Assigning a Shortcut Key to a Desktop Shortcut

Written by Barry Dysert (last updated March 30, 2020)

In an effort to keep your hands on the keyboard as much as possible, you may find it convenient to assign shortcut keys to items on your desktop. The process is similar to assigning a shortcut key to any other item. Follow these steps:

  1. Make sure the icon for the desktop item is visible on the screen.
  2. Right-click the item. (Make sure the item you are right-clicking is a shortcut item.) Windows displays a Context menu.
  3. Select Properties from the Context menu. Windows displays the Shortcut Properties dialog box for the item.
  4. Make sure the Shortcut tab is displayed. (See Figure 1.)

    5. Figure 1. Assigning a shortcut key to a desktop item.

  5. Click once in the Shortcut Key box.
  6. Press a letter or number key. Whatever key you press (such as the letter P) is automatically appended to the modifiers Ctrl+Alt to form the shortcut key.
  7. Click OK.

Now when I want to invoke my program, I can either double-click on the desktop shortcut's icon or I can just press Ctrl+Alt+P and up it comes. If I want to remove the shortcut key, I repeat the above steps, but in step 6 I press the Delete key.

 This tip (11721) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Barry Dysert

Barry has been a computer professional for over 35 years, working in different positions such as technical team leader, project manager, and software developer. He is currently a software engineer with an emphasis on developing custom applications under Microsoft Windows. When not working with Windows or writing Tips, Barry is an amateur writer. His first non-fiction book is titled "A Chronological Commentary of Revelation." ...

MORE FROM BARRY

Logging In with Local vs. Microsoft Credentials

In Windows 10, you can choose to login using your local account or by using your Microsoft credentials. How to switch ...

Discover More

How to Find Apps Faster

This tip reveals a little-known trick that enables you to move around your Start menu a little faster. The result is ...

Discover More

Understanding Data Execution Prevention

Windows has many malware-prevention features. One of these is Data Execution Prevention. This tip provides an explanation ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Deleting Shortcuts

Windows allows you to easily create any number of shortcuts you desire. If you want to get rid of those shortcuts at some ...

Discover More

Windows Run Commands

Run commands within Windows 10 allow for quick access to system resources. Here is a comprehensive list of the available ...

Discover More

Windows Key Shortcut List

Windows includes many combination keystrokes referred to as shortcuts. Knowing keyboard shortcuts can shorten the amount ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 3 + 9?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.