📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses how to install and use the Linux-based evtest tool for remapping keyboard keys on Windows, with the original poster seeking a direct solution. While initial responses detail using WSL to run evtest, later contributions recommend native Windows tools like SharpKeys, PowerToys, and AutoHotkey as more straightforward alternatives for key remapping. Overall, the consensus suggests that evtest is not native to Windows, and users should consider Windows-specific solutions for key remapping tasks.
The thread discusses how to install and use the Linux-based evtest tool for remapping keyboard keys on Windows, with the original poster seeking a direct solution. While initial responses detail using WSL to run evtest, later contributions recommend native Windows tools like SharpKeys, PowerToys, and AutoHotkey as more straightforward alternatives for key remapping. Overall, the consensus suggests that evtest is not native to Windows, and users should consider Windows-specific solutions for key remapping tasks.
Solution
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- Mar 14, 2023
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To install and use the
evtest tool on Windows, you'll need to follow these steps: Step 1: Install WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)- To enable a Linux environment on your Windows system, you need to install WSL. This can be done by following the official Microsoft documentation on how to enable WSL: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wsl/install-win10 Step 2: Install a Linux distribution
- Once WSL is installed, you can choose and install a Linux distribution from the Microsoft Store. Popular choices include Ubuntu, Debian, and Kali Linux. Search for the desired distribution in the Microsoft Store, and click on "Get" to install it. Step 3: Launch the Linux distribution
- After installation, you can launch the Linux distribution from the Start menu, or by simply typing the distribution's name in the Windows search bar. Step 4: Update the Linux distribution
- Once the Linux distribution is running, update its package repository by executing the following command in the terminal:
sudo apt updateStep 5: Installevtest - Now that the package repository is up to date, you can install
evtestby executing the following command:sudo apt install evtestStep 6: Runevtest - Connect the keyboard that you want to remap to your Windows system.
- In the Linux terminal, run the
evtestcommand followed by the path to the input device representing your keyboard. You can find the path by executing the following command:ls -l /dev/input/by-path - Look for an entry that corresponds to your keyboard (e.g.,
/dev/input/eventX), and then runevtestwith that path. For example:sudo evtest /dev/input/eventXStep 7: Remap the keyboard keys - The
evtesttool will show you the events generated by each key on your keyboard. Identify the key you want to remap and make a note of its event code. - Create a udev rules file to remap the key. For example, create a file named
99-keyboard-remap.rulesand add the following line (replaceKEY_AandKEY_Bwith the appropriate event codes):Code:evdev:input:bXXXXXXXXX KEY_A=KEY_B - Save the file and copy it into the correct udev rules directory by running:
sudo cp 99-keyboard-remap.rules /etc/udev/rules.d/That's it! The specified key on your keyboard should now be remapped. Disconnect and reconnect the keyboard for the changes to take effect. Remember that this approach requires using WSL and a Linux distribution, but it serves as a workaround for using theevtesttool on Windows.
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- Mar 14, 2023
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"Evtest" is a Linux-based utility typically used to test and debug input devices like keyboards or mice, but sadly, it doesn't run natively on Windows. However, we can explore alternatives and solutions to achieve similar functionality in Windows:
Alternatives to
Running
If you're determined to use precisely
Alternatives to evtest for Windows:
- SharpKeys:
- Purpose: A user-friendly tool to remap keyboard keys on Windows.
- How it Works: Edits the Windows Registry to change how keys behave.
- Download Link: https://github.com/randyrants/sharpkeys
- Steps:
- Install SharpKeys.
- Select the key you want to modify and its new function.
- Save changes and reboot for them to take effect.
- PowerToys:
- Purpose: Provides a Keyboard Manager that allows easy key remapping.
- How it Works: No registry editing; the changes run through the application.
- Download Link: https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/powertoys/
- Steps:
- Install PowerToys.
- Open Keyboard Manager and configure mappings.
- Changes take effect immediately without a reboot.
- AutoHotkey (AHK):
- Purpose: A powerful scripting tool for remapping keys and creating custom shortcuts.
- How it Works: Runs lightweight scripts in the background.
- Download Link: https://www.autohotkey.com/
- Steps:
- Install AutoHotkey.
- Write a script like:
Code:a::b ; This remaps the 'A' key to act as 'B' - Save and run the script.
Running evtest on Windows (Indirect Method):
If you're determined to use precisely evtest, the only workaround is to use the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL):- Install a WSL distribution (e.g., Ubuntu):
- Open PowerShell as Admin.
- Run
wsl --install(automatically installs the latest version of WSL). - Install
evtest: - Launch your WSL distro and install using:
Code:sudo apt update sudo apt install evtest - Unfortunately, using
evtestwill only work with devices recognized within the Linux virtual environment, and remapping keys directly on Windows through this may not always work.
Follow-Up Questions
Since you mentioned "Opera," I assume you're either interested in its browser customization or are contending with a different setup issue. Let me know if there’s something specific there; happy to dig deeper!