PC users can press the Windows 11/0 Menu key on their keyboard to launch the context menu that you’d normally access by right-clicking the mouse. However, some keyboards don’t have a Menu key. In this post, we will show you how to map the Menu Key or, in fact, remap any keyboard shortcut or hotkey on the keyboard in Windows 11/10.
What does it mean to remap a keyboard?
To remap a keyboard means to change the way the keys on the keyboard are associated with letters, numbers, or symbols. This can be done to change the keyboard’s layout to match a different language, improve efficiency, or for any other reason. For example, you could remap the Q and A keys so that they switch places, or you could remap the numbers across the top of the keyboard to function as symbols instead.
How to remap Keyboard Shortcuts or Hotkeys using PowerToys in Windows 11/10
Map Menu Key on keyboard
To map the Menu key to any key on the keyboard, do the following:
- First, you need to download and install the PowerToys utility if you haven’t already.
- After the installation, launch the utility.
- Select Keyboard Manager in the left pane.
- Next, click Remap a key on the right pane.
- In the Remap Keyboard window that appears, click the plus sign (+) under Key heading to add a new key mapping.
If you have a full-size keyboard, the Alt key to the right of the space bar usually works well. It’s in the same general location as the Menu key on other keyboards, and you have another Alt key on the left. You can choose any other key if you want.
- Now, on the left, you have to define the key you’re remapping.
- Click Type Key, and from the drop-down, select Alt (Right).
- In the Mapped To section on the right, click the drop-down menu, and then select Menu.
- Click OK.
PowerToys will probably warn you that the key you’re remapping will be unassigned.
- Click Continue Anyway on the prompt.
Your new Menu key should work immediately. To test it, click anywhere on the desktop, and then press your new Menu key. You should see a small context menu appear.
Depending on the application or feature you use the Menu key for, you’ll notice the options in the menu change.
If at any time you want to discard the mapping, navigate to the Remap Keyboard window in PowerToys and, then click the Trash icon beside the mapping to remove it.
And that’s how to map Menu Key on the keyboard in Windows 11/10 using PowerToys!
TIP: If your Windows version supports this, you can use Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator to create your own keyboard layout. If you are using a Microsoft keyboard, you can use the Mouse and Keyboard Center to customize the layout. There are several other keyboard remapping apps you can search for and download from the Microsoft Store.
Read: How to change Keyboard Layout in Windows.
Similar tools that may help you manage hotkeys:
Mouse Manager | KatMouse | KeyTweak | SharpKeys.
What are the cons of remapping?
One potential disadvantage of remapping a keyboard is that it can take time and effort to get used to the new layout. This can be incredibly challenging if you use the keyboard frequently and are accustomed to the default layout. Additionally, if you share your computer with others, they may not appreciate having the keyboard layout changed without their consent. Therefore, it’s better to remap it so that it’s only available for your user account and not for the other.
Related reads:
- How to use Run and Keyboard Manager in PowerToys
- How to use Awake PowerToys to keep computer awake
- How to Remap and Launch any Program with Scroll Lock key.
