Opening Apps with a Keystroke

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated May 20, 2019)

2

Windows has always had different ways to launch an app, such as with the most basic way, your mouse. If your computer has Cortana, you could even have Cortana open an app by telling it to. For many, either of these ways are a quick path to getting your app open. However, there is a much faster way. It only works with certain apps, but the fun part is that it's up to you as to which ones, and it doesn't even need to be an app.

If you're like me, you like to pin the apps you use most often to the Taskbar for faster access. But once the app or item is pinned to the Taskbar, Windows automatically makes this keystroke shortcut apply to it. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. The Windows 10 Taskbar

On my computer I have six frequently used apps and items pinned to my Taskbar. Once I have them pinned, I can open or minimize them by simply pressing the Windows key followed by the number corresponding to its order in the list. In my instance, if I want to launch Microsoft Word, I would simply press Windows+3. This will launch Word if it's not already running. If it is running it will do one of two things: If it is the foreground app it will minimize the window; if it is running and not the foreground app it will bring it to the foreground.

It is helpful to keep in mind that this only works with the first ten apps you pin. If you do have ten items pinned you would need to press the 0 key to activate the tenth app.

This handy shortcut will save time and make you look like a power user to your friends and family. Now the question becomes, which apps or items will you launch quickly?

 This tip (13630) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Create a Desktop Shortcut that Opens the Favorites Folder

Shortcuts save time and quickly open an item, thereby reducing mouse clicks. Create a shortcut to quickly open the ...

Discover More

Available RAM Slots

Upgrading the memory on your Windows 10 computer can be helpful in improving sluggishness. Determining the number of ...

Discover More

Changing the Text Cursor Indicator

Windows 10 allows for customization of the Text Cursor Indicator. With simple customization options you make the ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Two Quick Ways to Close a Frozen App

When an app freezes, it can be frustrating. Rather than restarting your computer try one of these methods to close a ...

Discover More

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

Renaming Folders Pinned to Quick Access

The Quick Access folder in File Explorer has been around for a while now. In fact, I use it to begin almost all of my ...

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 5 - 0?

2019-05-20 18:17:21

Chris Bailey

This sounds like a great idea initially but after using it earlier i have found that for some reason the icons shift on the task bar and the whole process becomes less than helpful. I have stopped using these shortcuts and found it better to use the old Control M/s shortcuts, or better still, "get a keyboard with macro functions", then it can become truly a ONE key shortcut.


2019-05-20 06:48:38

Jym396

This sounds really cool. How do I go about it?


Newest Tips