In Windows 11, pressing the Windows Key + P shortcut instantly deploys the “Project” flyout menu from the right side of the screen. This menu allows you to quickly change how your display is routed to external monitors (Duplicate, Extend, or Second Screen Only).
However, if you only use a single monitor on a desktop PC, this menu is completely useless. Furthermore, the shortcut is dangerously close to Windows Key + O (Orientation Lock) and Windows Key + L (Lock Screen). If you accidentally hit Windows Key + P while working, the massive grey sidebar violently interrupts your workflow. If you never connect your computer to an external projector or a secondary monitor, you can completely disable this keyboard shortcut.
How to Disable the Windows Key + P Shortcut
You must use Microsoft’s official PowerToys utility to safely intercept and unbind the shortcut.
- Download and install Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store or GitHub.
- Launch the PowerToys application from your Start menu.
- In the left-hand navigation sidebar, click on Keyboard Manager.
- Ensure the “Enable Keyboard Manager” toggle switch is turned On.
- Click the Remap a shortcut button in the main window.
- A new configuration window will appear. Click the plus (+) icon to create a new rule.
- Under the “Shortcut” column on the left, click the Type button and press Windows Key + P.
- Under the “Mapped To” column on the right, click the drop-down menu and select Disable from the very top of the list.
- Click OK at the top right of the window.
The Windows Key + P shortcut is now completely inert. As long as the PowerToys utility is running in the background, pressing those keys will do absolutely nothing, ensuring the Project sidebar never accidentally interrupts your work again.