are reversed on the two types of keyboards.
Setting up a Windows keyboard
To use a Windows keyboard, simply connect it to your Mac (if it's a Bluetooth keyboard, your Mac should recognize it when you turn on the keyboard). You should be able to use it as soon as it's connected. You may be greeted with a Keyboard Setup Assistant prompt like the one in the image below. This is just the computer's way of identifying the keyboard; simply follow the onscreen directions. This only takes a minute or two, and then you'll be all set!
What Is The Windows Key On Macbook Air
Remapping the keys
Use Mac Keyboard On Pc
If you've recently switched keyboards, using shortcuts can be frustrating. Open mac usb on windows. Some modifier keys are arranged differently, which can be difficult to get used to. For example, if you're used to pressingCommand+Z, this same typing movement would be Alt+Z on a Windows keyboard.
Luckily, Macs allow you to remap your keys. This means you can change the function of the keys so when you press one key, it's actually performing the action of another. Snapchat for mac online. For example, you can set it so that the Alt key will act like the Command key when pressed. To learn how to remap your keys, read this article from 9to5Mac.
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