How to set up and use a Windows keyboard on Mac

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You can use almost any keyboard designed for Windows PCs with Mac computers, be it a USB or Bluetooth keyboard. True, the mod keys on Mac and PC keyboards are different. This can lead to erroneous keyboard shortcuts or other unexpected keystrokes when using a PC keyboard with a Mac.

The problem can be easily resolved by reassigning the keys Windows and ALT on the ⌘Cmd and ⌥Option (Alt) on a PC keyboard connected to the Mac. This way, you can use the familiar keyboard shortcuts found on the standard Apple keyboard. For many Mac users who are forced to work with a PC keyboard, this will really make life easier.

♥ ON TOPIC: Is there Ctrl + Alt + Del on Mac (macOS)?

How to use a PC keyboard with remapped Windows and ALT keys with a Mac

The method described below works with all PC keyboards with the standard CTRL / Windows / ALT layout and all versions of macOS.

1. Connect your PC keyboard to Mac via USB or Bluetooth as you usually do;

2. Open the Apple menu and select “System Preferences”;

3. Click on “Keyboard”;

4. Select the tab “Keyboard” and click on the option Modification keys in the lower right corner of the settings panel;

5. On the menu “Select a keyboard” specify the required PC keyboard;

6. Open the key menu ⌥Option (Alt) and choose ⌘Cmd;

7. Open the key menu ⌘Cmd and choose ⌥Option (Alt);

8. Click on OK…

9. When you do all of the above, when connected to a Mac, the WINDOWS key on your PC keyboard will become ⌥Option (Alt), a ALT will become ⌘Cmd…

Note that on some Windows PC keyboards, the CTRL and ALT keys also function differently from the Mac keys. Fortunately, they can be reassigned using the above method.

To check if the keys have been reassigned, try using your familiar keyboard shortcuts. For example, take a screenshot (⌘Cmd + ⇧Shift + 3) or close the window (⌘Cmd + W). Of course, the keys themselves will not go anywhere from the keyboard and will retain their old names, but they will perform the new functions you have specified. Those who are accustomed to “blind typing” should not be confused by this fact.

Below is an example of a PC keyboard. As you can see, the modification keys on it are different from those familiar to Mac users.

And here is the keyboard for Apple computers.

If you compare both shots, it becomes clear why you should remap keys on a PC keyboard if you are using it with a Mac.

The above method is useful for those who have chosen an excellent PC keyboard for their work, but are used to working with a Mac. As mentioned, it is suitable for all keyboards and all macOS.