How to Create Custom Hotkeys in Windows 10 with HotkeyP

Hotkeys can speed up your workflow by allowing you to perform frequent actions with a simple keyboard shortcut. In Windows 10, you can create your own hotkeys using the HotkeyP program. This guide will walk you through setting up and configuring HotkeyP to create personalized keyboard shortcuts.

What is HotkeyP?

HotkeyP is a free utility that allows you to create and manage hotkeys in Windows. It supports a wide range of commands that you can link to shortcuts, from opening files and folders to managing system tasks and automating various actions.

Step 1: Installing HotkeyP

Download HotkeyP from the developer's official website. After downloading, follow these steps:

  • Extract the program’s archive to a convenient location on your computer.
  • Launch the HotkeyP.exe file. The program is portable, so it doesn’t require installation and can be run directly from the folder.

Step 2: Setting Up a New Hotkey

Once HotkeyP is running, follow these steps to create a new hotkey:

  1. In the main program window, click on the Add button or use the Ctrl + Ins shortcut to add a new command.
  2. In the dialog that appears, select the keys you want to use for your shortcut. For example, Ctrl + Shift + A.
  3. In the Action field, choose the action you want to perform with this hotkey. For example, to launch a program, click the browse button (three dots (...)) and select the executable file.
  4. To perform a system action, select it from the dropdown list in the Command section.
  5. Click OK to save your new hotkey.

Step 3: Testing Your Hotkeys

After creating your hotkeys, it’s a good idea to test them to ensure they work as expected. Press the defined keyboard combination and check if the specified action or application opens correctly.

Additional HotkeyP Settings

HotkeyP offers various useful settings to enhance your system interactions, including:

  • Action Repeats: Configure commands to execute repeatedly while holding down the key combination.
  • Window Management: Move, resize, minimize, or hide windows.
  • Clipboard Operations: Insert text, clear the clipboard, and other handy functions.