How to Turn Underline Access Keys on or off in Windows 11

Underline access keys in Windows 11 are keyboard shortcuts that show a small line under specific letters in menus and buttons so you can navigate your screen without a mouse.

You can turn this feature on or off in Windows 11 to keep those underlines visible at all times or hide them until you press the Alt key. Open Settings ⚙️, go to Accessibility, click Keyboard, and toggle the “Underline access keys” switch to change how they appear.

Why do this?

Underline access keys let you navigate menus and programs using only your keyboard without touching your mouse. Turning on this feature helps you see keyboard shortcuts instantly, making it much faster to open menus, select buttons, and move through Windows 11 using just key presses.

What happens when you do this?

Underline access keys make specific letters in menu items and buttons show a small line underneath them across Windows and your apps. Seeing these visible lines tells you exactly which keys to press on your keyboard to open those menus or run commands quickly.

How to Turn on Underlined Access Keys in 🪟 Windows 11

Underline access keys are turned on through the Windows 11 Settings app ⚙️ by going to the accessibility options. You can make keyboard shortcuts visible across your entire system in just a few clicks by finding the keyboard settings menu and switching on the underline option.

1. Open Windows Settings ⚙️: The fastest way is to press two keys together: the Win (the one with the Windows flag) and the R key. This opens a small window. Type ms-settings: and press Enter. This will open the main Settings window. Or, you can click the Start button ⊞ on your taskbar 🖥️ and then click the ‘Settings’ gear icon.
2. Go to Accessibility: When the Settings ⚙️ window opens, look for ‘Accessibility’ in the list on the left side. Click on it. This is where Windows keeps all the options to make your computer easier to use.
3. Find the Keyboard Section: Scroll down in the Accessibility settings. Look for a section called ‘Interaction’. Under this section, you will see an option named ‘Keyboard’. Click on it. This opens settings just for your keyboard.
4. Find the Access Keys Setting: Now, in the Keyboard settings, you will see a list of options. Look for the one that says ‘Underline access keys when they are available’. There might be a switch next to it.
5. Turn the Switch On: Click the switch next to ‘Underline access keys when they are available’. Move it to the ‘On’ position. When it’s on, the switch usually changes color (like blue or green, depending on your Windows theme) and moves to the right.

That is it. You have now turned on this feature. Now, when you press the Win, you should see underlines appear under the letters for menus, buttons, and other things that use access keys.

Reference:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows/make-your-mouse-keyboard-and-other-input-devices-easier-to-use

Summary

Underline access keys give you a faster way to control Windows 11 using your keyboard by showing clear visual lines under menu letters. Turning on this simple accessibility setting helps you spot keyboard shortcuts instantly and move through your apps without needing a mouse.