Windows 11/10 lets you quickly launch the pinned taskbar programs using Hotkeys. Windows, by default, assign shortcut key combinations to the first ten items you place in the Taskbar or the Quick Launch Bar. We will also show you how to launch pinned taskbar programs using Hotkeys in Windows. This post will also show you how to assign a shortcut key to any program and open it with keyboard shortcuts.
Launch Pinned taskbar programs using Hotkeys
Press the Windows Key and the number corresponding to the icon to launch pinned taskbar programs. For instance, to launch the 5th pinned program in the taskbar, press Win+5.
These would be the Windows Quick Launch Hotkeys in the above image:
- Win+1 – Browser
- Win+2 – Notepad
- Win+3 – Explorer
- Win+4 – Outlook
- Win+5 – FixWin
How to open the program with a keyboard shortcut?
You can also create Keyboard shortcuts to open Programs. All users interested in assigning a hotkey have to follow this simple procedure.
Right-click the program’s icon, choose Properties and click the Shortcut tab.
Next, click once in the Shortcut key field, then press the hotkey combo you want to assign (Ctrl-Shift-F, for instance). Then, click OK, and you’re done!
The launching of programs doesn’t get any faster than this!
Windows 11/10 appears to be the most keyboard-friendly operating system. Without even holding the mouse in your palm, you can dock any window, launch your favorite software, and do a lot more.
All you need to have is a good memory (not computer memory – but your memory) to remember different key-combos, but believe once you get through, doing or completing your daily tasks becomes much simple, and who knows, you might even find it hard to get along without them.
Read: How to list all assigned Shortcut Keys for Shortcuts in Windows
How do I select a pinned shortcut on the taskbar with the keyboard?
You can use Win + T to navigate the pinned apps on the taskbar. I the app is open, you should see a preview, and then you can press the Enter key to launch the application. It will work across multiple desktops. An open window can get minimized if it is running on full screen.
