How to Turn On or Off Always Underline Access Keys in Windows 11?

Access keys provide an efficient way to navigate through menus and options using keyboard shortcuts. In Windows 11, you have the choice to always underline access keys , making them visible even when you’re not actively using the keyboard. This guide will explain how to enable or disable the Always Underline Access Keys feature, helping users customize their experience for easier keyboard navigation.

What Are Access Keys and Why Underline Them?

Access keys are shortcuts that allow users to quickly navigate through menus and select options with specific key combinations. Underlining access keys makes them visible at all times, ensuring that users can see which keys correspond to each command. This feature is particularly useful for accessibility purposes or for users who rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts.

Why Enable Always Underlined Access Keys?

Always underlining access keys can improve accessibility for users who rely on keyboard navigation. This feature provides a constant visual reference, making it easier to locate and use access keys without needing to guess or remember shortcuts.

Method 1: Using the Settings App

The Settings app is the quickest way to enable or disable always underlined access keys. Here’s how:

• Open Settings by pressing Winkey + I on your keyboard.
• Navigate to Accessibility in the left pane.

Open Accessibility in Windows Settings

• Scroll down and click on Keyboard.

Choosing Keyboard from Accessibility settings option

• In the Keyboard section, find the option Underline access keys when available.

Scroll down and find Underline access keys

• Toggle this option On to enable underlined access keys or Off to disable them.

Turning on the toggle switch

This change will apply immediately, making access keys visible or hidden based on your preference.

Method 2: Using the Control Panel

For users familiar with the Control Panel , this method provides an alternative way to adjust the always underline access keys setting:

• Open Control Panel by typing “Control Panel” in the Windows search bar and selecting it.

Open Control Panel from Start Menu

• Go to Ease of Access.

Opening Ease of Access option

• Click on Ease of Access Center and then select Make the keyboard easier to use.

Open Make the Keyboard Easier to use option

Load GIF here: https://win11verse.com/drive/2024/11/explorer_f8LPuOI5X9.gif

• Find the option labeled Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys.
• Check the box to enable always underlined access keys or uncheck it to disable.

Check in the Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys options

• Click Apply and OK to save your settings.

Note: This setting is also known as “Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys,” which is a legacy term from earlier Windows versions.

Method 3: Using Registry Editor

Important: Editing the Windows registry can be risky if not done correctly. Back up the registry before making changes.

If you prefer a more advanced method, you can adjust the underline access keys setting via the Registry Editor :

• Press Winkey + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

Open Registry Editor

• Navigate to the following path:
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Accessibility\Keyboard Preference

Navigate to the address in registry editor

• Locate the On key. If it doesn’t exist, create a new String Value named On.
• Set the On value to:
  • 1 to enable underlined access keys.
  • 0 to disable them.

Changing the DWORD value to 1

• Restart your computer for changes to take effect.

This method provides deeper control over the settings but should only be used by users familiar with the Windows registry.

Method 4: Using PowerShell Commands

For command-line enthusiasts, PowerShell offers a convenient way to toggle always underlined access keys:

• Open PowerShell as Administrator by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Windows Terminal (Admin).

Opening PowerShell as Admin Mode

• To enable underlined access keys, enter the following command:
  • Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Control Panel\Accessibility\Keyboard Preference" -Name "On" -Value "1"

Enabling PowerShell Command

• To disable underlined access keys, enter:
  • Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\Control Panel\Accessibility\Keyboard Preference" -Name "On" -Value "0"

disabling PowerShell Command

• Restart your computer to apply changes.

This command-line method provides a fast and straightforward way to adjust settings, ideal for users who prefer scripting and automation.

Conclusion

Turning on or off always underline access keys in Windows 11 offers an easy way to customize your navigation experience. The methods above provide flexibility, whether you prefer using the Settings app , Control Panel , Registry Editor , or PowerShell. By enabling this feature, you can enhance accessibility and improve your productivity by having visible access keys at all times.

Frequently asked questions:

Can I customize which access keys are underlined?

No , this setting applies to all access keys, and individual customization is not available.

Why don’t I see access keys underlined when I press Alt?

If the setting is disabled, access keys will only appear when Alt is pressed. Enabling the setting makes them visible at all times.

Is it safe to edit the registry to change this setting?

Yes , it is safe if you follow the instructions carefully. Always back up the registry before making any changes.

Does this setting affect all Windows applications?

Yes , the underline access keys setting applies to most Windows applications with a menu or ribbon interface.

Will underlining access keys slow down my system?

No , enabling or disabling underlined access keys does not impact system performance.