How to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows
Learn how to create custom keyboard shortcuts in Windows to launch applications and automate workflows using built-in settings and shortcut properties.
- Locate the application shortcut. Navigate to the desktop or the folder containing the shortcut icon for the application you wish to assign a key combination. If the application is in the Start menu, right-click the app icon, select More, and choose Open file location to find the shortcut file.
- Open the Properties window. Right-click the shortcut icon and select Properties from the context menu. This opens a dedicated window for managing the file's launch behavior.
- Assign a Shortcut key. Click the Shortcut tab at the top of the window. Locate the field labeled Shortcut key, click inside it, and press the key combination you wish to use on your keyboard.
- Apply the changes. Click the Apply button, then click OK to close the Properties window. The shortcut is now active and ready for use.
- Verify the functionality. Press the custom key combination you just created. The associated application should launch immediately. If it does not launch, restart the Windows Explorer process via Task Manager.