Sticky Keys is an accessibility feature designed to assist users with motor disabilities by allowing them to press modifier keys (like Ctrl, Alt, and Shift) sequentially instead of simultaneously. While invaluable for some, it can be accidentally activated and disrupt normal keyboard functionality. Here's how to disable it across different systems.
Method 1: Through Settings App
Press Win + I to open Settings
Click Accessibility in the left sidebar
Select Keyboard under the Interaction section
Locate the Sticky Keys toggle and switch it to Off
For advanced settings, click the arrow next to Sticky Keys to disable specific shortcuts
Method 2: Using Keyboard Shortcut
When Sticky Keys is active, press the Shift key five times rapidly to bring up the confirmation dialog, then select "Turn off Sticky Keys" .
Method 3: Via Control Panel
Open Control Panel and navigate to Ease of Access > Ease of Access Center
Click "Make the keyboard easier to use"
Uncheck "Turn on Sticky Keys" and click Apply
Open Settings (Win + I) and select Ease of Access
Choose Keyboard from the left menu
Toggle off "Use Sticky Keys"
Uncheck all related options like "Allow the shortcut key to start Sticky Keys" to prevent accidental activation
Registry Editor Method
Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter
Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Accessibility\StickyKeys
Double-click the Flags value and set it to 506 (disables Sticky Keys and its shortcuts)
Restart your computer for changes to take effect
Group Policy Editor (Pro Editions)
Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, and press Enter
Go to User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Ease of Access > Keyboard
Double-click "Turn off Sticky Keys" and set it to Enabled
Method 1: Using Keyboard Shortcut
Press the Shift key five times to open the Sticky Keys dialog, then uncheck "Enable Sticky Keys" .
Method 2: Through System Preferences
Click the Apple menu > System Preferences
Select Accessibility > Keyboard
Uncheck "Enable Sticky Keys"
For shortcut management, click Options and disable "Press Shift key five times to turn Sticky Keys on or off"
Method 3: Accessibility Shortcut
Press Option + Command + F5 to open Accessibility Options, then toggle off Sticky Keys . For Macs with Touch ID, press Touch ID three times instead.
To stop Sticky Keys from activating unexpectedly:
On Windows, uncheck "Allow the shortcut key to start Sticky Keys" in its settings
On macOS, disable the Shift key shortcut in Accessibility preferences
For permanent disablement on Windows, use the registry method with Flags=506
Remember that Sticky Keys remains an important accessibility tool for many users. Only disable it if you're certain you won't need its functionality.
