If you’re a Mac user, you may have noticed that the Delete button isn’t present on your keyboard. Unlike other keyboards, Apple keyboards don’t include a dedicated Delete button, but instead, use the Backspace key to perform the same function. While this may be confusing for some users, it makes sense when you understand why Apple chose to omit the Delete key.
The main reason why Mac keyboards don’t have a dedicated Delete button is that they are designed to save space. By omitting one of the least-used keys on a keyboard, Apple can make their laptops and computers smaller without sacrificing functionality.
The good news is that even without the dedicated Delete key, Macs still provide an easy way for you to delete text or files. The Backspace key performs the same function as the Delete key would – it deletes text from left to right – so all you need to do is simply press it and then hit Enter or Return when you’re done.
However, if your Backspace key is not working properly on your Mac, then there could be an issue with either your keyboard or your operating system. In this case, it could be helpful to try reinstalling or updating your keyboard driver in order to restore the proper functioning of the Backspace key (or “Delete” key). To do this in Windows 10/8/7, open up Device Manager and look for “Keyboards” under Device Manager > Keyboards > Right-click “Keyboard” > Update Driver Software…
Knowing how to use the Backspace (or “Delete”) key in lieu of a dedicated Delete button can be especially useful if you switch between Macs and PCs frequently – or if you just prefer using a different type of keyboard than what Apple offers. With these tips in mind, hopefully, you won’t have any more trouble using Mac keyboards without a dedicated Delete button!
Troubleshooting a Non-Functioning Delete Button
The delete button not working could be caused by a corrupted or outdated keyboard driver. When the driver is corrupted or outdated, it can disrupt the connection between the keyboard and your operating system, leading to issues with certain keys, such as the delete key. To fix this issue, you can try reinstalling or updating the keyboard driver. To do so, open Device Manager, find your keyboard in the list of devices, right-click on it, and select “Update Driver”. If that doesn’t work, you can also try uninstalling and then reinstalling the driver.
Troubleshooting the Non-Functioning Delete Key on Macs
The Delete key does work on Macs, but it functions differently than on Windows computers. On a Mac, the Delete key is actually mapped to a “forward delete” command, which means that it will delete the character in front of the cursor, rather than behind it as the Backspace key does. This is because Apple believed that users were more likely to need to delete characters ahead of the cursor than behind it. As a result, users who need to use the traditional Windows-style “backward delete,” can use the combination of the Fn + Backspace keys, which also functions as a backward delete.
Using Alternative Keys Instead of Delete
You can use the Backspace key instead of the Delete key to delete text. When using the Backspace key, it will delete any text to the left (backward) of the cursor. This is different from the Delete key which deletes any text to the right of the cursor.
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