README.md

Windows Keyboard Management

This PowerShell module allows the physical keyboard to be remapped. Works on Windows only.

Inspired by randyrants/sharpkeys and stackexchange.

Example

I use a classic Cherry keyboard. It's nice but there is no multimedia keys (e.g. calculator, mute, etc.). I don't really mind that, but find myself wishing there is a dedicated key for launching PowerShell.

PS C:\> ipmo WindowsKeyboardManagement
PS C:\> Get-WindowsKeyboardMap -Available
# returns a whole lot of keys that can be used...

PS C:\> Set-WindowsKeyboardMap -Online -KeyName 'Scroll Lock' -MapTo 'My Computer'

KeyName     MapTo
-------     -----
Scroll Lock My Computer

PS C:\> Get-WindowsKeyboardMap -Online

KeyName     MapTo
-------     -----
Scroll Lock My Computer

PS C:\> Get-WindowsMediaKey -Online | fl

KeyCode     : 15
Description : Mail

KeyCode     : 16
Description : Media Select

KeyCode      : 17
Description  : App1/Computer

KeyCode     : 18
Description : App2/Calculator

KeyCode     : 7
Description : Home

PS C:\> Set-WindowsMediaKey -Online -KeyCode 17 -ShellExecute 'powershell.exe'
PS C:\> Get-WindowsMediaKey -Online | where { $_.KeyCode -eq 17 } | fl

KeyCode      : 17
Description  : App1/Computer
ShellExecute : powershell.exe

PS C:\> logoff
# Changing media keys is immediate, but keyboard mappings requires you to login again

Now pressing Scroll Lock will immediately launch PowerShell. Yeah!

Installation

You can install right off Powershell Gallery:

PS C:\> Install-Package WindowsKeyboardManagement

To install manually, download the latest release, unzip and copy src/WindowsKeyboardManagement to %USERPROFILE%\Documents\WindowsPowerShell\Modules.