Quick Keyboard Disable: Windows Shortcut to Temporarily Turn Off Your Keyboard
Prevent unintentional keystrokes and ensure a cat-free typing zone! Learn how to temporarily disable your keyboard using a simple keyboard shortcut in Windows No more accidental Shakespearean prose or disturbances caused by your furry friend
Key Takeaways
Download and install the "KeyboardLocker" tool, then press Ctrl+Alt+L to lock your keyboard. Type the word "unlock" to unlock your keyboard again.
If you have a pet or a small child, you are aware of the potential disaster that can occur when an unattended keyboard is accessible – or more accurately, it can result in a random string of characters. We offer a convenient solution in the form of a tool that allows you to lock and unlock your keyboard instantly using a keyboard shortcut.
Keyboard Locker is a highly efficient program that consumes minimal system resources. Originally, it was a small AutoHotKey script developed by a forum user named Lexikos. We have enhanced its functionality and created a compiled version, eliminating the need for AutoHotKey installation. However, if you do have AutoHotKey installed, the original script is included in the download, allowing you to customize it according to your preferences.
Download and Run Keyboard Locker
To begin, simply download Keyboard Locker. Unzip the Keyboard Locker folder and choose a suitable location on your hard drive. Then, navigate to the Keyboard Locker folder and access its contents. Inside, you will find several files, including icons and a readme. The crucial files to focus on are "KeyboardLocker.exe" and "KeyboardLocker.ahk."
If you do not have AutoHotKey installed, simply double-click on "KeyboardLocker.exe" to execute it. This file is an AutoHotKey script compiled specifically as a standalone program, thereby eliminating the requirement of having AutoHotKey installed for its usage.
If you are already using AutoHotKey, you have the option to utilize the "KeyboardLocker.ahk" file for directly executing the script. Opting for the script version provides the advantage of allowing you to personally modify the keyboard shortcuts for locking and unlocking, given your familiarity with AutoHotKey.
Upon launching Keyboard Locker, a small keyboard icon will become visible in your notification area, indicating that the tool is prepared for immediate usage.
To lock your keyboard, press Ctrl+Alt+L. The Keyboard Locker icon changes to indicate that the keyboard is locked.
The majority of keyboard input is presently deactivated, encompassing function keys, Caps Lock, Num Lock, and the majority of special keys on media keyboards. However, there exist a few key combinations that will continue to operate, such as Ctrl+Alt+Delete and Win+L. It is highly improbable for these combinations to be accidentally pressed by a paw or tiny hand.
When you want re-enable keyboard input, simply type in the word "unlock." The Keyboard icon changes back to normal again to show that the keyboard is unlocked.
How to Show Balloon Notification Reminders
Keyboard Locker does not show notifications by default when you lock or unlock your keyboard. To enable this feature, simply right-click on the Keyboard Locker icon located in the notification area and select "Show Tray Notifications."
Keyboard Locker will now show notifications when you lock or unlock your keyboard.
You may have to run the program as administrator for this to work.
Hover your mouse over the Keyboard Locker icon to receive a reminder of the shortcuts for locking and unlocking your keyboard, in case you prefer not to see notifications.
When using Windows 10 on certain PCs, we have observed that after you unlock your keyboard while notifications are enabled, there might be a delay of several seconds before the keyboard becomes functional again after typing "unlock". However, it is important to note that the keyboard functionality will eventually be restored.
How to Start Keyboard Locker when Windows Starts
To effortlessly initiate Keyboard Locker whenever required, consider adding it to the Windows startup folder to enable automatic execution during system boot. For detailed instructions on incorporating programs, files, and folders into system startup in Windows, refer to our comprehensive guide.
In short, though, just store your AutoHotKey folder wherever you want. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows+R, type "shell:startup" into the "Open" box, and then click "OK."
Create a shortcut in the Windows startup folder for either the "KeyboardLocker.exe" or "KeyboardLocker.ahk" file, depending on which one you use. To do this, right-click on the file and select "Create shortcut here" to drag it into the startup folder, or right-click anywhere in the startup folder, choose New > Shortcut from the context menu. Once the shortcut is created, Keyboard Locker will automatically run when you start Windows.
It's great to have someone with you while working on your computer, but it can be quite distracting when a child or pet starts messing with the keyboard. Keyboard Locker is an excellent tool for individuals who have curious pets or inquisitive infants.
