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How to Enable Shortcuts in Windows 10?

Published in Windows Shortcuts 2 mins read

To enable shortcuts (specifically keyboard shortcuts) in Windows 10 for applications, you can modify the application's shortcut properties. Here's how:

  1. Locate the Application's Shortcut: Find the shortcut icon for the application you want to assign a keyboard shortcut to. This could be on your desktop, in the Start Menu, or in File Explorer.

  2. Open Properties: Right-click on the shortcut icon and select "Properties" from the context menu.

  3. Navigate to the Shortcut Tab: In the Properties window, click on the "Shortcut" tab.

  4. Set the Shortcut Key: Locate the "Shortcut key" field. Click inside the field and press the combination of keys you want to assign as the shortcut. Common combinations involve Ctrl, Shift, and Alt, plus another key. For example, Ctrl + Shift + C. Windows will usually pre-populate the field with "Ctrl+Alt+" and then allow you to add the final key, but sometimes it will require that you use Ctrl+Shift.

  5. Avoid Conflicts: Ensure that the shortcut key combination you choose is not already assigned to another function in Windows or another application. If it is, the shortcut may not work as expected.

  6. Apply and OK: Click "Apply" and then "OK" to save the changes.

  7. Test the Shortcut: Test the new shortcut by pressing the key combination. The application should launch.

Important Considerations:

  • Administrator Privileges: In some cases, you may need administrator privileges to modify shortcut properties. If you encounter an error, try running File Explorer as an administrator (right-click the File Explorer icon and choose "Run as administrator") and then try changing the shortcut properties again.

  • Global Shortcuts: The described method creates global shortcuts, meaning they should work from anywhere in Windows.

  • Troubleshooting: If the shortcut does not work:

    • Make sure you have pressed the correct key combination.
    • Check for conflicts with other shortcuts.
    • Restart your computer and try again.

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