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// troubleshooting guide · autohotkey

AutoHotkey Hotkeys Not Working on Non-English Keyboard Layouts

Status
Workaround available
platforms:
Windows
updated:
November 15, 2026
reports:
3
Method
how we research
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RUNBOOK · autohotkey/hotkeys-non-english-layout2 FIXES

// quick answer

Letter hotkeys depend on the active layout. Bind by scan code (for example sc010) so the hotkey works on any layout.

Most likely fix: Use scan codes

How to fix it

// try these in order, the most common fix is first

  1. FIX 1Use scan codes

    1. 01Open the script's tray menu > Open > View > Key history
    2. 02Press the key and note its SC value
    3. 03Use `sc010::` style hotkeys
    Did this fix it?

  2. FIX 2Restart under the right layout

    1. 01Switch to the layout you use
    2. 02Reload the script
    Did this fix it?

Symptoms

A hotkey like q:: fires on the English layout but not on another one, or fires on the wrong key.

Why it happens

  • C-01The active layout has no matching letter key
  • C-02Hotkey names map to layout-specific characters
  • C-03Script started under a different layout

// this guide also covers

  • autohotkey hotkey other keyboard layout
  • autohotkey scan code
  • autohotkey russian layout

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