How to Assign Shortcut Keys on a PC
Tired of opening folder after embedded folder after embedded folder just to get to a file? Save time by assigning shortcut keys.
Up next in How to Understand Computers (58 videos)
Boost your computer know-how with these Howcast videos.
You Will Need
- PC
- Desire to save time
- List
Steps
-
Step 1
Locate the file
Locate the file, application, or folder that you would like to gain faster access to.
-
Step 2
Right-click on it
Right-click on the file, and then highlight and click Create Shortcut in the menu box that appears.
-
Step 3
Right-click on the shortcut
Right-click on the newly created shortcut, and then highlight and click Properties at the bottom of the menu box that appears.
-
The Tab, space bar, and Enter keys are not available for shortcut key assignment.
-
Step 4
Choose the Shortcut tab
Choose the Shortcut tab if the dialogue box does not automatically open to it.
-
Step 5
Find the Shortcut Key box
Place your cursor in the box for Shortcut Key. It should read None when it first opens.
-
Step 6
Choose a shortcut
Type the key that you wish to assign as your shortcut key. For example, if you type "x," your shortcut to open the file will be Ctrl-Alt-X.
-
By choosing any of the F1 through F12 keys, your shortcut will consist of just that button, and not require Ctrl and Alt to activate it.
-
Step 7
Keep a list
Keep a list of the shortcuts handy so that you don't waste the time you've now saved on trying to remember them.
-
Did you know? QWERTY refers to the organization of letters on the common English keyboard, which has been in use since 1874.
