How to Turn On or Off Filter Keys on Windows 11

Do you ever find your keyboard inadvertently creating gibberish text with keystroke combinations? Well, that could be very annoying. There might be a solution to fix this.

You need to check whether the Filter Keys feature has been disabled and enable it to allow only certain keys to be pressed.

Should Filter Keys be on or off?

Filter Keys can be an accessibility feature for those with physical disabilities. However, it might not be convenient to have them enabled at all times on the PC. It’s a great tool for those with difficultypressing multiple keys simultaneously.

However, for power users, it can cause issues. Disabling this feature will be the best option if you are trying to type quickly and accurately. Better yet, lock your keyboard during periods of inactivity to prevent accidental input.

How do I enable Filter Keys on Windows 11?

1. By using the Sign-in screen

1. Turn off your PC and back on or lock it to access the sign-in screen.
2. Click on the Accessibility icon and toggle on the Filter keys option.

2. By using the Windows shortcut keys

1. Press and hold the right Shift key on your keyboard until the Filter Keys dialog box appears.
2. Hit Yes to enable.

3. By using the Settings app

1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.
2. Click on Accessibility, then select Keyboard under Interaction.
3. Toggle on the Filter keys option.

4. By using the Control Panel  

1. Hit the Windows key, type Control Panel in the search box, and click Open.
2. Select Ease of Access>Ease of Access Center.
3. Next, click on Make the keyboard easier to use.
4. Check the Turn on Filter keys option, then hit Apply and OK to save changes.
5. Close the Control Panel window.

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How do I disable Filter Keys on Windows 11?

Simply reverse-engineer the above steps except for the shortcut step. For this one, you’ll have to click on the Disable this keyboard shortcut in Ease of Access keyboard settings option, which will take you to the Control Panel settings, where you can toggle off the feature.

Does Turning On or Off Filter Keys Affect My Computer Performance?

Your computer may take longer to respond to your keyboard commands when Filter Keys are enabled because some keystrokes are held down until they’re recognized.

This can be especially noticeable when playing games or performing other tasks that require quick and precise responses from your computer.

All things considered, it’s great that you can easily change the default settings on Windows to disable or enable this useful feature, especially in situations where your keyboard won’t type double letters.

If you’re still unsatisfied with your settings for making your keyboard easier to use, Microsoft keeps a great section dedicated to providing resources to users with disabilities, such as enabling or disabling the Sticky Keys feature.

Whether you are a power user, disabled, or just using Windows for personal purposes, you can customize your experience to suit what works best for you. Have you tried out the Filter Keys? Do you prefer them on or off? Let us know in the comment section below.