Ctrl-Alt-Del on Apple wireless keyboard.

The DEFINITIVE solution!

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control + shift + esc

In most cases, <fn><delete> on a Mac keyboard is the same as <del> on a PC keyboard. If that is true for you, then <ctrl><alt><fn><delete> should give you the desired key combination...

Pressing the keys in the exact order <ctrl> then <alt> then <fn+delete> does not work for me. Pressing it in any order doesn't work either. Or any other combination of keys. So far the only way to log in to windows 7 is by using the virtual keyboard to simulate the ctrl+alt+del key combo.

I'm using a native windows machine (does not have OS X and is not an apple computer). Drivers, such as bootcamp or otherwise, will work once the user is logged in. But once the user logs out or the screensaver login kicks in, the drivers appear to be disabled.

Sorry to say, but I don't think you can do what you want with the wireless keyboard. I run XP and WIN 7 in Parallels on my Mac, and I had to switch back to using Apple's wired keyboard because I was never able to log in using the wireless model.

C:\Windows\System32\taskmgr.exe

Easiest way is to locate task manager (see above location)and create a shortcut on your desktop. Right click and Select Create Shortcut - then drag it to the desktop.

I am happy to get rid of the oversized keyboards sold by PC vendors for a small form factor such as Apple's wireless keyboard.

By the way; if you are using a 64 bit system, then change location from System32 to System64

you are right.. I'm sorry,, thought this was a Control Alt DeL thread.

If you are using a Mac type computer or laptop - the drivers will be install through BootCamp and updated by using Boot Camp in PC mode.

I'm testing the keyboard native on my Toshiba and I see there is a problem after sleep that the laptop does not recognize the keyboard and there is no way to use a password if required. That is a Driver issue and I will try to find the keyboard driver for windows and repost.

Solution - hope it works for you.

It seems the keyboard only remembers one device at a time and that is the very first Paired computer used when you set up your keyboard. If you set up the keyboard with a Mac, iPad, or another PC - then you must first disconnect (UnPair) the keyboard from the first device and then delete the device from the current computer you are using. The keyboard can be used with many devices temporarily (this is your case), it can only be used with one device as a permanently.

Now start over and connect device (Pair) in windows using Custom rather than Express - type in the "key" provided by windows and create a shortcut on your desktop (for later) and that should do it.

I did notice that after restart, windows takes a few moments to switch on Bluetooth before it's ready to allow the keyboard to be used during "Password Login"- tap a key on the keyboard wait about 5 to 10. That's it.

@Zomp:

This solution does not solve the original poster's problem (nor mine). The bluetooth keyboard is paired to only one computer, namely a native windows machine and not a mac running windows with bootcamp. While logged into a windows account, the bluetooth keyboard works wonderfully. It is only when the user is logged out and a login is required that problems occur.

As you stated above, "The keyboard can be used with many devices temporarily (this is your case)." However, this is not our case. Remember what the original poster stated, "I recently moved job and was forced in to a Mac > PC change." We are on native windows computers and are trying to use mac products, such as the wireless bluetooth keyboard.

If you know of a way to keep the apple wireless keyboard windows drivers resident in memory after the user logs out of their account, so that the ctrl+alt+del or fn+ctrl+alt+del works to initiate the login screen, please let us know.

@thejonathontaylor:

Yeah this is a temporary workaround that has been known for a while. Thanks for sharing here for people that don't know already. Without the virtual keyboard, the apple wireless keyboard would be completely useless on the PC.

I am running Lion on Macbook Pro with 22" external screen and wireless keyboard.

Inside I have Virtual Box with Windows XP that I used locally just fine but when I needed to start using it as a part of AD through VPN, couldn't get Ctrl+Alt Del combo for login.

I looked at this thread which gave me ideas so I fiddled around and got it to work with CTRL+OPTION+COMMAND+FN + Delete

It works every time but order is important, press Ctrl+Opt+Command, than FN and hold, than hit Delete.

Sometimes I have to hit Delete twice but it could be my Mac fighting for pointer with Virtual box.

Try this, hopefully it helps, it works for me every time.

rich333333,

Disabling Ctrl+Alt+Del login requirement worked for me. I can still lock my Windows XP work station with Commad+L then am able to log right back in with password without having to press Ctrl+Alt+Del (or any other variation of). Luckily company's group policy allowed for customization and did not need administrative passwords or permissions. Thanks!

I just press the shift and all of the three rightmost buttons plus the delete keyie

Shift - selects alt from the option button == ALT

Fn changes reverse delete to forward delete from the delete key == DELETE

Control gives you control == CTRL

this is also cool in crossover or vmware etc in that command tab swaps mac programs but in the windows window (pardon the pun) the option key acts as alt to switch just the windows apps around

I just ran into the same issue, Dell laptop with Windows 7 + Apple Wireless keyboard = no no (easy) way to login once the computer locks from inactivity.

I found an app called sharpkeys that allowed me to map my F5 key to "Delete". Click the button that writes it to the registry, reboot, and Control + Alt + F5 took me to the passowrd screen.

Hope that helps!

Shortfuserrob, that solution get's me access to the Task Manager when already logged in, but does not work when trying to unlokc the Login window when computer is locked. Disabling the "Require users to press Ctrl+Alt+Delete" option under the advanced settings of the User Accounts has still been the best option for me to this point.

This does not work (Fn+Ctrl+Alt+del)