How to tell (immediately) when you’ve hit the CAPS LOCK key!
Stop me if this sounds familiar: You’re typing away in a document or email, and then you suddenly realize you’ve been typing in ALL CAPS FOR THE PAST THREE SENTENCES (and the person you’re writing to will think you’re YELLING AT THEM). Here’s a simple fix for Windows users.
Two and a half years ago, I wrote a blog post here at Sync on how to quickly change uppercase font to lowercase font — instead of retyping it all over again. If this is how you’d like to fix the issue of accidentally hitting the Caps Lock key, read the post here (it is one of my favourite Windows tips).
But there is something else you can do, as well — before you waste time typing in all capital letters. You can tell Windows to let you know when you’ve hit the Caps Lock, Scroll Lock or Num Lock keys. This is done by activating an audible beep.
Here’s how to do it:
In Windows 7, click Start and then in the Control Panel, click Ease of Access Centre. Now select ”Make keyboard easier to use” and tick the little box beside “Turn on toggle keys.” Now you’ll hear a tone when you press Caps Lock, Scroll Lock or Num Lock keys.
In Windows XP or Windows Vista, it’s more or less the same process, but in Control Panel (in “Category” or “Classic” view), click “Accessibility Options.” Now use your mouse to put a tick in the “Use ToggleKeys” checkbox. Click OK to exit the properties window and close the Control Panel.
That’s it!
Synd readers, have any other cool Windows tips, shortcuts or workarounds you’d like to share?
Filed Under: Computers & Software > Email > How-To > PC > Tutorials
Tags: accident, beep, button, caps, help, hit, key, keyboard, lock, num, scroll, stop, tab, tip, toggle, tone, Windows
I think what would be a great idea is for the keyboard manufacturers move the caps lock key. A stupid place for it. It’s something I’ve never had a use for. It could be deleted.
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I seem to remmeber that when you had typed in cap lock by mistake…….you could highlight & press a key but I can’t remmeber what key HA HA thats what happens when you get older
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You can select the text and hit Shift and F3 together – once will change all to lower case, twice will change all to lower case and capitalize the first letter of the sentence.
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Great tip!!! THANKS (that was intentional)
Now is there someway I can do this in Outlook?
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Good tip. But my problem is I turn Caps Lock on purposely for some reason, and then forget to turn it off again! Got any tips for that?
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Where are people looking when they type I wonder…
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@ kennedycurse
They are probably looking at the document that they are copying from. I’m guessing that you are a 2 finger typist. See what happens when they take typing class away?
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@ Nancy
I’m guessing you are a secretary from the 60s. Did I see you on Mad Men?
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I just wanted to thank Marc Saltzman! I read your post about shift + F3 when you originally posted it and I have been using it ever since. I pass it on to anyone I see hunting and pecking at their keyboard and I come off as the hero but you are the hero!! Thanks for the great tips and keep them coming!
Does anyone know if there is a way to make this same type of shortcut happen in an excel document? Just curious…
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