Using your keyboard one-handed in Windows 7

I want to use my keyboard with one hand.

This section explains how you can change your computer settings to make using the keyboard one-handed easier using 'StickyKeys'.

Computers have a useful feature called ' StickyKeys ' built in which makes the modifier keys 'sticky' (for example ' Ctrl ' , ' Alt ' and ' Shift ' ). In other words it allows you to press one key at a time and tells your computer to respond as if the keys had been pressed simultaneously.

Using your keyboard one-handed in Windows 7

Some commands require a number of keys to be held down at anyone time for example ' Ctrl '+ ' Alt ' + ' Delete ' , ' Sticky Keys ' enables you to select one key at a time.

Ease of Access Center has replaced Accessibility Options in the ' Control Panel '.

Open Ease of Access Center press ' Windows ' logo key + ' U ' or click Start button ' Control Panel ' + ' Ease of Access ' + ' Ease of Access Center '.

' Tab ' to and press ' Enter ' or click to select ' Make the keyboard easier to use ' under Explore all settings.

Select ' Set up sticky keys '.

Press ' Alt ' + ' R ' or click to select ' Turn on Sticky Keys ', see Fig 1.

Fig 1

set up sticky keys

You can select to use the keyboard shortcut to turn Sticky Keys on and off by pressing the Shift Key 5 times. Click to select or press ' Alt ' + ' K ' for this option.

Fig 2

stickykeys shortcuts

Press ' Alt ' + ' M ' or click to select to ' Display a warning message when turning a setting on '.

Press ' Alt ' + ' A ' or click to select to ' Make a sound when turning a setting on or off '.

Under Options, see Fig 3, Lock modifier keys when pressed twice in a rowmeans that if the Ctrl, Alt, Shift or the Windows logo key are pressed twice in a row, the key remains active until you press the same key for a third time. Click to select this option or press ' Alt ' + ' L '.

Fig 3

Options

Turn off Sticky Keys when two keys are pressed at once means that should another user press the Alt, Shift, Ctrl or the Windows logo key plus another key for example Ctrl + S to save, Sticky Keys will be turn off. Click to select or press ' Alt ' + ' O '.

For Notifications see Fig 4, press ' Alt ' + ' Y ' or click ' Play a Sound when keys are pressed '.

To Display the Sticky Keys icon on the task bar click to select or press ' Alt ' + ' I '.

Fig 4

notifications options

Click on ' Save ' or press ' Alt ' + ' S ' to save your options.

Note: If this does not work it could be because your computer settings cannot be changed due to local IT policies - contact your local IT support for further help.