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How Do I Change Keyboard Shortcuts? – Customize Your Hotkeys in Windows

Why Customize Keyboard Shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are essential for improving productivity, but sometimes the default settings don’t fit your workflow. By creating custom keyboard shortcuts, you can tailor your PC experience, making it faster and more efficient.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to change keyboard shortcuts in Windows, including how to set a custom hotkey for apps, system functions, and even third-party software.

How to Change Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows

Windows doesn’t have a built-in tool to remap all keyboard shortcuts, but you can customize them using:

  1. Windows built-in options
  2. Third-party software like AutoHotkey
  3. Keyboard manufacturer software

Below, we explain each method in detail.

1. Change Keyboard Shortcuts Using Windows Settings

Change Shortcut for Opening Apps

You can assign custom keyboard shortcuts to applications in Windows:

  1. Right-click the app shortcut and select Properties.
  2. Go to the Shortcut tab.
  3. Click inside the Shortcut key field.
  4. Press your preferred custom hotkey (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + N).
  5. Click Apply → OK.

📌 Tip: This method only works for shortcuts stored on the Desktop or Start Menu.

Change Windows System Shortcuts (Limited Options)

Windows does not allow direct changes to system-wide shortcuts, but you can enable or disable some shortcuts:

  • Change screenshot shortcut: Windows + Shift + S (via Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard > Print Screen toggle).
  • Enable/Disable Sticky Keys: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard.
  • Reassign Function Keys (Fn keys): Some laptops allow this in the BIOS/UEFI settings.

2. Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts with AutoHotkey (Advanced Users)

For complete control, AutoHotkey (AHK) allows you to remap keys, create macros, and change keyboard shortcuts in Windows.

How to Set Up AutoHotkey

  1. Download and install AutoHotkey from autohotkey.com.
  2. Create a new script:
    • Right-click on the desktop → New → AutoHotkey Script
    • Name it something like CustomHotkeys.ahk
  3. Edit the script: Right-click the file → Edit Script.
  4. Add custom shortcut commands, e.g.: cppKopierenBearbeiten^N::Run Notepad This makes Ctrl + N open Notepad.
  5. Save the file and run it by double-clicking.

📌 Tip: To run scripts at startup, place them in the Startup folder (Win + R → shell:startup).

3. Use Keyboard Manufacturer Software

Many gaming and high-end keyboards come with software that lets you change keyboard shortcuts or create custom hotkeys.

Popular Keyboard Software for Custom Shortcuts

  • Logitech G Hub (for Logitech keyboards)
  • Corsair iCUE
  • Razer Synapse
  • Microsoft Keyboard and Mouse Center

Steps to Change Shortcuts Using Keyboard Software

  1. Install the manufacturer’s software.
  2. Open the software and navigate to Key Remapping or Macro Settings.
  3. Select the key you want to customize.
  4. Assign a new function, macro, or shortcut.
  5. Save and apply the settings.

📌 Tip: These tools are great for gaming and productivity macros.

How to Reset Keyboard Shortcuts to Default

If you’ve changed shortcuts and want to revert:

  1. Remove AutoHotkey scripts if used.
  2. Uninstall third-party software that changed shortcuts.
  3. Reset Windows keyboard settings:
    • Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region.
    • Remove and re-add your keyboard layout.

Complete List of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

If you need help for Windows, you can find a whole list of all keyboard shortcuts here.

https://keyboard-shortcuts.org/

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