What the Caps Lock key does
Caps Lock makes every letter uppercase until pressed again. It does not affect numbers or symbols, so Shift is still needed for them. Some layouts use it to switch input languages, and many people remap it to Ctrl or Escape.
On a Mac
Same behaviour. In System Settings → Keyboard you can make Caps Lock switch input sources or remap it under Modifier Keys.
On a laptop
Identical. On laptops without an indicator, Windows can show an on-screen notice via Settings → Accessibility.
Shortcuts that use the Caps Lock key
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
| Caps Lock | Toggle uppercase typing |
| Shift+F3 (Word) | Cycle selected text between cases without Caps Lock |
| Caps Lock (remapped) | Often mapped to Ctrl or Escape by programmers |
If the Caps Lock key is missing or not working
If letters come out reversed (capitals without Shift, lowercase with), Caps Lock is on; tap it once. If the light is on but text is lowercase, a stuck Shift or a layout issue is likely. Test the key below.
Test it here: click the tester, press the key, and it should light up green. A red key is stuck; a key that never lights up is dead or intercepted by the system. The full keyboard tester has the press log and more detail.
Click the tester, then press any key. Browser shortcuts are blocked while it has focus.
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- key
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- code
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- keyCode
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none
Max at once: 0 (rollover)
None detected. A key held for more than 2 seconds is flagged.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn Caps Lock off? +
Press the key once. If it seems stuck, press Shift briefly and try again.
Why does Caps Lock not work immediately on a Mac? +
Apple adds a small delay so an accidental brush does not toggle it. Hold it a fraction longer.
Can I disable or remap Caps Lock? +
Yes. On Windows use PowerToys Keyboard Manager; on Mac use System Settings → Keyboard → Modifier Keys.