Sticky Keys is an operating system feature designed to minimize the repeated pressing of keys. People typically trigger this behavior by accident when they quickly press a key many times consecutively. Gamers in particular can frequently get tripped up by Sticky Keys, since they have a habit of rapid-fire button tapping.

Regardless, this Windows 7 feature can be disabled permanently, or turned off by one of two ways:

Method 1: Keyboard Shortcut

Press both SHIFT keys at the same time. This reset everything to normal.

Method 2: Control Panel

  1. Click Start → Control Panel → Ease of Access → Change how your keyboard works.
  2. Locate the “Make it easier to type” heading.
  3. Remove the check mark from the box next to “Turn on Sticky Keys”.
  4. Press the OK button to save your changes.

Screenshot of Make the keyboard easier to use in the Windows 7 Control Panel

If there is no check mark next to this option, Sticky Keys is not on.

Disable Sticky Keys Permanently

If you find the Sticky Keys feature particularly annoying, it can be turned off for good.

  1. Click Start → Control Panel → Ease of Access → Change how your keyboard works.
  2. Click “Set up Sticky Keys” (or press ALT+C).
  3. If there is a check in the box labeled “Turn On Sticky Keys”, un-check it.
  4. Un-check “Turn on Sticky Keys when SHIFT is pressed five times”.
  5. Click the OK button to save your changes.

You have now prevented Sticky Keys from re-activating in the future.