What keys can I use for keyboard shortcuts for shortcuts?

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Sunny Rio

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I can't google this, as it just sees the word shortcuts twice and doesn't understand.

When you create a shortcut icon, then go to properties, you can make a keyboard shortcut to run the shortcut. What keys are valid? I've tried all sorts, but it just doesn't run it.
 
Solution
You're absolutely right that the shortcut key dialog in Windows does not clearly explain its limitations, and experimenting with valid combinations can be frustrating. Here's some clarification and suggestions to tackle your issue:

Why Certain Shortcuts Like CTRL + SHIFT + F12 Are Rejected​

  1. System-Reserved Keys: Certain combinations (e.g., function keys paired with modifiers) are reserved for system functions or specific applications, preventing their assignment to custom shortcuts in Windows.
  2. Key Filtering: Windows has an implicit filtering mechanism that limits combinations in the shortcut dialog to minimize conflicts with these reserved actions.

Why Your Shortcut Key Fails in BlueStacks​

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When you create a keyboard shortcut for a desktop or file shortcut in Windows using the "Shortcut key" field within its Properties dialog, certain rules and limitations apply. Here’s a detailed explanation to resolve your confusion:

Rules for Setting Shortcut Keys​

  1. Default Modifier Keys: Windows requires that all shortcut keys include Ctrl + Alt by default. Individual function keys (e.g., F1, F2, etc.) or combinations like Ctrl + Shift cannot be directly used without the Ctrl + Alt modifier.
  2. Restricted Keys:
    • Commonly-used system shortcuts like Ctrl + C (Copy), Ctrl + V (Paste), or Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Task Manager) cannot be reassigned to a user-defined shortcut because they are reserved for system use.
  3. Valid Key Combinations:
    • The shortcut field supports alpha-numeric keys, function keys (F1–F12), and certain symbols like +, if paired with the Ctrl + Alt combination.
    • Examples of valid inputs:
      • Ctrl + Alt + A
      • Ctrl + Alt + F4
  4. Execution: A properly configured shortcut key combination will execute the linked shortcut even if you’re working in another program or window.

Troubleshooting Why Shortcuts Don’t Work​

If your shortcut doesn’t work, here’s what to verify:
  • Correct File Path: Ensure the shortcut references a valid executable or file path.
  • No Conflicts: Check that your chosen keyboard combination isn’t already reserved by Windows or other apps.
  • Active Shortcut Placement: Make sure the shortcut remains on your desktop or in an accessible folder, like C:\Users\[Your Username]\Documents. If deleted or moved, the shortcut key will break.
  • Permissions: Running a shortcut requiring administrative access may fail unless explicitly granted permissions.
If you’re still facing issues, feel free to ask for further assistance!
 
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Oh I found one, CTRL-SHIFT-M. CTRL-SHIFT-F12 wasn't accepted for example. Why don't they tell you in the dialog box?!

And it's useless, it won't work if I'm playing a game in bluestacks android emulator, which is why I needed it!
 
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You're absolutely right that the shortcut key dialog in Windows does not clearly explain its limitations, and experimenting with valid combinations can be frustrating. Here's some clarification and suggestions to tackle your issue:

Why Certain Shortcuts Like CTRL + SHIFT + F12 Are Rejected​

  1. System-Reserved Keys: Certain combinations (e.g., function keys paired with modifiers) are reserved for system functions or specific applications, preventing their assignment to custom shortcuts in Windows.
  2. Key Filtering: Windows has an implicit filtering mechanism that limits combinations in the shortcut dialog to minimize conflicts with these reserved actions.

Why Your Shortcut Key Fails in BlueStacks​

BlueStacks (an Android emulator) can capture certain key inputs internally for its own interface or for emulated Android apps. When a program like BlueStacks is in full focus, user-defined Windows shortcuts often won't propagate because:
  • Emulator Priority: The emulator may intercept all keystrokes, treating them as part of its Android environment.
  • DirectKey Handling: Some emulators optimize their interfaces by capturing specific key events for smoother control over Android apps, ignoring those from the Windows layer.

Potential Workarounds for Your Situation​

  1. Custom Keyboard Mapping in BlueStacks:
    • BlueStacks includes a Key Mapping Tool, which allows you to assign custom keyboard shortcuts for actions specific to the emulator or games themselves—not for external Windows commands. You can access this via Game Controls in the emulator settings.
  2. Third-Party Software for Global Hotkeys:
    Use tools like AutoHotkey to create hotkeys that override or supplement Windows and application-specific shortcuts. For example:
    ^+F12::Run, "C:\Path\to\YourShortcut.lnk"
    This allows you to define CTRL + SHIFT + F12 (or any other combination) to launch your shortcut regardless of what software is in focus.
  3. Check BlueStacks Settings:
    Within BlueStacks, disable or remap any conflicting default shortcuts that capture the CTRL, SHIFT, or function keys.
  4. Use Mouse Alternatives:
    If keyboard shortcuts fail within BlueStacks or similar emulators, try integrating a mouse gesture tool or assign macros to external peripherals.

Feedback on the Shortcut Dialog Box​

You're right—Microsoft could improve the clarity of the shortcut key dialog by listing valid input patterns and explaining restrictions upfront. Unfortunately, user-defined shortcuts were likely designed with a more general (and simplified) audience in mind, so detailed feedback like this goes unaddressed in the interface.
If you try any of the above solutions, let me know! I'd love to help further fine-tune the approach.
 
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Solution
Useful Keybord Shortcuts for Launching or Managing Apps:

Win + D : Show/hide desktop
Win + E : Open File Explorer
Win + R: Open Run dialog
Alt + tab: Switch Between open apps
Ctrl+ Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager
Win + Number (1-9): Open app pinned to that taskbar spot
 
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Here is a comprehensive list of useful Windows keyboard shortcuts for launching and managing applications to enhance your productivity:

General Shortcuts​

  1. Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications.
  2. Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Directly open Task Manager.
  3. Windows Key + D: Show or hide the desktop.
  4. Windows Key + E: Open File Explorer.
  5. Windows Key + X: Open the Quick Link menu (Access tools like Device Manager and Disk Management).

Taskbar Shortcuts​

  1. Windows Key + [Number (1–9)]: Launch an application pinned to the taskbar at the specified position.
  2. Windows Key + T: Cycle through pinned apps on the taskbar.

Window Management​

  1. Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow: Snap the active window to the left or right half of the screen.
  2. Windows Key + Up Arrow: Maximize the selected window.
  3. Windows Key + Down Arrow: Minimize the selected window.

Accessibility Shortcuts​

  1. Windows Key + I: Open Settings directly.
  2. Windows Key + V: Open Clipboard History.
  3. Windows Key + Ctrl + D: Create a new virtual desktop.
  4. Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow: Switch between virtual desktops.

Screenshot Shortcuts​

  1. PrtScn: Take a screenshot of the entire screen (copied to the clipboard).
  2. Windows Key + Shift + S: Open Snipping Tool for a custom screenshot.
  3. Windows Key + PrtScn: Save a screenshot directly to the Screenshots folder.

File Explorer Actions​

  1. Alt + Up Arrow: Move up one folder level.
  2. F11: Toggle full-screen mode in File Explorer.

Additional Tips​

For improved usage:
  1. Practice your preferred shortcuts regularly; this builds muscle memory.
  2. Pin frequently used apps to the taskbar for easy access via shortcuts.
By integrating just a few shortcuts daily, you can enhance your workflow significantly and save valuable time across various tasks. Let me know if specific categories of shortcuts interest you further!
 
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