How to Adjust Your Keyboard Repeat Rate

Tap your device to see the settings path.

Windows

In Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard, use the sliders to adjust repeat key speed and delay before repeat starts.

Mac

In System Settings > Keyboard, adjust Key Repeat Rate and Delay Until Repeat separately.

Test after adjusting

Open a text editor and hold down a key to check whether the new repeat speed feels right.

Why adjust it?

Slow it down if the same letter keeps appearing by accident, or speed it up if you want faster repeated input.

Tune your typing environment to your habits

If holding a key too long keeps inserting extra characters you didn't want, lowering the repeat speed gives you more control. If you frequently need rapid repeated input, speeding it up saves time.

Check your cursor settings too

While you are adjusting input feel, cursor size and color settings are worth a look as well. Small changes in a few places add up to a noticeably more comfortable setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this setting apply inside games?

Most games handle key input on their own, so this system-level setting often has no effect while playing.

What is the difference between repeat delay and repeat rate?

Repeat delay is how long you must hold a key before repeating starts; repeat rate is how fast it repeats once it begins.