How do I set up Winkeys for the first time?

Download the .dmg, install the app, enable standard function keys in macOS Settings, grant Accessibility when prompted, then press Start. If Start does not work, quit with Cmd+Q, reinstall, and grant Accessibility again. Full screenshots are in the setup guide.

How do I quit the Winkeys app?

Open the app from the macOS menu bar (keyboard icon), then press Cmd + Q. Closing the window alone leaves it running in the background so shortcuts keep working.

Why are Windows shortcuts not working as expected on Mac?

Default preferences may swap keys. For example, with Swap Fn and Control on, Fn + C copies instead of Ctrl + C. Open Preferences and uncheck the swap option if you want physical Ctrl for copy/paste.

Which Windows shortcuts work on Mac with this app?

Common Windows shortcuts work, including Ctrl+C/V/X/Z, Ctrl+A/S/F, Ctrl+T/W, Alt+Tab, Win+E, Win+D, and more across system, browser, editing, and files. Premium adds terminal and editor shortcuts. See the full shortcuts page for every mapping.

Is Winkeys a Karabiner-Elements alternative?

Yes for most Windows switchers. Karabiner is a general remapping toolkit. Winkeys: Windows Shortcuts for Mac ships ready-made Windows→Mac shortcut mappings with a simple UI, so you do not write JSON rules just to get Ctrl+C and Alt+Tab back.

How do I get more help if setup still fails?

Follow the step-by-step setup guide with screenshots, or contact support from the website. A Medium walkthrough is also linked for additional detail.

WinkeysContact Us

Setup GuidePrerequisites → Install → Activate

How do I use Windows
keyboard shortcuts on Mac?

Enable standard function keys, install Winkeys, grant Accessibility, then press Start. After that, Ctrl, Alt, and Win shortcuts work like Windows.

Prerequisites

Why enable standard function keys first?

Do this first in macOS Settings. It lets Fn behave like Ctrl on Windows keyboards, which the app needs for an accurate remap. Skip it and many Ctrl-style shortcuts feel broken.

Open Function Keys in System Settings

Open System Settings, search for “function”, then click Function Keys under Keyboard.

macOS System Settings search showing Function Keys under Keyboard — Search “function” → select Function Keys

Turn on standard F-keys

Enable Use F1, F2, etc. keys as standard function keys, then click Done.

macOS Function Keys setting with standard function keys toggle turned on — Toggle this ON, then press Done

Installation

How do I install and allow Accessibility?

Download the app, open it, then grant Accessibility so shortcuts can be remapped. macOS requires this permission once; without it, remapping cannot run.

Download and open the app

Download the .dmg from the website.
Open the disk image and drag Winkeys into Applications.
Launch Winkeys from Applications.

Download Free

Grant Accessibility permission

In the app, click Request Accessibility Permission. That opens macOS Privacy & Security / Accessibility. Find Winkeys in the list and turn the toggle ON (use + to add the app if it is not listed yet).

•System Settings → Privacy & Security → Accessibility
•Enable Winkeys, then return to the app and press Start

Winkeys app with Request Accessibility Permission button highlighted — Step 1 — Click Request Accessibility Permission in the app

macOS Accessibility settings with Winkeys toggle enabled — Step 2 — In Security / Accessibility settings, turn Winkeys ON

Start shortcuts and enjoy

When the status shows Active, your Windows habits (Ctrl+C, Win+D, Alt+Tab, and more) are ready to use.

Premium

How do I activate the premium code?

After a successful payment, your activation code is emailed to you. Enter it once inside the app to unlock terminal, editor, and other premium shortcuts.

1
Complete payment on the website. Check your inbox for the activation email.
2
Open Winkeys on your Mac.
3
Enter the activation code in the app to unlock premium shortcuts (terminal, Cursor, VS Code, browser power shortcuts, and more).

Tip: check spam/junk if you do not see the email within a few minutes. Still missing it? Contact us.

Recommendation

How do I get an exact Windows-like experience?

For the closest match to a Windows keyboard, keep every recommended option checked in Preferences, then toggle individual shortcuts on or off in the Shortcuts list.

✓
Swap Fn and Control
Use Fn like Windows Ctrl.
✓
Swap Option and Command
Make Alt and Windows-style shortcuts feel familiar.
✓
Don't show icon on menu bar
Optional — keep shortcuts running without a menu bar icon.
✓
Start at login
Run automatically when your Mac restarts.

These match the Preferences panel in the app. Leave them all on if you want muscle memory from Windows to carry over with the least friction.

Turn individual shortcuts on or off

In the app's Shortcuts list, use the checkbox next to any shortcut to enable or disable it. Keep the ones you use, uncheck anything that conflicts with your workflow. Premium shortcuts stay visible but stay locked until you activate.

Winkeys app showing per-shortcut checkboxes in Editor and Terminal sections — Check or uncheck any shortcut to match what you need

View all shortcuts

Setup FAQ