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Microsoft takes three decades to make Sticky Keys less sticky
Microsoft is testing a “don’t ask again” option in the Sticky Keys and Filter Keys prompts, letting users stop repeated pop-ups without navigating through Windows Settings. The change matters because the accessibility features can be useful, but accidental prompts have interrupted users for decades.
The option appears in Experimental Windows Insider Build 26340.9882 and is also rolling out in the Beta channel, with no general release date announced. Sticky Keys can be triggered by pressing Shift five times; holding the right Shift key for eight seconds can prompt Filter Keys. Former Microsoft engineer Charles Opperman said he wrote the dialog in early 1995, and a permanent-dismiss checkbox was considered but not prioritised.
In short
- Windows is testing a permanent dismissal option for Sticky Keys prompts.
- The change also covers Filter Keys pop-ups.
- Microsoft has not announced a general release date.
Explained simply
Sticky Keys and Filter Keys are Windows accessibility features that change how the keyboard responds. Sticky Keys lets people press shortcut keys such as Ctrl and Alt one at a time; Filter Keys can ignore brief or repeated keystrokes.
Windows can show prompts for these features after particular key presses: pressing Shift five times can bring up Sticky Keys, while holding the right Shift key for eight seconds can prompt Filter Keys. These prompts may help someone discover the features, but can also interrupt people who trigger them by accident.
Microsoft engineer Charles Opperman has said he wrote the prompt in 1995, when a permanent way to dismiss it was considered but not prioritised. The new option is being tested in Windows Insider builds, though Microsoft has not announced when it might reach all users.