How do I change the volume key function?
What is the volume key?
The volume key refers to the dedicated keys on a computer keyboard that are used to control the audio volume output. On most keyboards, these keys have icons representing volume up and volume down. Pressing the volume up key increases the volume, while pressing the volume down key decreases it.
The volume keys are often part of the function keys row at the top of the keyboard. On laptops, they may be integrated with the Fn key, requiring you to hold Fn while pressing the designated volume keys. On some keyboards, the volume keys are standalone and don’t require the Fn modifier.
By default, pressing the volume keys will adjust the system-wide volume for sound playback. This affects volume in music/video players, games, system sounds, and other audio output. The volume keys provide a convenient way to quickly turn the volume up or down without having to go through software menus.
Some keyboards may have additional multimedia keys beyond just volume up and down, such as mute, playback controls, etc. The volume keys specifically refer to those that directly control volume level.
Default volume key behavior
By default on most operating systems, pressing the volume keys adjusts the system volume. This means the volume keys control the master volume that applies to sound from all sources, including system sounds, music, videos, games, and apps.
On Windows PCs, pressing the volume up key increases the main system volume, while pressing volume down decreases it. The volume keys change the Windows master volume control by default rather than controlling volume for a specific app.
Similarly, on Mac computers, the default function of the volume keys is to increase or decrease overall system volume. Pressing the volume up key raises the master output volume, and volume down lowers it.
On Linux, the default volume keys also adjust the master sound volume for the entire system. Volume up increases sound from all sources, while volume down mutes sound.
Smartphones and tablets running Android or iOS also use the volume buttons to control overall system volume by default. Pressing volume up or down changes the ringer and media volumes globally.
So in summary, the expected default behavior of dedicated volume keys across platforms is to adjust master system volume, affecting all sound sources. This applies to Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and most other operating systems.
Why you might want to change the function
There are a few common reasons why you may want to change the default behavior of the volume keys on your device:
- Accidentally hitting the volume keys – The volume keys are usually located in convenient spots on keyboards and devices, but this also makes them prone to accidental presses. Suddenly having the volume blare at full or mute unexpectedly can be jarring.
- Wanting to customize shortcuts – You may want to remap the volume keys to perform different functions like skipping tracks, launching apps, or other shortcuts for efficiency or accessibility.
- Disabling keys in games – Games sometimes read volume key presses unintentionally, so you may want to disable the keys while gaming to avoid disruptions.
- Multimedia/function key confusion – On some laptops, the volume keys double as F11/F12 or other function keys, which can be confusing if you want dedicated multimedia controls.
Changing the default volume key behavior can help avoid accidental presses and create a better experience tailored to your needs.
Disable or mute the volume key
If you want to completely disable the volume up/down functionality of the volume keys, there are a few options depending on your operating system and device:
On Windows 10 and 11, you can disable volume key functionality by going to Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard and unchecking “Use Volume up/down shortcut keys.” This will prevent the OS from responding when you press the volume keys.[1]
On a Samsung Galaxy device, open Settings > Sounds and vibration > Volume and tap the toggle next to “Volume keys control media volume” to disable volume key control. You can also install an app like Button Mapper to fully customize each hardware button.[2]
For other Android devices, apps like Button Remapper or Button Mapper allow you to disable or remap the volume keys. These give you granular control over each button press.
On a Mac, apps like Karabiner Elements can be used to disable or remap volume key functionality at a system level. You can create custom complexes to change the behavior of each key press.
There are also physical solutions like slide switches or keyboard stickers that prevent the keys from being pressed down. But software solutions give more flexibility if you want to preserve some functionality.
Remap the volume key
Remapping the volume key allows you to change the function to something other than controlling volume, like scrolling, taking screenshots, or other actions. Here are some ways to remap the volume key in Windows, Linux, and other operating systems using built-in tools or third-party software:
In Windows 10 and 11, you can use the PowerToys utility developed by Microsoft to remap keyboard keys, including the volume keys. Follow the instructions on the PowerToys site to install Keyboard Manager and create a custom remapping for the volume keys.
On Linux desktops like Ubuntu and Mint, you can use command-line tools like xmodmap and xbindkeys to remap keys. This AskUbuntu guide explains the process for remapping multimedia keys on Ubuntu.
For remapping volume keys in games, apps like Antimicro and JoyToKey allow assigning keyboard keys to controller buttons and other functions. Check their documentation for instructions on setting up volume key remapping.
Third-party tools like SharpKeys and MapKeyboard let you remap keys in Windows registry without installing extra software. However these modify registry directly so should be used with caution.
Overall the easiest way to remap volume keys is using built-in functionalities like PowerToys for Windows and xmodmap for Linux. For advanced remapping needs, third-party tools provide more customization at the risk of bugs or compatibility issues.
Change volume key behavior in games
For games that use the volume key as part of gameplay functions like shooting or jumping, you may want to remap the key to prevent accidentally changing the volume.
Tips for games that use the key for gameplay functions
On Android, you can use apps like Almighty Volume Keys to customize the volume key behavior specifically for gaming apps. This allows you to disable the volume function or map custom actions like shooting/jumping without affecting volume control globally.
For iPhone, jailbreaking opens up similar customization options. A discussion on Reddit covers specific tweaks to change volume key behavior in games.
Without jailbreaking, some games may include customization options to separately map gameplay actions. Check the specific game’s settings to see if volume key remapping is possible natively.
If all else fails, most games allow mapping touch screen buttons for shooting/jumping as an accessibility feature. Though not as convenient as using the hardware keys, on-screen buttons can serve as a workaround.
Customize Multimedia Key Functions
Remapping multimedia keys on a Windows keyboard provides advanced customization options for media controls. Custom programs allow you to reconfigure special keys (like play/pause, next track, volume) and set app-specific key behavior for maximum flexibility. For example, you can set the play/pause key to mute the audio only while playing a certain game.
To access more advanced multimedia key remapping, third party software is needed. Popular options provide an intuitive GUI for remapping any keyboard button, including both single key and shortcut remappings. Customized profiles for different programs can then be created. Make sure to choose reliable software that does not contain adware or malware. After setting up the remappings, remember to save and apply the new multimedia key configurations.
Troubleshooting Issues With Volume Keys Not Working
If your keyboard volume keys have suddenly stopped working in Windows, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to get them functioning again:
- Restart your computer – A simple restart can often resolve intermittent issues like volume keys not responding.
- Check your keyboard settings – Open Settings > Devices > Keyboard and look for options related to multimedia or function keys. Make sure they are enabled.
- Update audio drivers – Outdated audio drivers can cause volume key problems. Open Device Manager, expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section, right click each device and select Update Driver.
- Perform a system restore – If the issues started after a recent Windows update, rolling back to a restore point before the update may help.
- Remap the volume keys – Use a utility like SharpKeys to change the key mapping so different keys control volume up/down.
- Clean the keyboard – Dust, debris or liquid spills inside a keyboard can prevent volume keys from working properly. Use compressed air or isopropyl alcohol to clean between keys.
If the standard troubleshooting does not resolve your volume key issues, there may be a hardware fault with the keyboard, audio card or motherboard drivers. Trying a different keyboard can help diagnose where the exact issue lies.
Accessibility Considerations
The volume keys serve a crucial accessibility function for many users with disabilities. By pressing and holding both volume keys simultaneously, Android devices provide a shortcut to activate accessibility services. Some of the useful services that can be immediately turned on via this shortcut include Talkback screen reading, Switch Access scanning, and various magnification and visual modification functions. For users who rely on these accessibility services throughout their day, having quick access via the volume keys is critically important.
Two primary user groups benefit enormously from the volume key accessibility shortcut. First are users with vision impairments, who might urgently need to turn on a screen reader or vision enhancement tool in certain situations. Having to navigate through menus would be time-consuming and frustrating, so the volume key shortcut enables nearly instant accessibility when needed. Second are users with physical or motor impairments that make interacting with touchscreens difficult. The shortcut removes the fine motor challenge of tapping precise menu targets, allowing fuller device use.
As described in this Google support article, pressing and holding both volume keys brings up an accessibility menu to immediately select from vital tools. And as covered by AbilityNet, the shortcut has been widely embraced by the disability community. When advising on remapping volume keys or changing their function, retaining default accessibility behaviors should remain the utmost priority for these users’ benefit.
Summary and conclusions
The volume key on your keyboard is set to control the system volume by default. However, you may want to change its behavior for various reasons, like preventing accidental volume changes or customizing it for specific programs. This guide covered several methods to change the function of the volume key in Windows 10.
The simplest option is to disable or mute the volume key entirely using keyboard utility software like SharpKeys. This will prevent any volume adjustments when pressing the key. Alternatively, you can remap the volume key to another function like playback controls using the registry editor. For greater customization in games and media programs, explore the multimedia key settings in your application or mouse software.
In summary, the volume key can be customized to suit your needs. The best approach depends on why you want to change it. Disabling the key prevents accidental presses, remapping sets a new universal function, while program-specific settings allow custom behavior in different apps. With the various options covered here, you should be able to modify your volume key to work the way you want.
