How to Configure Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are very helpful. They allow you to perform certain functions on a computer with just a couple of keystrokes. There are many built-in keyboard shortcuts with which Windows users are familiar, such as "Ctrl+C" to use the "Copy" function and "Ctrl+V" for the "Paste" function. You can assign keyboard shortcuts to programs and applications as well, making it easier to start up programs you use regularly.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Windows

Instructions

1. 

   Right click a program on the desktop or the program name from "All Programs" in the "Start" menu and select "Properties." The "Properties" dialogue box for that program will open.

2. 

   Go to the "Shortcut" tab of the dialogue box. Find the "Shortcut Key" field to see if there is already a keyboard shortcut for that program.

3. 

   Delete the existing keyboard shortcut if you want to change it. Click inside the "Shortcut Key" box to place the cursor in that field.

4. 

   Type the letter, number or other key into the "Shortcut Key" field. Windows will automatically assign the key combination, such as "Ctrl+Alt" in the "Shortcut Key" field in front of the key you want to use. This will be the keyboard shortcut for that program. For example, if you type in "W," Windows will assign the keyboard shortcut "Ctrl+Alt+W" for that program.

5. 

   Click the "Apply" button to save the keyboard shortcut. Click "OK" to close the program's "Properties" window.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure the keyboard shortcut you select does not already exist for another application or function by trying it out first.

References

• Microsoft Keyboard Shortcut Instructions
• List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts