We have been asked literally multiple times to explain how to disable a key on the keyboard in the Windows operating system. Why anyone would want to do this is something of a mystery, but for those who want to disable a key on the keyboard in Windows 11, Windows 10, or Windows 7, here is the perfect solution.
There is a provision in Group Policy to turn on or off some popular keys such as the Windows logo key, but other keys on the keyboard can’t be disabled using Group Policy.
While one can manually edit Windows Registry to disable a key, most users prefer to get things done without touching the Registry.
For all those looking for a simple solution to get one or more keys on the keyboard on a PC running Windows 11 or earlier versions, you can use a free tool called Simple Disable Key.
The Simple Disable Key sports an easy-to-understand interface, and disabling a key on your keyboard is extremely easy when using this software.
Disable a key for a specific program
The ability to disable a key for a specific application is one of the key features of this free utility. Additionally, there is even an option to disable a key for a particular period of time.
Although this is the initial release of the program, Simple Disable Key is exceptionally nice and works without any issues. In our test, it recognized all keys of my Lenovo ThinkPad as well as of my Microsoft Wireless 6000 keyboard.
In short, you can use Simple Disable Key to disable all alphabet keys (A to Z), function keys (F1 to F12), Control, Alt, Tab, Esc, Windows logo, Shift, CapsLock, Spacebar, NumLock, Home, Insert, Page Up, Page Down, Delete, End, Print Screen, Scroll Lock, Pause and arrow keys.
Use Simple Disable Key program to disable a key in Windows 11/10/7:
Step 1: Download Simple Disable Key program. Run the setup file and follow on-screen directions to get it installed.
NOTE: Since Simple Disable Key is a new program, Windows SmartScreen might warn you against running this software when you attempt to launch the setup file.
Step 2: Launch Simple Disable Key. Select a language.
Step 3: To disable a key, select the Key field and then press a key on your keyboard that you want to disable and then click Add Key. For instance, if you wish to disable the key “K,” press the “K” key on your keyboard to add the “K” key to the list.
If you want to disable more than one key at a time, please click the Add button again and then repeat more steps again.
Step 4: When you click Add Key button, you will see the following dialog when three options: Program, Always, and Schedule.
Select Always option if you want to turn off the key for always and for all programs.
Choose the Program option from the drop-down box if you want to turn off the selected key for a specific program. Once you select this option, you will see an option to choose the program executable file.
And use the Schedule option to disable the selected key for a specific time interval.
Step 5: Finally, click the OK button to disable the selected key(s).
To enable all disabled keys, click the Tools menu, and then click Enable All Keys option. Simple as that!
Lastly, if you want to permanently disable a key using Simple Disable Key, you need to add the program to the startup folder by clicking the Options menu and then clicking Run on Windows Startup option.
Rogerio says
If youre having this problem, try to download SharpKeys, it can deactivate the key from the registry. And then you can map it to another key that you don’t use like AltGr.
stef says
I’m trying to disble the CAPS LOCK key by sticking one of those GUM toothpick ends that are fuzzy green and pointed down the side of the key and taping it in place. Tired of seeing that what I just typed is yelling and must be redone. Paper has worked but maybe this will be better.
mstemplar says
Maybe Windows got wise to this. Wouldn’t have minded paying for it if it worked, but it didn’t. Shame. My brand new laptop came with an idiotic key that launches Mail and another that launches that Cortana bunt. Now I can’t type for toffee without hitting one or the other. My next step is going to be to try wedging paper or a bit of matchstick under the physical key so that when I hit it by accident it won’t depress. Plan C may well involve a lump hammer and a waste of £600.
Laurie Torcaso says
I want to disable the accent key in U. S standard, so that all the accents come up for the French language in U. S. International keyboard. People says it works, but I can’t disable the accent key. What’s up?
yunsu yumak says
This program doesn’t work. I can’t disable neither specific key nor all keys. Also, it is ridiculous that it is not free.
Jamie says
The reason why I would want to disable a key on my keyboard is because I’m using a horrible Lenovo laptop where there are too many keys squashed in, and I keep pressing the Insert key because it’s close to End, Delete, and Backspace. Whilst the Insert key can be useful, I would be better off without it.
(The page up/down keys are also way too easy to press because they are in with the cursor keys, but I can’t really do without them)
Gabriella McKay says
I only want to disable the sleep button my keyboard, I don’t want a whole lesson in computer science. I’ll have to keep searching.
Ray Wilson says
This utility is no longer free
PowerUser456 says
Most Power Users prefer to edit the registry. Not use some random app developer by Joe Anonymous. Thanks for nothing.
Jessica says
the software doesn’t work at all on an ASUS running Windows 10; there’s a glitch of some kind where random strings of 33333333333s will be inputted without me touching the key, and I’m desperate to disable it. Unfortunately, this program doesn’t work at all. I disabled the key, then opened Word and tapped it — what do you know, a 3 appeared.
Lisa says
Thank you! I bought the Lenovo ideapad 710 a couple weeks ago and the page up key has been driving me crazy. Its exactly where the shift key was on my last laptop so every time I start a sentence or capitalize anything I’m typing on another line. So happy to disable this :)
Definitely something I’m going to pay more attention to the next time I buy a laptop. Poorly designed keyboards are not cool.
Ploni says
How to do it with registry?