How to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 10

Creating Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 10 OS can boost efficiency and productivity in your workflow. Those who use Windows 10 can easily create any custom keyboard shortcut to perform any task including opening any program, accessing any folder and much more using different methods. Follow these guides to create and manage keyboard shortcuts now.

Method 1: Create a Keyboard Shortcut (for Programs)

One of the most common uses for keyboard shortcuts is launching applications. Here’s how to create a shortcut for an application on your desktop:

Step 1: Locate the Application Shortcut

Go to Desktop, make a right-click and Navigate to New > Shortcut. Create a new Shortcut.

Here we have created "Command prompt" as an example:

Step 2: Make a right-click on the Application Shortcut & Set the Shortcut Key

Now, make a right-click on "Shortcut Application", and click on "Shortcut", Navigate to Shortcut key and assign a new Shortcut key and press Apply and OK.

Now, whenever, you press the dedicated custom keyboard shortcut key (for example Ctrl + Alt + C) the cmd application will get open up instantly.

Method 2: Create Keyboard Shortcut (for Files/Folders)

You can also create a custom short key in Windows 10 for any files an folders. Here's how you can make it happen:

Step 1: Create a New Shortcut

Go to File Explorer or Desktop and make a right-click on any Folder. Now, a drop-down will appear, click on "Create Shortcut"

Step 2: Make a right-click on the File or Folder Shortcut & Set the Shortcut Key

Now, make a right-click on the created "Shortcut Folder", and click on "Shortcut", Navigate to Shortcut. Assign a new combination of Shortcut keys and press Apply then OK.

Once you apply the changes, the dedicated custom keyboard shortcut key will be applied instantly. (Here, we have chosen "Screenshot" folder with the combination of Alt + Del + O keyboard shortcut.)

Method 3: Use AutoHotkey to Create Shortcut (for Specific task)

This is an advance method especially for advanced users using Windows AutoHotkey which is a free open source macro-creation and automation software utility. Here's how you can perform this method:

Step 1: Visit the Official Site and Get AutoHotkey

You can open web browser and navigate to the official site of AutoHotkey and download it for your Windows 10 OS.

Step 2: Create a new Script using AutoHotkey

Make a right-click on the desktop and navigate to New > AutoHotkey Script.

Step 3: Enter the Shortcut and Edit the Script before Saving

Make a right-click and select "Edit Script". Now write the desired shortcut code and save the script and make a double-click to activate it:

^!N::Run Notepad

This custom AutoHotkey will open "NotePad" application when you press Ctrl + Alt + N on your Windows 10 system.

Windows Built-in Keyboard Shortcuts

Some of the most common used Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts are mentioned below:

Additional Tips for Custom Shortcuts

1. Avoid Clashes: When choosing a shortcut key combination, make sure it doesn’t conflict with existing Windows shortcuts or application-specific shortcuts.
2. Use Common Combinations: Common combinations like Ctrl + Alt with a letter are simple to keep in mind and frequently unused.
3. Be Consistent: Try to make shortcuts that are logical and reliable over applications to improve memory recall.

Conclusion

Creating keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10 is a straightforward yet effective way to improve your efficiency. Whether you’re launching applications or executing system commands, shortcuts can help you work more effectively. By creating custom keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10, you can streamline daily tasks and boost productivity.