How to Program Computer Keyboard Keys

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Program keyboard shortcuts to open applications.

You can program your computer keyboard keys to execute certain tasks, such as opening a specific application. This process is known as creating a keyboard shortcut. A keyboard shortcut is simply a combination of keys that, when typed together, perform a task that normally requires the use of a computer mouse to execute. Keyboard shortcuts are very easy to set up. Once in place, using keyboard shortcuts to carry out routine tasks can save time.

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Program Keyboard Keys to Open an Application

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Step 1

Open the "Start" menu. Select "Computer" or "My Computer."

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Step 2

Double-click "Local Disk (C:)" drive. Browse to find the executable file for the application for which you would like to create a keyboard shortcut. Most program files are located somewhere in the "C:\Program Files" folder, or the "C:\WINDOWS" folder. To verify whether or not a file is an executable file, open the "View" menu and select "Details." Executable files have "Application" listed under the "Type" heading.

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Step 3

Right-click on the program executable file and select "Create Shortcut" from the pop up menu. If prompted to create the shortcut on the desktop, click "Yes." Right-click on the program shortcut you just created. Select "Properties" from the pop-up menu.

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Step 4

Go to the "Shortcut" tab. Click in the "Shortcut Key" box.

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Step 5

Type the key combination you would like to use as a shortcut for the selected program. The combination must begin with "Ctrl" plus "Alt." For example, "Ctrl + Alt + V" could be a keyboard shortcut. You cannot use the Spacebar, "Enter," "Esc," "Tab," "Backspace," "Print Screen" or "Shift" keys in the key combination.

Step 6

Click "OK" to save the new settings.

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