5 Essential Custom Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11 Users

If you're a Windows 11 user, you might already know that keyboard shortcuts are the superheroes of productivity. They swoop in to save the day, making mundane tasks delightfully faster and easier. While Windows offers an impressive array of shortcuts out of the box, the true power lies in customizing these shortcuts to suit your needs. Let’s dive into five essential custom keyboard shortcuts that can tailor your Windows experience, streamline your workflow, and even save you from those pesky awkward moments in virtual meetings!

1. Reassign the Copilot Key​

For those lucky enough to have a laptop released in 2024, the Copilot key might seem underwhelming. However, you can breathe new life into it by assigning it to launch your favorite application. This is particularly useful because the current functionality of the Copilot key is limited, usually only launching packaged MSIX apps. Why let a key sit idly when you can use it to quickly fire up your Camera app or any software you often use?
How to do it:

• Open the settings for your keyboard or use third-party software that allows key remapping.
• Find the Copilot key in the remapping tool and assign it to your preferred application.

2. Launch Your Favorite Browser Instantly​

Let’s face it; the web browser is the unsung hero of our daily computing lives. Often, we find ourselves clicking on desktop shortcuts or rummaging through the Start menu to launch it. Instead, why not create a quick launch shortcut?
Step-by-step guide:

• Right-click on your browser's shortcut on the desktop or in the Start menu.
• Select "Properties" and look for the "Shortcut key" field.
• Press the combination of keys you want to use (like Ctrl + Alt + B).
• Click "Apply" and then "OK."

Now you're just a keystroke away from surfing the web!

3. Rotate Your Screen Like a Pro​

Whether you're a digital artist working with vertical displays or a multitasker who enjoys having things just-so, rotating your monitor’s screen can be invaluable. While older Windows versions included screen rotation shortcuts, newer releases dropped them. Luckily, you can regain this control using a nifty app called Screen Rotate.
Setup:

• Download and install the Screen Rotate app from the Microsoft Store.
• The app enables shortcuts like:
• Ctrl + Alt + R - Rotate left (90 degrees)
• Ctrl + Alt + D - Restore to default
• Ctrl + Alt + S - Rotate upside down (180 degrees)

With these routines in place, switching to a portrait view becomes a seamless, breezy experience.

4. Adjust Monitor Brightness and Volume​

For those using external monitors, adjusting brightness and volume can often feel like navigating a labyrinth with no exit. Thankfully, apps such as Twinkle Tray or Click MonitorDDC allow you to create custom shortcuts specifically designed for these functions.
Getting Started:

• Download either Twinkle Tray or ClickMonitorDDC.
• Follow the app’s instructions to set up brightness and volume shortcuts according to your preferences.

You’ll be able to tweak these settings with a few strokes, enhancing your overall workspace comfort.

5. Mute Your Microphone and Camera Instantly​

Ah, the beauty of hybrid work! However, nothing snatches the calm out of a conference call quite like an unsought distraction. Enter the PowerToys suite, with its Video Conference Mute feature. With this handy tool, you can mute your microphone and camera using custom shortcuts, which you can set as follows:
Setup Process:

• Install Microsoft PowerToys from the Microsoft Store.
• Navigate to the Video Conference Mute settings.
• Assign shortcuts like:
• Windows + Shift + A – Mute the microphone
• Windows + Shift + O – Turn off the camera
• Windows + Shift + Q – Mute both

In moments of crisis, these shortcuts can save you from that excruciatingly awkward situation where you’re fumbling with settings.

Conclusion: Level Up Your Workflow​

With these five custom keyboard shortcuts, you can customize your Windows experience to better suit your needs and enhance your efficiency. Each shortcut not only speeds up your routine but can also improve your comfort in working environments, whether at home or in the office. Take the time to set these up today, and soon you’ll be zipping through tasks like a seasoned pro.
Have you already implemented any custom shortcuts? Or do you have your own go-to setups that help you power through your day? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below!

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Source: XDA https://www.xda-developers.com/custom-keyboard-shortcuts-should-set-windows/