Are the @ & ” Keys Swapped On Windows 10? – How To Fix It

There is no need to curse

If your @ and ” keys have swapped on Windows 10, you’re probably wondering what has happened and how you can fix it.

It can be a frustrating issue to deal with, especially if it seemingly swaps back and forth between keys randomly. Sometimes it can be confusing to even know how to get your “ and @ keys back to the right key buttons.

Let’s take a look at why this is happening in the first place and then we’ll offer some solutions that should get your keyboard working with the right keys again. In most cases, the solution is straightforward.

Also, check out ourshort YouTube videobelow where we go through everything in the article.

Why Do @ & ” Keys Keep Swapping?

The reason why the @ and ” keys keep swapping is that your keyboard is switching between two different language settings. Usually, the keyboard is swapping between a US keyboard and a UK keyboard. The main difference between these keyboards is that the “ and @ are in opposite positions.

On a UK keyboard, pressingshift +’will give you an @ symbol, and pressingshift+2will give you an apostrophe. On a US keyboard, this is reversed. So even though your physical keys may tell you one thing, the Windows 10 software believes that the keyboard or language setting you are using is for a different language. Thankfully, it can be quite easy to get things switched.

First, you need to figure out if you have a UK or US keyboard. This is easy to do. Look at the first three number keys on your keyboard and refer to the chart above. An @ on the 2 key means it’s US, and an apostrophe means it’s a UK keyboard.

Once you understand which keyboard you have, you can choose the corresponding language setting through the steps listed below.

Change Default Language Settings

The next step is to change your Windows 10 language settings. To do this, press Start and typeLanguage. Then clicklanguage settings.

Next, take a look at the preferred language settings. Click the arrow to make sure that the language you’d like to use is at the top of the list. If you have an @ symbol on your 2 key, United States English should be at the top. If you have an “ symbol on your 2 key, United Kingdom English should be at the top.

Alternatively, you can click the language option you won’t use and clickremove. This should stop your PC from switching between the two language options at any time.

If for any reason you do want to keep multiple languages, you can always switch between them at any time by clicking the language button on the taskbar, to the left of the time.

This is useful for when you’re typing and suddenly the @ and “ keys are swapped as you are typing. It happens because you accidentally pressed theWindows Key + Spacebarat the same time – this will cycle through the languages.

Install Firmware To Stop @ & “ Keys Swapping

Sometimes keyboards have firmware that can mess up with your language settings, which may mean you run into issues even after following the steps above.

To fix this, the first thing you should do is install any supporting software for your keyboard. For example, Razer keyboards useRazer Synapse.

The next step is to ensure your default language on Windows 10 is correct and corresponds with your keyboard. ClickStartand typelanguages. Then clicklanguage settingsagain.

When the language settings page opens, make sure you have the right display language based on your keyboard. Refer to the chart at the beginning again if you’re unsure which to choose.

Next, restart your PC.

Reset Drivers Or Update Drivers To Stop @ & “ Keys Switching

The final troubleshooting option is to reset and reinstall your keyboard drivers. To do this :

Your keyboard will now no longer work but we can fix that quickly.

Use your mouse to click the magnification button in the settings. Your PC will install the drivers for your keyboard again. Next, restart your PC.

Founder of Help Desk Geek and managing editor. He began blogging in 2007 and quit his job in 2010 to blog full-time. He has over 15 years of industry experience in IT and holds several technical certifications.Read Aseem’s Full Bio

Welcome to Help Desk Geek- a blog full of tech tips from trusted tech experts. We have thousands of articles and guides to help you troubleshoot any issue. Our articles have been read over 150 million times since we launched in 2008.

HomeAbout UsEditorial StandardsContact UsTerms of Use

Copyright © 2008-2024 Help Desk Geek.com, LLC All Rights Reserved