There is no dedicated "Command" key on standard Windows keyboards, as this key is specific to Apple Macs. The closest functional equivalent depends on the context:
For OS-level shortcuts: The Windows key (located between the Ctrl and Alt keys) functions like the Mac Command key, used for actions like opening the Start menu, File Explorer, or Settings.
For application shortcuts (Copy, Paste, Save): The Ctrl (Control) key serves as the direct replacement for the Mac Command key, performing common tasks like
Ctrl + Cfor copy orCtrl + Vfor paste.
When using a Mac keyboard on a Windows PC, the Command key physically acts as the Windows key, while the Option key acts as the Alt key. Conversely, if using a Windows keyboard on a Mac, the Windows key functions as the Command key and the Alt key functions as the Option key.
| Mac Key | Windows Keyboard Equivalent (Usage) |
| Command (⌘) | Windows Key (OS shortcuts) or Ctrl (App shortcuts) |
| Option (⌥) | Alt key |
| Control (⌃) | Ctrl key |
| Delete | Backspace |
| Return | Enter |
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I recently got a keyboard with windows keys but when I go to use commands such as copy and paste, the windows key won’t work as the command one. Any help is appreciated!
Remapping a Windows keyboard so that the key positions match a standard Mac keyboard is pretty easy.
Just open Keyboard Preferences, and click the Modifier Keys… button in the Keyboard tab.
This lets you change the behaviour of the keys on each attached keyboard (make sure you select your external one from the top drop-down menu).
To turn the Windows standard Ctrl⊞WinAlt configuration to the Mac standard controloptioncommand ⌘, just change the Option and Command drop downs so they have the opposite entries (i.e. Option performs Command and Command performs Option).
If you want to change the physical keys, most of the premium mechanical keyboards use Cherry switches that have interchangeable key caps. You can get Mac specific modifier key sets from places like DAS Keyboard and WASD Keyboards. If you want to go nuts, you can even get a fully customized key cap set in a style similar to Apple's keyboards, as this guy did (looks pretty nice IMO, but I'm sure it's costly).
Blogger Shawn Blanc wrote an excellent article comparing three popular mechanical keyboards designed for use with Apple computers:
This review has been typed out using three of the most popular mechanical keyboards for Mac. They are:
- Das Keyboard Professional Model S: This is the keyboard that I started with. I pre-ordered one a few months ago for $113, and it arrived about a month ago. The Das Keyboards begin shipping on Friday, April 27 for $133.
- Apple Extended Keyboard II: Bought on eBay, the keyboard itself is circa 1990, uses Alps switches, was not made in Mexico, and cost me $31.45 shipped. I also had to purchase an ADB cable for $8.35 and a Griffn iMate ADB to USB adapter for $25. Total cost: $64.80.
- Matias Tactile Pro 3: A well-known 3rd-party keyboard that bills itself as the modern version of the Apple Extended II. It seemed unfair to write a review of Apple mechanical keyboards and not include the Matias Tactile Pro. These sell for $149, but Matias was kind and generous enough to send me a review unit.
He goes deep on each, describing sound, feel, his typing speed, and compatibility with OS X. The article concludes (emphasis mine):
If you too want to adorn your desk with an ugly keyboard — one with a loud personality and which increases typing productivity — then I recommend the Das Keyboard. I prefer both the tactile feel and the sound of the blue Cherry MX switches, and though I find the Das to be the ugliest of the bunch, a serious typist knows you shouldn’t be looking at your keyboard while you’re typing.
Going further than this - since mechanical keyboards are a bottomless pit of geeky fascination - I've found some other options (though I haven't yet tried any mechanical keyboards myself):
- The PFU Happy Hacking Keyboard has an unusual compact layout but is designed (and printed) for use with PC or Mac.
- WASD Keyboards sells highly-customizable mechanical keyboards that let you totally customize how the keycaps are printed.
- It differs by key/switch type, but many mechanical keyboards seem to have easily-replaceable keycaps, should you buy one printed for Windows and wish to change the appropriate caps to your liking.
The Windows key will operate as the Command key, so cmd-c is win-c.
Further, the Alt key will operate as the Option key.
In macOS the copy command is invoked by the key combo command + C. The Windows key is normally the command key. As your keyboard does not have a command key you can map that key behavior to another key.
To swap the behavior of keys, go to System Preferences --> Keyboard --> Modifier Keys, select the right keyboard and set the desired behavior per key.
An option would be to set your alt \ option key to act like command and have your Caps Lock act like alt \ option.
Alternatively you can use Karabiner-Elements to set more advanced key remaps.