How to Create a Custom Keyboard Shortcut on Windows (Fast Access to Any App)

Tired of clicking through menus or searching for your favorite app each time you need it? Windows lets you create custom keyboard shortcuts so you can launch any application with a simple key combo.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create your own keyboard shortcuts using built-in Windows tools — no third-party software required. By the end, you’ll be able to open your most-used programs with just a few keystrokes.

This method is especially helpful for boosting productivity, streamlining workflows, and cutting down on repetitive tasks.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Find or Create a Shortcut for thre App

Navigate to the app’s location (e.g., in the Start Menu, Program Files, or on the Desktop).
If it doesn’t already have a shortcut, right-click the app > select Show more options > Send to > Desktop (create shortcut).

2. Right-Click the Shortcut

On your Desktop (or wherever the shortcut is), right-click the icon and select Properties.

3. Go to the Shortcut Tab

In the Properties window, make sure you’re on the Shortcut tab. This is where you’ll find the keyboard shortcut settings.

4. Click in the “Shortcut key” Field

Click inside the Shortcut key box. It will say None by default.

5. Press the Key Combination You Want

Press the key combo you want to use (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + N).
Windows automatically adds Ctrl + Alt to your chosen key, so pressing just N results in Ctrl + Alt + N.

6. Click Apply, Then OK

After setting your shortcut, click Apply, then OK to save it.

7. Test Your New Shortcut

Press the key combo you assigned. Your app should launch instantly.

Pro Tips & Workflow Improvements

💡 Use Win + # for Taskbar Shortcuts: Pin apps to your Taskbar, then use Win + 1 through Win + 0 to launch them.
🧠 Name Shortcuts Clearly: If you make many custom shortcuts, name them meaningfully to avoid confusion.
🧰 Use “AutoHotKey” for Advanced Shortcuts: For more complex actions (like typing text or launching multiple apps), AutoHotKey is a free scripting tool worth learning.
🖥️ Combine with Startup Folder: Place your shortcut in the Startup folder to auto-run programs at boot andstill use your hotkey later.
🔁 Use F-keys with Caution: If your keyboard uses Fn keys (F1–F12), ensure they’re not reserved for system functions (like volume or brightness).

Advanced Use Case: Automate with AutoHotKey

Want to create shortcuts that do more than just launch an app? Here’s a simple AutoHotKey script example:

^!n::Run "notepad.exe"

This sets Ctrl + Alt + N to open Notepad.
Save this as a .ahk file and run it using the AutoHotKey tool.
Great for power users who want full control over keybindings.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

❌ Shortcut Not Working?
- Make sure the shortcut is on the Desktop or a location your user account can access.
🛑 Some Combos Are Reserved:
- Windows may block certain combinations (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + Del). Try a different key combo.
🔄 Shortcut Key Gets Reset:
- Windows updates or app reinstalls may reset properties. Reapply your shortcut if needed.
🧱 Shortcuts Only Work on Desktop Shortcuts:
- You can’t set a hotkey for a pinned Start Menu or Taskbar app directly — you need to use a Desktop shortcut.
🧩 App Requires Admin Access?
- Some apps won’t launch unless the shortcut is set to “Run as administrator.” Enable that in the Properties > Compatibility tab.

Conclusion

Creating a custom keyboard shortcut in Windows is a fast, easy way to boost your productivity. With just a few clicks, you can map your favorite apps to instant-launch key combos.

Practice with a few common tools (like Notepad, Calculator, or Chrome), and once you’re comfortable, explore advanced options with AutoHotKey.

Next up, try this: Create a system-wide hotkey to paste text snippets or launch folders using AutoHotKey.