Remapping Windows Key To Ctrl On Linux

The Windows (Super) key can be remapped to function as an additional Ctrl key, useful if you work across multiple systems or prefer the extra modifier. The approach varies significantly by display server and desktop environment.

GNOME (Wayland and X11)

GNOME 3.38 and later have built-in remapping through Settings:

Open Settings → Keyboard → Special Character Key Handling
Under “Alt/Win Key Behavior”, select “Ctrl (L)” for the left Super key or “Ctrl (R)” for the right Super key
Changes apply immediately

This is the simplest approach on modern GNOME and works identically on Wayland and X11.

X11 with xmodmap

For X11 environments (KDE, i3, OpenBox, XFCE, or older GNOME), use xmodmap:

First, identify your Super key codes:

xmodmap -pke | grep Super

You’ll likely see output like:

keycode 133 = Super_L ...
keycode 134 = Super_R ...

Create or edit ~/.Xmodmap:

keycode 133 = Control_L
keycode 134 = Control_R

Ensure it loads at startup by adding this to ~/.xinitrc:

if [ -f ~/.Xmodmap ]; then
    xmodmap ~/.Xmodmap
fi

Or if you’re using a display manager (gdm, sddm, lightdm), add it to ~/.xprofile instead. Test the mapping immediately with:

xmodmap ~/.Xmodmap

Wayland with evremap

xmodmap doesn’t work on Wayland. Use evremap, a modern remapper that works across Wayland and X11:

Install on Arch:

sudo pacman -S evremap

On Debian/Ubuntu:

sudo apt install evremap

Create ~/.config/evremap/config.toml:

[[remaps]]
input = "Super_L"
output = "Control_L"

[[remaps]]
input = "Super_R"
output = "Control_R"

Enable and start the systemd service:

systemctl --user enable --now evremap.service

Check status:

systemctl --user status evremap.service

If evremap isn’t in your repos, build from source:

cargo install evremap
sudo setcap cap_sys_admin=ep ~/.cargo/bin/evremap

KDE Plasma

In System Settings → Keyboard → Advanced → Key Bindings, search for “Super” or “Meta” key bindings and modify as needed.

Alternatively, edit ~/.config/kwinrc:

[ModifierOnlyShortcuts]
Meta=

Then restart KDE or the session.

TTY Console (Before X11/Wayland)

To remap at the TTY level, use loadkeys:

echo "keycode 125 = Control" | sudo tee /tmp/winkey.map
sudo loadkeys /tmp/winkey.map

For persistence across reboots, edit your distribution’s keyboard configuration. On Debian/Ubuntu, add the mapping to /etc/console-setup/boottime.kmap.gz:

sudo bash -c 'echo "keycode 125 = Control" >> /etc/console-setup/boottime.kmap'
sudo update-initramfs -u

On Fedora/RHEL, modify /etc/vconsole.conf:

KEYMAP=us
FONT=latarcyrheb-sun16

Then add your custom keymap file and reference it.

Verification

For X11, use xev to see key events:

xev

Press the Win key and verify it reports as Control_L or Control_R. For Wayland, check journalctl:

journalctl --user -u evremap.service -f

Press the Win key and watch the logs confirm the remap.

Caveats

Some applications (browsers, IDEs) may hardcode Super key behavior and ignore remaps
Wayland support through evremap is mature, but some edge cases exist
If using a desktop environment, always prefer Settings over manual config — they survive updates and usually override manual files
Remapping at the TTY level affects all sessions but persists through kernel updates less reliably

Troubleshooting

evremap fails to start on Wayland:
Ensure you have cap_sys_admin capability:

sudo setcap cap_sys_admin=ep $(which evremap)

xmodmap changes don’t persist:
Verify your startup file is being sourced. Check ~/.bashrc vs ~/.bash_profile — graphical sessions use the latter. Alternatively, place a desktop file in ~/.config/autostart/:

[Desktop Entry]
Type=Application
Exec=xmodmap /home/username/.Xmodmap
Hidden=false
Name=xmodmap

Mapping works in one app but not another:
Some applications intercept Super before the window manager sees it. Check the application’s preferences for keybinding configuration or file a bug report.

Remapping Windows Key to Ctrl on Linux