Create Custom Hotkeys

We are going to start right off by using a Windows Hotkey to open the versatile Run Box. Use the WinKey + R Hotkey combination. In the Run Box, type Shell:AppsFolder. A window should open listing all the programs installed on your computer. This will include not only your Desktop programs but the new Windows Apps as well.

Right-click on the program you have chosen and in the Context Menu that appears, choose Create shortcut. (You will see a warning that Windows can’t create a shortcut here and asks if you’d like it placed on the Desktop. Yes! That’s what we want to do.)

Find your new shortcut and Right-click it. Choose Properties in the Context Menu. You should now see this:

By typing a single character in the Edit Box labeled Shortcut key, Windows will automatically prepend Ctrl + Alt, but you can change that to anything you like by simply typing the Hotkey combination of your choosing. Experiment with it and you will quickly understand how it works.

When you are satisfied with your choice, click the OK button and you’re done. No sweat!

Note: I get asked all the time what the difference is between the OK button and the Apply button.

• The OK button applies your changes and closes the window
• The Apply button applies your changes, but does not close the window

You can create as many custom Hotkeys as you like. All you have to do is remember not to use the same combinations for different programs.