Learn how to make a shortcut on your keyboard that can be used to launch any application on Windows.

Learn how to make a shortcut on your keyboard that can be used to launch any application on Windows.
Using a keyboard shortcut to launch applications can help you complete your everyday duties more quickly and increase the effectiveness of your workflow. Windows simplifies this process, eliminating the need for additional software to be installed. You can easily set it up by following these steps.
To begin, make a shortcut on your desktop for the application.
To get started, you will need to create a shortcut on your desktop for the application that you wish to open using a keyboard shortcut. When you have a blank space on your desktop, right-click on it, hover your mouse over “New,” and then select “Shortcut.” The popup that asks for the location of the object will open with the question. The.exe file of the application can be located by browsing the internet, or the whole file path can be pasted directly. After adding the location, you should click “Next,” then give your shortcut a name, and finally click “Finish.”
Assigning a Keyboard Shortcut is the second step.
After your shortcut has been placed on the desktop, right-click on it and select “Properties” from the menu that displays. Click on the “Shortcut” tab that appears in the window that just opened. Under “Shortcut key,” you will find a field that is labeled. For example, you may press the key combination that you want to utilize, such as Ctrl + Alt + W, after you have clicked inside the field. Immediately after the combination is displayed, click “Apply,” and then click “OK” to validate the modification.
Use the Shortcut as the Third Step
Your application will now start up anytime you press the shortcut that you have customized. It is possible to use this in any location inside Windows, provided that the shortcut file is still present. It is recommended that you either retain the shortcut on the desktop or move it to a place where it will not be erased by accident. If you delete or relocate the shortcut, the keyboard shortcut will eventually stop working.
Using Admin Access to Launch Applications is an Advanced Tip
The use of Task Scheduler is the superior strategy to employ in the event that the application you wish to launch requires administrator capabilities. In order to execute your program with elevated permissions, you will need to open Task Scheduler, create a new task, and configure it. The next step is to create a shortcut to that task and set a keyboard shortcut to it, just as you did in the previous step. Using this strategy guarantees that the application will open correctly even when the system access requirements are increased.
The use of individualized keyboard shortcuts is an excellent method for launching applications, directories, or files that are often utilized. Your digital routine can be simplified with the help of this tip, regardless of whether you are using Windows 10 or Windows 11. The best part is that it does not require any additional software; all it takes is a few minutes and certain tools that are already included in Windows.