When it comes to starting applications in Windows 11, relying solely on searching through the Start menu may not be the most efficient method. Thankfully, Microsoft has introduced various methods to simplify this process by utilizing keyboard shortcuts. Let's delve into some easy techniques in Windows 11 for creating keyboard shortcuts that enable swift access to applications.
How to customize keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 to run your programs quickly:
1.By pinning programs to the taskbar
You can open a program by pressing ( Windows key + "App Number") on the keyboard. The taskbar in Windows 11 boasts user-friendly features, including the ability to pin programs for quick access with just one click. Many are familiar with this feature, but few know that after installing the application or program...
Pin programs to the Windows taskbar:
We will shed light on this feature, but first, how can we pin a program to the taskbar?
- When you want to pin a specific application to the Windows taskbar, you can easily do so by opening the Start menu and right-clicking on the application to be pinned, then choosing Pin to Taskbar.
- In addition, you can use the File Explorer file browser tool to do this by entering the program path, right-clicking on the run icon, and choosing "Pin to Taskbar" as well.
Once the application is installed on the taskbar, accessing it becomes a breeze. You can simply click on its icon in the taskbar or utilize the Windows key combined with the corresponding number to swiftly open it. For instance, pressing Windows + 1 launches the first application, while Windows + 2 opens the second, and so forth. It's important to note that you have the flexibility to rearrange the applications by dragging and dropping them.
Nevertheless, this method has its constraints. It only permits the installation of a maximum of ten applications. Moreover, you can access the tenth application by pressing the Windows key along with 0.
2. Customize shortcuts with the PowerToys tool
Microsoft's PowerToys software offers a variety of useful tools to increase productivity and customize the user interface. This program is considered one of the best tools that Microsoft provides to improve the daily Windows experience.
Install and activate PowerToys:
To take advantage of the features of PowerToys, you must install it on your computer. You can do this by downloading it from the Microsoft Store or from the official Microsoft website and installing it manually. After installation, launch the program and select the Keyboard Manager feature from the side menu.
Set up Keyboard Manager:
- In the Keyboard Manager feature, make sure it is enabled by clicking the "Enable Keyboard Manager" button.
- Next, click Remap a shortcut and then add a shortcut remapping.
Customize shortcuts:
- Tap the pen icon next to the shortcut and type the shortcut you want.
- Then choose Run Program from the Activate Action drop-down menu. Select the program you wish to run through the "Select Program".
Before confirming the steps, check the "If running" settings where you can set certain actions when the program is open.
Cancel shortcut:
If you want to cancel the shortcut, follow the same steps and then tap on the trash can icon available on the page.
3.Customize applications shortcuts through the properties window
When you need to quickly open more than 11 apps or if you don't want to rely on the traditional method above, you can customize shortcuts to your apps through the properties window.
- First of all, you have to create a shortcut for each application via the File Explorer file browser by right-clicking on the application file (with the EXE extension) and then choosing Create Shortcut.
- Then, right-click on the shortcut you created and choose "Properties". In the new window, click on the "Shortcut key" shortcut field.
- Then choose the buttons from the keyboard that you want to use to run the shortcut, for example (Ctrl + Alt + A), then click on "OK".
You can also remove or change this shortcut later by following the same steps. Keep in mind that Windows considers the Ctrl + Shift keys to be basic in any shortcut, but if the keyboard has calculator buttons, you can use them to select a number or symbol and quickly launch the shortcut with the push of a button.
4.Set program shortcuts using AutoHotkey
In the world of technology, AutoHotkey brings us another third-party tool that makes it easier for us to assign shortcuts to computer applications quickly and easily.
- First you have to download AutoHotkey via this link and install it, you can use it to set shortcuts to launch applications with a single touch on the keyboard.
- After opening the tool, choose “New script” and give the shortcut a name.
- Then click "Edit" to edit the following required code::
Key1 & Key2::{Run "Application"}
- Using Notepad or any other tool, you'll write the appropriate code, where "Key 1" and "Key 2" specify the keys you want to use, and "Application" determines the path of the application you want to open.
For example, if you want to open Chrome by pressing Ctrl + A, you can replace "Key 1" with "Tab," "Key 2" with "A," and set the Chrome boot path instead of "Application."
Once done, save the file and you will be able to easily open the app using the shortcut you set.
Finally, we've reviewed different ways to open apps on your computer using keyboard shortcuts. Choose the method that suits you and save time opening apps quickly and easily.
