Use macOS-style shortcuts in Windows / keyboard mappings using a Mac keyboard on Windows
Make Windows PC's shortcut act like macOS (Mac OS X) (using AutoHotkey (ahk) script)
With this AutoHotKey script, you can use most macOS style shortcuts (eg, cmd+c, cmd+v, ...) on Windows with a standard PC keyboard.
There is a new, alternative project that does similar things and more, check it out at https://github.com/stevenilsen123/mac-keyboard-behavior-in-windows
How does it work
Here's some examples of how this script work:
you want to press | what you're actually pressing | AutoHotKey tells Windows |
---|---|---|
cmd + c | alt + c | ctrl + c |
cmd + v | alt + v | ctrl + v |
cmd + r | alt + r | F5 |
cmd + ↑ | alt + ↑ | Home |
cmd + shift + [ | alt + shift + [ | ctrl + shift + Tab |
... | ... | ... |
Note that:
- you shouldn't change the modifier keys mapping with keyboard DIP. This script assumes you (1) use a PC keyboard on Mac and have swapped [cmd] and [option] keys via Mac system preferences (2) you are familiar with mac shortcuts in macs (3) you want to use the PC keyboard and mac-style shortcuts on PC.
- To use
cmd + shift + ↑ / ↓ / ← / →
(select text between cursor and top / bottom / beginning of line / end of line), You should disable theBetween input languages
shotcut fromControl Panel\Clock, Language, and Region\Language\Advanced settings > Change lanugage bar hot keys
due to conflicting. - Some Windows built-in keyboard shortcuts will be overridden. For example:
win + ↑ / ↓ / ← / →
(snap window to side). Changemac.ahk
accordingly if you prefer to keep the default behavior.
To Run Once (until reboot)
- Install https://www.autohotkey.com/
- Copy and save the content of
mac.ahk
in a text file, named asmac.ahk
- Double click on
mac.ahk
file
Auto start after Windows startup
Complete the step of "To Run Once" section first.
Place mac.ahk
file (or make a shortcut) at C:\Users\<USERNAME>\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
@stevenilsen123 That is cool!!!
I rarely use Windows PC now. I would love to try it out next time when I get a chance!