How to launch an application with a keyboard shortcut? [duplicate]

Solution 1:

Not using the windows key, but after looking into this myself (in windows 10) I am using the Caps Lock key as my own shortcut key.

Using AutoHotkey I have reassigned caps lock to mimic a control key, and then control and caps lock to actually use caps lock. This means when I hit capslock on it's own nothing happens. Auto hotkey script:

;capslock = ctrl key, ctrl and capslock = capslock
Capslock::Control
+Capslock::Capslock
return

Now I have an abundance of combinations for shortcuts to use which are not used by other applications. Caps lock and ..... you choose. Unlimited options of what you want this to trigger, either use Auto Hotkey script or like I've done just trigger a .bat file.

Example that I use every morning when at work.

Capslock & A::
    ;open Outlook
    run outlook

    ;log into network locations bat
    run, C:\Users\motmi\Desktop\BATS\network-link.bat,,min

    ;open chrome
    run chrome
return

Solution 2:

Pin your applications to the Windows 10 taskbar, then you can access the first 10 on the left using:

WinKey+1,WinKey+2,WinKey+3...WinKey+0

No third party software or other setup required.

I have a little piece of paper adjusted under my main monitor, so I can see which key is for which application, because the number sits exactly below the icon in the taskbar.

Solution 3:

If you're happy to use a Ctrl Alt keys combination instead of the Windows key, you can easily create shortcuts to any program in the Start menu, without having to install any third party program.

Just navigate to the program shortcut in the Start menu and right-click->Properties. Then click on the text box for Shortcut key. Next, press the keyboard key you want to use for the shortcut. (You can only specify key combinations using the Ctrl Alt combo, e.g. Ctrl Alt C.) Then click OK to save.

To start a program for which you've added a shortcut, hold down both Ctrl and Alt and then press the keyboard key for the character you specified, e.g. Ctrl Alt C.

This is described in the following webpage under 'Method 2.' If you want to create a link to an app instead ('Metro'/'Universal'/'Modern'), then use method 1 from the same page.

http://www.laptopmag.com/articles/create-keyboard-shortcuts-windows-10