Can I make Ctrl+Alt NOT act like AltGr on Windows?

AltGr is a key combination used in some keyboard layouts to access additional character sets and symbols. It is a combination of the Alt key and the Control key, and is sometimes referred to as the \Control-Alt\ key. In some cases, it is used to access special characters or symbols that are not available on the standard keyboard.

For many users, the AltGr key combination can be inconvenient or even confusing. It can be difficult to remember which key combinations are necessary to access certain characters or symbols. Additionally, when using a keyboard with an AltGr key combination, it can be difficult or impossible to use certain keyboard shortcuts that involve the Alt key.

Fortunately, it is possible to disable the AltGr key combination in Windows. This can be done by making a few changes to the Windows registry. In order to do this, you will need to have administrator access to the computer.

First, open the Windows registry editor. To do this, open the Start menu and type “regedit”. Once the registry editor is open, navigate to the following location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\Control\\Keyboard Layout

Under this key, you will see a list of values. Look for the one named Scancode Map. This value contains a binary data string. This string defines the mapping between scan codes and virtual keys.

The Scancode Map value needs to be modified to disable the AltGr key combination. To do this, double-click on the value and select the Modify option.

In the Value Data box, enter the following text:

00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 02 00 1D 00 00 00 00 00

Once you have entered the text, click OK and close the registry editor.

Now your computer should no longer recognize the AltGr key combination. This will allow you to use keyboard shortcuts that involve the Alt key without any interference from the AltGr key combination.

It is also worth noting that this change will not affect the use of the Alt key outside of keyboard shortcuts. You will still be able to access special characters or symbols by pressing the Alt key in combination with other keys.

While disabling the AltGr key combination can make it easier to use keyboard shortcuts, it is important to understand the potential risks associated with making changes to the Windows registry. If you make a mistake, it could cause serious problems with your computer. It is therefore important to make sure that you understand what you are doing before making any changes. Additionally, it is always a good idea to back up your system before making any changes to the registry.