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How to Change Keyboard Shortcuts in Iracing

Quickly learn how to change keyboard shortcuts in iRacing. A calm step‑by‑step guide for iRacing beginners to customize controls and start racing with confidence.

If your keyboard feels like a foreign cockpit, you’re not alone. Many new to iRacing get stuck because the default keys don’t match their habits. This article calmly walks iRacing beginners through how to change keyboard shortcuts in iracing so you can drive more comfortably and learn how iRacing works.

how to change keyboard shortcuts in iracing

Quick answer: Open the iRacing launcher, go to Options → Controls (Keys/Buttons or Key Assignments), select the command you want to change, press the new key, and save. That’s the core flow — the rest is just testing and tidying up your assignments.

Why this matters for beginners

Custom keyboard shortcuts let you focus on racing instead of searching for the mute key or toggling pit limiter mid‑race. For people new to iRacing, a sensible layout reduces mistakes, speeds learning, and makes practicing less frustrating. Understanding this also helps when you add a wheel, pedals, or a button box.

Simple step-by-step guide

Launch iRacing and click Options (usually top-right of the launcher).
Open the Controls tab and find Keys/Buttons or Key Assignments.
Locate the function you want to change (e.g., Pit Limiter, Reverse, Look Left).
Click the current key or “Change” and press the new keyboard key you prefer.
Click Save or Apply, then test the new mapping in a private practice session.

Common mistakes (and how to fix them)

Not saving changes: Always click Save/Apply before exiting Options.
Assigning system keys: Avoid F1–F12 combos that your OS or overlays use (Alt+Tab, F11 etc.).
Duplicate assignments: Don’t give one key two important functions — test to spot conflicts.

Quick pro tips

Start small: remap 2–3 keys you’ll use every session (look, pit limiter, radio).
Use easy-to-reach keys to avoid stretching mid-turn.
Export or screenshot your keymap after you’re happy — it makes recovery simple.
If you plan to add hardware later, leave toggle keys free for physical buttons.
Keep a “race” and “practice” profile if you want different setups.

When to ask for help

If keys don’t register, assignments keep reverting, or your hardware isn’t recognized, it’s time to ask. iRacing forums and iRacing Discord communities are great friendly places to share screenshots and get device-specific advice from other sim racers.

FAQs

Q: Can I reset keyboard shortcuts to default?
A: Yes — in Controls there’s usually a Restore Defaults or Reset button. Save after resetting.

Q: Can one key do multiple functions?
A: You can assign the same key to multiple commands, but it often causes conflicts. Avoid this for critical controls.

Q: Do these changes work mid-session?
A: Some changes require exiting to the launcher or restarting the session to fully apply. Test in a private session.

Q: Where are key settings saved?
A: iRacing stores control profiles in its settings folder and offers export options; keep backups.

Final takeaways

You don’t need to memorize everything — just remap the handful of keys that matter and test in practice. Next step: change your pit limiter and radio keys, save, then run one clean lap to confirm the layout. Small, confident tweaks make iRacing feel easier fast.