Fixing the Backtick Key Issue With Barrier From Mac Server to Windows 11 Client

If you’re experiencing issues with the backtick key (`) not working when using Barrier to connect a Mac Server to a Windows 11 Client, you’re not alone. This can be a frustrating problem, but fortunately, there is a solution.

Problem Description: When using Barrier, a software KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) switch, to control your Windows 11 Client from a Mac Server, the backtick key (`) might not function as expected. This issue can disrupt your workflow, especially if you rely on this key for tasks like entering command-line commands or writing code.

Solution: Using PowerToys to Remap the Backtick Key

To resolve this issue, you can use PowerToys, a powerful utility for Windows that includes a feature called “Keyboard Manager.” Here’s how to remap the backtick key to make it work correctly:

1. Install PowerToys:

   • If you haven’t already installed PowerToys, you can download it from the official GitHub repository (https://github.com/microsoft/PowerToys/releases) and follow the installation instructions.

2. Open PowerToys Settings:

   • Once PowerToys is installed, open the application.

3. Navigate to Keyboard Manager:

   • In the PowerToys Settings window, find and click on “Keyboard Manager” in the left sidebar.

4. Enable Keyboard Manager:

   • Toggle the switch to enable Keyboard Manager.

5. Remap the Backtick Key:

   • Under the “Key Remapping” section, click on the “Enable” button.
   • Click on the “+ Add a new key remap” button.
   • In the “Physical Key” column, select the key that represents the backtick key on your keyboard (usually the one below the escape key).
   • In the “Mapped To” column, choose the key you want to remap it to. You can select a different key or even another key combination, depending on your preference.
   • Click “OK” to save the remapping.

6. Apply Changes:

   • After setting up the remap, make sure to click the “OK” or “Apply” button in the PowerToys Settings window to save your changes.

7. Test the Key:

   • Test whether the backtick key now functions correctly in your Windows 11 Client while using Barrier to control it from your Mac Server.

With PowerToys and the Keyboard Manager feature, you can easily remap keys and customize your keyboard layout to suit your needs, fixing issues like the backtick key not working as expected in your specific setup.

This solution should resolve the backtick key issue and allow you to use Barrier seamlessly between your Mac Server and Windows 11 Client.