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

Understanding Compressed Folders

If you're running low on disk space, you may want to consider creating some compressed folders to give you a little ...

Discover More

Controlling the Display of System Icons in the Notification Area

A sometimes-overlooked area of Windows customization is the notification area. This tip explains how you can control the ...

Discover More

Using Windows in Safe Mode

There may come a time when your system is no longer operating properly. This could be the result of Registry changes, a ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Customizing the Send To Menu

Adding items to the Send To menu can be a great way to open files with specific programs. Here's how easy it is to add ...

Discover More

Win+E Shortcut Result

Configuring your computer is the best way to get your computer to behave the way you want. Here's how you can change what ...

Discover More

Creating Shortcuts

Shortcuts can be a great timesaver, allowing you to quickly access frequently used programs and files. This tip explains ...

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 7 + 1?

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 © 2026 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.