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Setting up a Shortcut Key to Launch Apps in Windows
by the Freedom Scientific Training Department, User Education and Outreach Team
What is a Shortcut Key?
A shortcut key, sometimes called a hot key, is a keystroke combination you may use to launch apps on your computer.
Why Might Having a Shortcut Key be Useful?
Having shortcut keys to launch your favorite apps makes life quicker and easier.
Instead of searching the Start menu, or typing a file name and path in the Windows Run dialog box to look for an app, simply press the shortcut key you assign to start apps quickly.
Create a Shortcut Key – Step One
Press WINDOWS Key+D or WINDOWS Key+M to minimize any open applications and put focus on the Windows Desktop
Create a Shortcut Key – Step Two
Move to the desktop icon you want to add a shortcut key combination to.
In this example, I will press the letter J to move to the JAWS icon on my Windows desktop.
Create a Shortcut Key – Step Three
Right click on the desktop icon, and then choose Properties.
Alternatively, press ALT+ENTER.
The Properties multi page dialog box opens with focus on the Shortcut page.
Create a Shortcut Key – Step Four
Left click in the Shortcut Key edit box.
Alternatively, press TAB twice to move to the Shortcut Key edit box.
Create a Shortcut Key – Step Five
Next, just press the letter you want to use. Windows will add the CTRL and ALT keys to the letter automatically to create a three letter keystroke combination.
In this example, I will press the letter J.
Create a Shortcut Key – Step Six
Next, press ENTER, or click the OK button.
The Properties dialog box closes.
Use the Shortcut Key to Launch your App
That's all there is to it!
With the application not running, try pressing the key combination you created to start it.
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