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Configuring a Windows Keyboard for Mac or Vice Versa

Charlotte Bayley
Charlotte Bayley

Updated:

In today's diverse computing environments, it's not uncommon for users to mix and match hardware across different operating systems. Keyboard, as a pnp device, is also an important component of our computer. Different OS got different keyboard, Whether you're a Mac enthusiast working on a Windows PC or a Windows user integrating with a Mac, configuring your keyboard to match your preferred layout can greatly enhance your productivity. This guide will walk you through the steps to use a Mac keyboard on a Windows PC and configure a Windows keyboard to match the Mac's layout.

Use Mac Keyboard On Windows

Part 1: Using a Mac Keyboard on Windows

Step 1 Connect the Mac Keyboard to Your Windows PC

USB Connection: Simply plug your Mac keyboard into an available USB port on your Windows PC.

Bluetooth Connection:

Ensure your Mac keyboard is in pairing mode.

Open Bluetooth settings on your Windows PC.

Pair the keyboard by selecting it from the list of available devices.

Connect Your Mac Keyboard To PC

Step 2 Install Third-Party Software for Key Remapping

To ensure the keys function correctly, you may need to remap them using software like SharpKeys or Microsoft PowerToys.

1. Using SharpKeys:

Download and install SharpKeys.

Open SharpKeys and click "Add".

Open It And Click Add Button

Select the Mac key to be remapped in the "Map this key (from key)" column.

Select the corresponding Windows key in the "To this key (to key)" column.

Mapping The Mac Key And Windows Key

Click "Write to Registry" and restart your computer.

Click Write To Registry

2. Using Microsoft PowerToys:

Download and install Microsoft PowerToys.

Open PowerToys and select "Keyboard Manager".

Click "Remap a key".

Remapping Your Keyboard Via Microsoft PowerToys

Add new key mappings, such as mapping the Command (⌘) to Ctrl, and the Option (⌥) to Alt.

Step 3 Common Key Mappings

You can follow the common remapping the following keys down there :

Command (⌘)Ctrl

Option (⌥)Alt

Control (⌃)Windows

DeleteBackspace

Step 4 Test and Adjust

Test your keyboard to ensure the remapped keys function as expected.

Adjust mappings as needed for your workflow.

Test Your Keyboard

Part 2: Configuring a Windows Keyboard for Mac

Step 1 Connect the Windows Keyboard to Your Mac

USB Connection : Connect the keyboard via a USB port.

Bluetooth Connection :

Ensure the Windows keyboard is in pairing mode.

Open Bluetooth settings on your Mac.

Pair the keyboard by selecting it from the list of available devices.

Plug In Your Windows Keyboard On Mac

Step 2 Modify Keyboard Settings in macOS

Go to "System Preferences" > "Keyboard".

Click on the "Modifier Keys" button.

Remap the keys as needed, for example:

Change theOptiontoCommand.

Change theCommandtoOption.

Modifier Keys In MacOS

Step 3 Use Third-Party Software for Additional Remapping

For more detailed remapping, consider using software like Karabiner-Elements:

Download and install Karabiner-Elements.

Open Karabiner-Elements and go to the "Simple Modifications" tab.

Add new modifications to remap keys to your preference.

Mapping Keys In Karabiner Elements

Step 4 Test and Adjust

Test the keyboard to ensure all keys function as expected.

Adjust any additional settings to optimize your workflow.

Conclusion

Configuring your keyboard to match the layout and functionality you are accustomed to can significantly enhance your computing experience. Whether you are using a Mac keyboard on a Windows PC or configuring a Windows keyboard for a Mac, following these steps will help you achieve a seamless and productive setup. What's more, you can also use a dual system adopted keyboard to slove this problem if you can afford it. That's all. Hope this post can save your day!

Dual System Adopted Keyboard