Keyboard shortcuts are the fastest way to access any feature of Windows like pressing Ctrl+C for copying. What about if you want to open a folder that you frequently access, can we set a keyboard shortcut for a folder in Windows? Yes, we can assign our own keyboard shortcut to any folder in Windows.
- To create a hotkey for the folder, first, we create a shortcut to that folder.
- Once the folder shortcut is available then we need to assign a custom keyboard shortcut to it.
- Simple press that shortcut key you just set from anywhere you just set, and your folder is quickly available in front of you.
Set a Keyboard Shortcut to Open a Folder on Windows 11
Let’s say I want to assign a custom keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+C to open a folder in Windows 11. There are other fast ways to access any folder is adding them to Quick Access, but not faster than a keyboard shortcut. So, without any delay let’s see how to do that.
- First, we need to create a shortcut to that folder. So, right-click on the folder to set a hotkey for that and select
Show more options(Windows 11) and then selectSend to > Desktop (create shortcut)option from the menu.
- Once the shortcut of the folder is available on the desktop, right-click on the shortcut and select the
Propertiesoption from the menu.
- In the Properties windows, click the Shortcut tab.
Click inside the Shortcut key text box, and press the keys from the keyboard that you want to assign to that folder. Like: Ctrl+Alt+C and it will automatically fill the text box with the shortcut key.
Click the OK button to save the settings and try pressing the short keys from the keyboard you just set for the folder and you will see the result.Note: when you try to assign a keyboard shortcut that is already reserved for Windows functionality, it will automatically guide you to change it. This means you can not set reserve shortcut keys like Ctrl+C to your folder.
TIP: If you want to create a lot of shortcuts for different folders of apps then put them in a folder on the desktop and stay clutter-free. - By default, this folder will open like a normal window. If you want to open this folder window as Maximize or Minimized then change the Run drop-down option from normal to either Maximize or Minimized.
FAQs
Can I set a shortcut to my folder that is already in use like Windows+I (that opens Windows Settings.)
No, Windows will not allow using this reserve shortcut.
Is this applicable to Folders and Applications as well?
Yes, you can assign custom keyboard shortcuts to any folder or application in Windows 11.
Is there any chance of conflict with the shortcut of any installed app?
Yes, let’s say Crtl+Shift+P is used to open a private browser tab in Firefox and you also set this shortcut for your folder or the app. If you press these shortkeys when you are in the Firefox this will give priority to your shortcut and open the folder, this will not open the private tab in the browser.
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