How to Add a Menu Key to Your Windows 10 PC Keyboard

Not every keyboard comes with a Menu key these days. Some compact models ditch it completely, leaving you stuck without that right-click shortcut—especially handy when navigating with the keyboard alone. But if you’re using Windows 10, there’s a simple way to bring it back by remapping a key you don’t use.

Here’s how to do it.

What’s the Menu Key?

The Menu key (sometimes called the Application key) opens the context menu—same as right-clicking with your mouse. It usually sits between the right Alt and Ctrl keys. On keyboards without it, you can still access the context menu with Shift + F10, but remapping a key gives you a cleaner, one-tap solution.

Step-by-Step: Add a Menu Key Using PowerToys

Microsoft PowerToys makes remapping keys easy. Here’s how to use it:

1. Install PowerToys

• Go to the official Microsoft PowerToys GitHub page.
• Download and install the latest release.

2. Launch PowerToys

• After installing, open PowerToys from your Start menu or system tray.
• Click on Keyboard Manager in the left sidebar.

3. Remap a Key

• Click Remap a key.
• Click the + (plus) button to add a new key mapping.
• In the left column (the key you want to change), pick a key you rarely use (like Right Ctrl, Right Alt, or even the Caps Lock key).
• In the right column, select Menu (also listed as “App” in PowerToys).
• Click OK, then confirm.

That’s it. Your chosen key now acts as the Menu key.

Recommended Keys to Remap

Here are some common choices for remapping:

• Right Ctrl – If you don’t use it much, this is a solid replacement.
• Caps Lock – Many people remap this for other functions anyway.
• Scroll Lock – Useless for most users. Good candidate.

Just make sure you’re not replacing a key you regularly use.

Need to Undo It?

No problem. Just go back into PowerToys → Keyboard Manager → Remap a key, and delete the remap.

Final Tip

If you ever switch keyboards or want to keep this setup consistent across multiple PCs, PowerToys also supports importing/exporting settings. That way, your custom Menu key can follow you.

Got a favorite key remap or PowerToys trick? Drop it in the comments.

Need help with a different customization? Let me know and I’ll write a guide.