Open Settings → Keyboard/Mouse → Reset and confirm your keys work. If old custom binds return after restarting, check autoexec.cfg, Steam launch options and saved keybind files. Do not start with unbindall—it clears keys instead of restoring the defaults.
What happens when you reset?
The next step depends on what is actually broken.
Start in-game: Keyboard/Mouse → Reset should restore the standard controls for most players.
Try these steps in order
A practical route through the problem. Expand any step only when you want the extra details.
If you have useful buy binds, movement preferences, or a custom layout, save a quick copy or screenshot before resetting.
Open CS2 Settings → Keyboard/Mouse and select its Reset control. Confirm the change.
Check movement, crouch, jump, use, attack, reload, scoreboard, chat and push-to-talk in a practice environment.
Exit normally and reopen. If the defaults remain, you are finished. If the custom binds return, move to the startup-config check.
Inspect your personal autoexec.cfg for bind, alias or exec lines. Also look at Steam Library → CS2 → Properties → General → Launch Options for startup config commands.
Close CS2 and copy Steam\userdata\<account>\730\local\cfg somewhere safe. Advanced users may temporarily move their cs2_user_keys_0_slot0.vcfg from that folder, then reopen the game and inspect the result.
Why old binds keep coming back
Your menu selections can be overwritten by a command file that runs at startup.
Changes the current control assignments.
Custom bind commands can reapply preferences.
May restore a previously saved set of user settings.
Advanced file reset: what you should and should not touch
If the UI reset fails, isolate your own keybind file rather than wiping every CS2 setting.
Keep a copy of 730\local\cfg outside the active folder.
Look for cs2_user_keys_0_slot0.vcfg; move only after verifying the filename.
Keep bundled default key templates and other game content intact.
Important: what not to do
unbindall removes bindings and can leave essential actions unassigned. It does not automatically rebuild your desired layout. Also avoid deleting a whole Steam userdata directory or toggling Steam Cloud at random.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the most common follow-up questions.
Where is Reset to Default in CS2?
Look in Settings → Keyboard/Mouse for the Reset control. UI labels can shift between versions.
Does unbindall restore the default keys?
No. It clears existing bindings. Use the menu Reset control when your goal is factory-style keys.
Why do my old binds return after restarting?
A personal autoexec.cfg, a startup config command, or synced settings may be applying the previous layout.
What key file should advanced users inspect?
CS2 setups commonly store personal binds in cs2_user_keys_0_slot0.vcfg under the account’s 730\local\cfg userdata folder. Check what exists on your system first.
Will resetting keybinds remove my crosshair or sensitivity?
A keyboard reset focuses on assigned controls; a broad config-file cleanup can affect additional preferences. That is why this guide recommends targeted changes and backups.
Sources and verification notes
Guidance is original Walker Bex writing. Sources below support the technical details; community reports are not verified universal fixes.
References checked October 10, 2026
- Steam Cloud — account settings and sync conflictsOfficial Steam guidance
- CS2 community guide — key profile locations and reset UICommunity reference
- Steam Support — backing up custom configuration filesOfficial Steam guidance
Walker Bex is independent of Valve. Menu labels and console access can change with game updates.