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.

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You Will Need

  • PC
  • Desire to save time
  • List

Steps

  1. Step 1

    Locate the file

    Locate the file, application, or folder that you would like to gain faster access to.

  2. Step 2

    Right-click on it

    Right-click on the file, and then highlight and click Create Shortcut in the menu box that appears.

  3. 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.

  4. The Tab, space bar, and Enter keys are not available for shortcut key assignment.

  5. Step 4

    Choose the Shortcut tab

    Choose the Shortcut tab if the dialogue box does not automatically open to it.

  6. Step 5

    Find the Shortcut Key box

    Place your cursor in the box for Shortcut Key. It should read None when it first opens.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

  9. 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.

  10. Did you know? QWERTY refers to the organization of letters on the common English keyboard, which has been in use since 1874.

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