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How to Enable Sticky Keys in Ubuntu Linux

Richard
Written by
Richard
Sep 9, 2022 Updated Sep 15, 2026 2 min read
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Sticky Keys in Ubuntu Linux lets you press keyboard shortcuts one key at a time instead of holding them all down together. This built-in accessibility feature keeps modifier keys like Ctrl, Shift, and Alt active until you press your next key.

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Ubuntu 22.04 LTS and newer versions include this option directly inside the system settings menu. You can turn it on in a few clicks to make typing shortcuts much easier.

⚡ Quick Answer

Open Settings, navigate to Accessibility, then Typing, and toggle Sticky Keys to On. You can also enable it by pressing Shift five times. This feature holds modifier keys for you, simplifying keyboard shortcuts.

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How to turn on or off sticky keys in Ubuntu Linux

To enable sticky keys Ubuntu users can open the Settings app, click on Accessibility, select the Keyboard menu, and turn on the Sticky Keys switch. This lets you press keyboard shortcuts one key at a time instead of holding them down all at once, which is helpful if you find multi-key combinations hard to press together.

Toggling sticky keys with a keyboard shortcut adds extra convenience.

Ubuntu keeps most system configurations in one central place. From system configurations to creating new users and updating, all can be done from the System Settings panel.

Ubuntu Linux activities overview screen
ubuntu linux activities overview

Alternatively, click on the System menu at the top-right corner of the top bar on your desktop.

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On the System menu, select Settings, as highlighted below.

Ubuntu Linux system menu showing settings option
ubuntu linux system menu top bar settings

In the Settings app, click on the Accessibility tile to open the panel.

Ubuntu Linux accessibility settings panel
ubuntu linux accessibility

Under Typing, select Typing Assist (AccessX) to expand the menu.

Enabling sticky keys in Ubuntu Linux settings
ubuntu linux enable sticky keys

On the pop-up window, toggle the Sticky Keys switch to On.

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To disable, toggle the Sticky Keys back to the Off position.

Button to turn on sticky keys in Ubuntu
ubuntu turn on sticky keys button

Toggling the Enable by Keyboard switch also allows turning Sticky Keys on and off from the keyboard.

When selecting this option, pressing Shift five times in a row enables or disables Sticky Keys.

That completes the process, and the Settings app can now be closed.

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Conclusion:

  • Enabling sticky keys in Ubuntu Linux provides accessibility for users who may struggle with pressing multiple keys simultaneously.
  • Following the described steps, users can conveniently toggle sticky keys on or off in the Accessibility settings panel.
  • Enable or disable sticky keys using a keyboard shortcut adds further user convenience.
  • This guide has provided a comprehensive walkthrough for managing sticky keys in Ubuntu Linux, enhancing the overall user experience.
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How do I turn back on Sticky Keys?

Are Sticky Keys always on? No, you need to turn Sticky Keys on. You can enable the Sticky Keys feature by pressing the Shift key five times in quick succession. This will display an on-screen icon to show the feature is enabled.

How to permanently enable Sticky Keys?

Section. And you want to click on keyboard. And then right over here use sticky keys. It says uh press one key at a time for keyboard shortcuts.

What does Ctrl+Alt+T do in Ubuntu?

Opening the Terminal Press Ctrl + Alt + T to open a new Terminal window. This is the single most important shortcut to memorize when working in Ubuntu. You will use it constantly.

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Richard

About the Author

Richard

Tech Writer, IT Professional

Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.

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