What are Filter Keys and How to Turn Them Off in Windows

Helpful to some, annoying to others

When it comes to accessibility, Microsoft has done a lot of work inhelping people with disabilities.

Filter Keys is one such feature Microsoft has designed to help people with physical issues control the keyboard repeat rate and ignorerepeated keystrokes.

This article explains what Filter Keys are and how you can turn them off.

What Are Filter Keys?

Filter Keys is an accessibility option in Windows 10 designed for people who find it hard to hold down multiple keys at a time. The feature adjusts the keyboard response and ignores repeated keystrokes caused by inaccurate or slow finger movements.

When you hold down a key, the Filter Keys feature can also slow the rate at which the key repeats.

Filter Keys is different from Sticky Keys and Toggle Keys, which are also part of the Windows accessibility options.

Sticky Keys is designed for those who can’t hold two or more keys at a time. For example, if you need to use akeyboard shortcutthat requires a combination of two or more keys, Sticky Keys helps you press a key at a time instead of pressing multiple keys simultaneously.

On the other hand, Toggle Keys is an accessibility feature designed for people with cognitive disabilities or vision impairment. When Toggle Keys is enabled, Windows emits sound cues when you press the NUM, CAPS, and SCROLL lock keys.

You can enable Filter Keys via the Ease of Access Center or Accessibility Options in the Control Panel.

Alternatively, you can open Filter Keys when you press and hold down the Shift key on the right side of your keyboard for eight seconds.

Filter Keys is associated with the following default settings:

How to Turn Off Filter Keys

If you’re experiencing delayed output of your keyboard or your Windows key isn’t working, you can turn off Filter Keys and fix the problem.

The Shift key on your keyboard is used when typing capital letters andalternate upper characters. However, you can also use the right Shift key to enable Filter Keys.

You can also use the Windows Settings app to turn off Filter Keys.

Once you turn off Filter Keys, try typing something in a document and check if the keyboard still lags.

In theWindows Control Panel, you can change settings that control and set up almost everything about how Windows looks and works to your liking.

Turn Off Filter Keys Easily

The Filter Keys feature is helpful, especially for people with hand tremors and other physical issues. However, it’s also one of the annoyances you’ll find when using your computer if it gets turned on by accident.

Thankfully, the steps in this guide can help you turn off Filter Keys and get rid of the annoyance for good.

Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio

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What are Filter Keys and How to Turn Them Off in Windows#

What Are Filter Keys?#

How to Turn Off Filter Keys#

Turn Off Filter Keys Easily#