How to Fix Caps Lock Reversed in Windows

Windows users can quickly switch between typing in lowercase and uppercase by using the toggle key known as Caps Lock. However, this key is prone to malfunction like anything else on your PC. On some Windows computers, users have observed that the Caps Lock key functions in a reverse way. When the Caps Lock key is on, their keyboard types small letters; when the Caps Lock key is off, their keyboard types capital letters. So, in this article, you will find several methods to fix the Caps Lock key reversed on your Windows PC.

How to Fix Caps Lock Reversed in Windows

Here are four steps that will quickly fix the issue of reversed Caps Lock on your Windows PC:

Check Whether the Caps Lock is Stuck
Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter
Disable Filter Keys via Windows Settings
Turn off Caps Lock in Word or a Particular Application

These methods will work for every user, i.e., an administrator account is unnecessary.

1] Check Whether the Caps Lock is Stuck

You can usually tell when a key on your keyboard gets stuck, although it is not always that clear. Suppose you are skeptical about it. Follow the instructions below to determine whether the Caps Lock key is stuck.

On your Windows search bar, type on-screen keyboard and click on the result to open the virtual keyboard.
On the On-screen Keyboard, locate the Caps key and click on it to activate it. Next, click on the Caps key again to deactivate it.
If the Caps key remains blue, it means the Caps Lock key of your device is stuck.

Return to your physical keyboard and attempt to clean the key’s surrounding region. You can try slipping a thin object under it and gently pushing it up using a cotton swab or needle.

Alternatively, you might try removing the key, cleaning it, and reinserting it (not advised for laptop users). Give your keyboard a thorough shake while holding it upside down, and then test the Caps Lock key several times to see if it functions.

2] Run the Keyboard Troubleshooter

You might be able to fix the reversed Caps Lock issue with the help of the built-in Keyboard Troubleshooter. To test it, follow the steps given below:

Open Windows Settings and click on the System option on the left pane. Click on Troubleshoot and choose the Other troubleshooters option from the left pane.
On the next page, locate the Keyboard troubleshooter and click the Run button next to it.
The troubleshooter will do a scan to check for problems. If any are discovered, they will be fixed.
Restart your computer to save the modifications during troubleshooting.

3] Disable Filter Keys via Windows Settings

An accessibility feature called Filter keys directs the keyboard to avoid repeated keystrokes. If you accidentally turn on the Filter keys, your Caps Lock may work incorrectly. To disable the option, perform the following steps:

Open Settings, click on the Accessibility option from the left pane, and click on the Keyboard option on the right.
Locate the Filter keys option on the next page and ensure it is toggled off.
Check if the Cap Lock key works.

4] Turn off Caps Lock in Word or a Particular Application

If Caps Lock works everywhere except for any particular editor, you might have accidentally activated Caps Lock when using Microsoft Word. Follow the steps given below to deactivate Caps Lock in Microsoft Word.

Note: Here, I have used Word as an example. The steps will be different based on the application.

Open a Microsoft Word document.
Right-click on the status bar at the bottom of the Word document.
Check whether there is a checkmark next to the Caps Lock option. If there is, click the Caps Lock option to remove the check mark.

You can also be typed in uppercase while having the All caps option enabled for a particular paragraph. To reverse this, highlight the text. Right-click on it and choose the Font option from the context menu.
Deselect the All caps option under Effects and press OK. Check whether the reversed Caps Lock issue is fixed.

Conclusion

So, you can try the above methods to resolve the issue of the Caps Lock key reversed on your Windows PC. If none of these methods has worked, you can perform a system restore to set your PC back to how it was when the reversed Caps Lock problems were not an issue. Remember that this technique can only be applied if a restore point has already been established.

What Causes Caps Lock to Reverse When Plugged Out and Then Plugged In?

One possible cause could be a stuck Caps Lock key or a malfunctioning keyboard controller. This can sometimes cause the keyboard to behave erratically, including reversing the Caps Lock key’s function. Another possible cause could be a software setting that has been changed, causing the Caps Lock key to behave differently than it did before.

Why Is My Keyboard Reversed?

The possible reasons for a reversed keyboard, where the keys type different characters than labeled, include language settings, physical keyboard issues, or software glitches. To fix the problem, one can check the language and keyboard settings, clean the keyboard, restart the computer or programs, or try using an external keyboard to diagnose the issue.