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How to Fix Keyboard Shortcuts for Stream Videos on SharePoint

John Wilson Oct 12, 2026 869 views

Question details

Users are unable to use traditional keyboard shortcuts like the standalone Spacebar or arrow keys to control Microsoft Stream videos embedded on SharePoint.

How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Stream Videos on SharePoint

Product: Microsoft Stream on SharePoint
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Attempting to control video playback, pause, and skipping actions using a computer keyboard.
Observed behavior: The standard keyboard controls have become less accessible because they now require simultaneously holding the Alt or Option key alongside the traditional shortcut key.

Before you start

Verify your system's keyboard layout to ensure your Alt (Windows) or Option (Mac) key is functioning properly before attempting the new shortcut combinations.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Updated Alt/Option Shortcut Combinations

Since the standalone shortcuts have been modified by Microsoft, you must adapt to using the newly designated modifier keys to control video playback.

Microsoft updated the web player controls for Stream on SharePoint to prevent conflicts with standard web browser shortcuts. As a result, direct keys are no longer supported independently.

Play or pause a video

Instead of just pressing the Spacebar, press and hold the 'Alt' key (on Windows) or 'Option' key (on Mac), and then press the 'Spacebar'.

Skip forward or backward

To scrub through the video timeline, hold the 'Alt' or 'Option' key while simultaneously tapping the Left Arrow or Right Arrow keys.

Use the Updated Alt/Option Shortcut Combinations

No Built-in Settings: There is currently no toggle or setting available within the Microsoft Stream or SharePoint interface to revert these controls back to their classic behavior.

Solution 2

Submit Feature Feedback to Microsoft

To advocate for the return of the classic, more accessible keyboard shortcuts, submit your feedback directly to the Microsoft Stream development team.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Microsoft change the keyboard shortcuts for Stream?

Microsoft updated the SharePoint video player to align with broader web accessibility guidelines and prevent overlapping shortcuts. Browser-level shortcuts often conflicted with the standalone Spacebar and arrow keys, prompting the addition of the Alt or Option modifier keys.

Can I revert Stream video shortcuts back to using just the Spacebar?

Currently, Microsoft does not provide an option to customize or revert the video player keyboard shortcuts. The only workaround is to use the Alt/Option modifier or submit a feature request on the Microsoft feedback portal.

Do these new keyboard shortcuts apply to Stream (Classic)?

No, this change primarily affects the modern Microsoft Stream built on SharePoint. Stream (Classic) maintains its older shortcut behaviors, though the classic platform is in the process of being deprecated by Microsoft.

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