Mac equivalents of Windows keys
![Keys Keys](https://cdn4syt-solveyourtech.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/change-mac-command-key-1.jpg)
On a Windows/generic PC keyboard, the Mac modifier keys are as follows; Windows/Start key: Command Key. Shift Key: Shift Key. Ctrl Key: Control Key. Alt Key: Option Key. In some very rare cases, the Command and Option keys may be swapped. If you have a keyboard that you cannot identify all keys on, you should give Keyboard Tester. Pressing the Windows key will perform the same function as Option key whereas pressing the Alt key should perform the same function as pressing Command on a normal Mac keyboard. After this change now Mac Command key on Windows keyboard will be the Windows key where as Mac Option Key on Windows keyboard will be Alt key. The Option key is labelled Alt on a Mac keyboard. And the 'Apple key' is what some of us call the Command or Cmd key on a Mac keyboard. That's essentially what you need to know. If you’re a long-time Mac user transitioning to a Windows keyboard, the Windows key, which is equivalent to the Mac's Command key, may occupy the physical position of the Option key on a Mac keyboard. Likewise, the Windows keyboard's Alt key is where you expect to find the Mac's Command key.
Many of the keys that you'd see on a PC have equivalent keys on an Apple keyboard.
Windows logo: Press Command (⌘).
![Mac keys on pc keyboard Mac keys on pc keyboard](https://cdn.osxdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/pc-keyboard-modifier-keys-610x277.jpg)
Backspace or Delete: Press Delete.
Enter or ⏎: Press Return.
Alt (left): Press Option (⌥).
Alt GR (right): Press Option + Control.
Applications: This key isn't available on Apple keyboards.
Use the On-Screen Keyboard for other functions
If your Apple keyboard doesn't include the following keys, you can recreate them in Windows using the On-Screen Keyboard.
Use the Snipping Tool to print screen
To recreate the Print Screen and Print Active Window function in Windows, use the Snipping Tool.
If your keyboard isn't working as expected in Windows
If your Apple keyboard works as expected in macOS but not in Windows, try these solutions:
- Install the latest Apple software updates for Windows.
- Install the latest Windows support software.
- If you're using Microsoft Windows 10 N, install the latest Media Feature Pack.
Option Key Windows Keyboard Mac Keys
Learn more
Windows Keyboard On Mac Option Key
- Microsoft provides a keyboard mapping article that describes using a Windows keyboard with macOS.
- Use Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator to find key combinations for the unique characters used by the language and region your Apple keyboard is designed to support:
- Download, install, and open the Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator.
- Choose File > Load Existing Keyboard.
- Select the keyboard you want to see.
- Find the country or region name in the keyboard list that's followed by '(Apple)'.
- Follow the instructions provided with the app. You can print images of the keyboard, including what keys look like when holding modifiers like Shift, Option, or Fn.