Keyboard Checker
How to Fix: WASD and Arrow Keys Switched
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How to Fix WASD and Arrow Keys are Switched Here in this article we will give you step-by-step information so that you will be able to solve your keyboard problem easily.

For various reasons, WASD and arrow keys can sometimes be interchanged.

This is a worrying issue as it makes it difficult for people to type.

When playing a game, the W, A, S, and D keyboard keys can be used to perform the same functions as the arrow keys.

Here we have mentioned the keyboard key tester site to check the keys, where you can check the Switchs of your keyboard.

Up arrow is represented by the W key, left arrow A, down arrow S, and right arrow D.

What can you do if the WASD and Arrow keys are switched in your game?

You can try to repair it with the following methods.

5 Methods of Fixing “WASD and Arrow Keys are Switched”

Method 1: Unplugging / Plugging the keyboard

For several customers, the solution was as easy as disconnecting and re-plugging the keyboard.

This has been verified to work with high-end keyboards that use a custom driver rather than a generic one.

We recommend plugging the keyboard into a different USB port to compel your OS to reinstall the driver for that port.

Whether your keyboard was previously connected to a USB 3.0 port, try connecting it to a USB 2.0 port to see if the problem persists.

Method 2: Use Windows Troubleshoot Utility

Windows includes troubleshooters for the hardware and devices on your computer, allowing users to quickly identify and resolve connection issues.

If your keyboard’s WASD and Arrow keys are swapped, you can utilize the keyboard troubleshooter.

Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: To access Settings, press Windows + I.

Step 2: Select Update & Security > Troubleshoot from the drop-down menu.

Step 3: Select Keyboard in the right pane and click the Run & the Troubleshooter button.

Method 3: Update Keyboard Drivers

If your WASD and Arrow keys are swapped, it’s also a good idea to update your keyboard driver.

To finish the procedure, simply follow the steps below.

Step 1: To launch Device Manager, right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.

Step 2: To expand the category, double-click Keyboards.

Step 3: Select Update driver from the context menu of your keyboard driver.

Step 4: To proceed, select the option to search automatically for updated driver software.

If your drive has any available updates, you must follow the onscreen instructions to correctly download and install them.

Method 4: Disabling the Alternate keys Settings

Furthermore, the WASD keys replaced with Arrow keys issue may arise if you accidentally activate the alternate key settings and receive no warning or indication.

This function is built into most medium and high-end keyboards (particularly mechanical keyboards for gamers), such as Cooler Master, RedDragon, and others.

In most circumstances, the Fn + Windows combo keys may be used to toggle between the regular and alternative key settings.

There are also several more regularly used key combinations that may help you get out of the problem, such as Fn + Esc and Fn + Left.

Method 5: Fixing Browser Issue

For certain users, the problem was caused by a specific browser, and for the most part, the problem with browser games was caused by Google’s Chrome browser.

As a result, we’ll troubleshoot the browser misconfiguration in this step.

As a result:

To begin, open a new tab in your browser.

To launch the incognito tab, concurrently press the “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “N” buttons on your computer.

Launch the game with which you were having trouble in the incognito tab.

Check to see whether the problem is still present.

If the problem is resolved in the incognito tab, it is likely that a browser extension is to blame.

As a result, pick “More Tools” from the “Three Dots” in the upper right corner.

The extension management tab will open when you select the “Extensions” option. Select “Extensions” from the More Tools menu.

Disable all extensions in this tab and try playing the game again.

As a result, allow the extensions one at a time, noting which one causes the problem to resurface.

To remedy this problem, you may either disable it permanently or try reinstalling it.

Method 6: Using AutoHotkey to remap the arrow keys

If none of the methods above have allowed you to resolve this particular problem, you have no other choice but to download the AutoHotKey utility and use it to run a script at every system startup.

This might not seem like the most convenient solution, but it’s an effective way of resolving the issue while using minimal system resources.

Here’s a quick guide on installing the Autohotkey utility and creating the script that will remap the arrow keys:

Visit this AutoHotkey and click on Download. Then, click on Download AutoHotkey Installer to start the download.

Open the AutoHotKey installation executable and follow the on-screen prompts to install it on your computer. Click on Express Installation if you want to speed up the process.

Once the installation is complete, click Exit.

Right-click on a free space on your desktop, choose New and then select AutoHotkey Script from the list.

Name the newly created script to whatever you want.

Right-click on the newly created script and choose Edit Script.

Save the code in your code editor, then close it.

Double-click on the script that you previously created to run it.

Method 6: Overcoming Design Limitations

For certain keyboard models, the limit set by the manufacturer might actually be causing the issue for you.

If you are facing this particular issue while gaming and pressing multiple keys, your keyboard might be the bottleneck in your case.

Some keyboards are designed with a 3-Key rollover design which means that at a time only 3 keys can be registered, this can come forward as a major issue if you need to be pressing multiple keys at the same time.

Therefore, it is suggested to go for a keyboard that has the N-Key rollover function. This will allow for more versatile keyboard usage.

Also, it might be possible that you are facing this issue in a browser game.

If so, try to play the game in a different browser. And check if the issue is still being triggered.

This can sometimes also be tied back to the browser so it is wise to be rid of that.

Why did the WASD switch places with the arrows?

The keyboard does not have support for USB 3.0.

This problem may occur if you are using an old keyboard that does not work with USB 3.0.

A special option is activated to replace the functions of the keys.

Some keyboard models have an option, activating which the WASD keys and arrows instantly change places.

As a rule, these are mechanical gaming keyboards.

Method #1 Reconnecting the keyboard

For some users, an elementary reconnection of the keyboard was enough.

Is your keyboard connected to USB 3.0?

Try connecting it to a regular USB 2.0 and see if the problem resolves.

We remind you: USB 3.0 is blue, USB 2.0 is black.

Method #2 Disabling the option to change the key functions

You may have mistakenly pressed a special key combination on your keyboard, with which you can change the location of the WASD and arrows.

This option is present on a variety of keyboards from the middle and top segment, especially on mechanical keyboards of brands such as Cooler Master, Ajazz, RedDragon, and Digital Alliance.

In most cases, this option is enabled instantly and without any warnings.

Simply put, you could activate it by playing a video game or typing text, and not even notice it.

Fortunately, on many keyboards, this option is reset by using the FN+W key combination.

If it didn’t work for you, then you can try to perform other tasks:

FN+Win;

hold FN+E for five seconds or more;

FN+ESC;

FN+Left arrow.

We also recommend that you read about the capabilities of your keyboard on the official website of its manufacturer.

Then you will probably understand if it has an option to change WASD with arrows or not.

Conclusion

This page will give you many troubleshooting guides if you’re having problems resolving this issue.

You’ll find a variety of techniques. Each of which has been proven to work by at least one person who has suffered from the same issue.

Keep in mind that not all of the solutions listed below will apply to your situation, so make sure you go through them in sequence and eliminate those that can’t be duplicated on your PC.

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