How To Disable Gaming Mode On a Keyboard?

Gaming mode on a keyboard turns off special keys like the Windows key or Alt+Tab while you're playing games. This way, you don't make mistakes while gaming. But sometimes you do need these keys for work, or something else. Deactivating gaming mode is simple. You can use a dedicated key on your keyboard, a key combination like Fn + F6, or software settings for your keyboard.

What Is Gaming Mode On A Keyboard And How Do I Turn It Off?

Gaming mode is a function you can find on many keyboards that lets you play games without accidentally pressing keys that could disrupt your gameplay. For instance, it can block the Windows key or Alt+Tab shortcuts that could close your game or switch you to another window. This is a suitable mode for serious gaming because it prevents you from accidentally leaving the game.

It's easy to turn gaming mode off as well. A few keyboards have a key labelled 'gaming mode', usually accompanied by a gamepad or joystick icon. A gaming mode can be turned on or off by flipping it. Some other keyboards require a key combination – for example, pressing the Fn key and one of the function keys such as F6, F10, or Windows button. If you use a keyboard with software (like Meetion), you can open it and turn off gaming mode in its settings.

If Gaming Mode does not turn off after the keyboard has been turned off or after you restart your computer, verify that your keyboard software is not enabling it during start-up by checking for a related setting to disable in Windows/Start-up. For wireless keyboards, you also may wish to update the firmware. You can switch the gaming mode off, and all keys, including Windows hotkeys, work!

Does Gaming Mode Disable the Windows Key?

The Windows key is disabled in gaming mode, which is nice because it lets gamers play their games without interruptions. But it is inconvenient for a normal computer user. For instance, if you regularly use Windows + E to launch File Explorer or the Windows + L shortcut to lock your PC, the gaming mode will turn off these shortcuts.

Some keyboards let you control which keys remain active in gaming mode. With the keyboard software, you can keep the Windows key functional while turning off disruptive keys like Alt+Tab. You can also have different profiles for gaming keyboards so that you can switch to a regular typing profile and you're good to go.

You need to get familiar with your specific keyboard. The manual or the manufacturer's website usually contains information about the gaming mode. If your keyboard does not support customization, you can also turn off gaming mode when you are not playing the game. This ensures the Windows key and other essential shortcuts work properly, keeping your flow going. The best of both worlds: safe, uninterrupted gaming and keyboard use when required, all by toggling gaming mode on or off with a few keystrokes.

How Do I Turn Off Gaming Mode on a Laptop Keyboard?

Particular laptops come with pre-installed gaming apps as well. Such apps can control gaming mode and other keyboard features. Launch the app, navigate to your keyboard, and turn off gaming mode there.

If the above key combination or software is not working, check your BIOS settings. You'll have to enter the BIOS to turn gaming mode on or off on some laptops. Reboot the computer, press the BIOS key (usually F2, F10, or Del), then look up keyboard or gaming mode settings.

Keep keyboard drivers updated in all cases. Even if you tried all the methods to turn off the gaming mode, it keeps turning on, which suggests outdated drivers. You can check the keys after disabling gaming mode to make sure everything works. The Windows key, Alt+Tab, and other system keys should work as intended now. If you follow these steps, you can safely turn off gaming mode and use the laptop for work, browsing, or other purposes without any problems.

How To Disable Gaming Mode On A Keyboard Without A Dedicated Button?

Not all keyboards have a dedicated gaming mode switch. You don't have to use a dedicated key for that, though; gaming mode can be turned off/gain serious ground with it. Gaming mode is turned on or off using a key combination on most keyboards. Typically, this is the Fn key plus F6, F8, or F10. You'll have to refer to your keyboard's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact key combination for your model.

However, your keyboard might have software support that lets you turn off gaming mode from the software. Just open the software, press your keyboard, and navigate to the gaming mode setting. Then, toggle it off. For certain keyboards, gaming mode might be turned on once a game begins. In that situation, check the start-up or profile settings in the keyboard software and turn off the auto-gaming mode.

As for wireless keyboards, ensure you update your firmware, as outdated firmware can prevent the gaming mode from toggling off. If none of these work, you can always  unplug and plug your keyboard back in to reset the settings. When gaming mode is off, you can use all keys for work/browsing/gaming.

How To Change Which Keys Are Disabled In Gaming Mode?

Here's how to replace the right keys that don't work in gaming mode.

• Open up your keyboard software.
• Choose your keyboard from the devices.
• Navigate to your settings or profile section to enable gaming mode.
• Find a part that has something like disabled keys while gaming (or some such).
• Press the key you wish to turn on or off.
• You can add or remove keys as many times as you like.
• Use this new one as your keyboard profile.
• Try the keys in a game or app to see if they work as you expect.
• Repeat if you'd like to remap keys for your other profiles or games.

Conclusion

In keyboard gaming mode, players can avoid mistakes by disabling keys like the Windows key or Alt+Tab. But some­times you want all the keys for work or just regular use. Disabling gaming mode is easy. A dedicated button, a keystroke combination, or keyboard software helps.

You can also configure which keys will remain disabled while you're gaming. And because no one wants to look at a keyboard on their desk, when gaming mode is off, all keys work as you would expect, so your investment will not sit idle during your non-gaming hours. Remember to always verify the versions of your software and firmware for the best progress.

FAQ’s

1. Is There A Global Setting To Completely Turn Off Gaming Mode On Keyboards?

Most keyboards don’t have a global setting. And you will need a key, key combo, or keyboard program to turn off the gaming Mode.

2. Why Does Gaming Mode Disable Alt+Tab Or Alt+F4?

Gaming mode turns off the Alt+Tab and Alt+F4 keys when playing games, so you won't accidentally exit a game or close programs while gaming.

3. How Do I Permanently Disable Gaming Mode On My Keyboard?

If you want to disable gaming mode on your keyboard permanently, the same way as above, go to Device Configurations > Customize G-keys F1-F12 and key backlighting > Disable When Gaming Mode is On, and press Save. Use dedicated software with the latest game optimizations.

4. Gaming Mode Stays On After Reboot — How To Turn It Off?

If the gaming mode is ON, open the keyboard software, then check for start-up settings or firmware updates, or turn it off using the key combination after reboot.

5. How Can I Disable Gaming Mode On A Keyboard With Software?