In this guide, we detail the three methods to underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys, a built-in Windows accessibility function designed for users with motor impairments or vision issues. When these access keys are turned on, certain letters in the menu are underlined, which means that you can use these letters to activate a specific menu.
For example, simultaneously pressing Alt + F generally opens the File menu, where the letter “F” is underlined to signify this shortcut.
How to turn off underline access key shortcuts
Option 1: Using Windows Settings (Recommended)
This is the simplest way to disable underlined access keys.
- Open Settings by clicking the gear icon in the Start menu or pressing Win + I.
- Navigate to Ease of Access.
- Select Keyboard from the left sidebar, and scroll down until you see On-screen keyboard, access keys and Print screen.
- Look for the option Underline access keys when available and turn the toggle off.
- The changes should apply immediately, but it’s recommended that you restart your computer to ensure that the setting is applied.
Option 2: Using Control Panel (alternative method)
This method is useful if you’re using an older version of Windows 10 or prefer the classic interface.
- Open Control Panel and find Ease of Access.
- Navigate to Ease of Access Center, then click to Make the keyboard easier to use.
- Locate the checkbox labeled Underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys. Uncheck it, then click Apply.
- Click Ok to save your changes.
Option 3: Using Registry Editor (for advanced users)
This method is suitable for experienced IT professionals.
⚠️ Be cautious when editing the Registry—modifying the wrong keys can lead to system instability.
- Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
- Navigate to the following registry path:
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Accessibility\Keyboard Preference
- In this location, you should see a value named On. If it doesn’t exist, you can create it by right-clicking on the right pane, selecting New > String Value, and naming it On.
- To disable the underline feature, double-click the On value and set its data to 0. If you want to re-enable it, revert the data back to 1.
- Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.
Why disable underlined access keys?
While underlined access keys are generally useful, they can feel intrusive for many users. If you typically navigate your computer with a mouse or touchpad, they can become visually distracting. In addition, underlined access keys can actually be detrimental if you have pets that like to jump on your laptop or computer. Your pet may accidentally open a menu and perform actions you did not intend.
Disabling this feature can improve your Windows experience if you prefer more control over your keyboard. It can also lead to a cleaner and more streamlined interface.
Troubleshooting common issues
Searching for “How to use underlined letter shortcuts” rarely reveals any obstacles, as enabling or disabling the feature is pretty straightforward. That said, we’ve listed three of the most common issues and how to troubleshoot them.
Underlines still appear after disabling the setting
If you’ve toggled the option off but still see underlines, you may need to restart your computer. While Windows generally applies changes to underlined letter shortcuts almost immediately, some methods, such as using Registry Editor, require a reboot. In addition, ensure that no third-party accessibility or system management tool is enforcing settings that may override accessibility changes.
Changes revert after a Windows update
On occasion, a Windows update may reset certain settings, especially those related to personalization and accessibility. If you notice the underline access keys after an update, simply repeat the method you used earlier—whether via Settings, Control Panel, or Registry Editor—to restore your preference.
Registry Editor method does not work
If the Registry Editor method does not work, double-check that you’re modifying the correct key and that the value is properly set. We also recommend checking that you’re running Registry Editor as an administrator to ensure that changes are applied and saved. Lastly, among all the methods listed above, Registry Editor requires rebooting your computer after making any changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are access key shortcuts used for in Windows?
Access key shortcuts are functionality for keyboard-centric users, allowing them to navigate through menus or perform actions using the keyboard rather than the mouse. They allow you to access a menu by simply pressing a certain set of keys at the same time.
Does turning off access keys affect keyboard functionality?
Learning how to underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys does not affect keyboard functionality. This means that the keyboard shortcuts themselves remain functional even if the letters are not visibly underlined.
Will disabling underlines improve performance?
There are no measurable performance boosts from disabling underlined access keys. Changing this setting is purely designed to improve user experience.
Can I toggle this setting for specific applications only?
Unfortunately, you cannot. This is a system-wide setting that applies across all applications that support Windows UI standards. Currently, there is no way to enable or disable it per application.
Do underlined access keys appear in all Windows versions?
Yes, however, the exact steps on how to toggle this setting may vary depending on which version you are currently using. The methods described in this guide are specific to Windows 10.
A guide on how to underline keyboard shortcuts and access keys
Underline access key shortcuts are useful for anyone who prefers to use their keyboards over their mouse or touchpad. Even so, they may become intrusive if you have a pet or don’t want a cluttered keyboard. The guide above outlined the methods for turning underlined access keys in Windows 10 on or off and presented how to troubleshoot common issues. This can enhance your Windows experience and is helpful to users who prefer a cleaner interface, those who primarily navigate using a mouse or touchpad, and people who want fewer visual distractions.
