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How to customize keyboard shortcuts on your Windows 8 PC? Step by step guide

One of the characteristics that differentiates a user newbie to a true Windows professional is the use of keyboard shortcuts. In this way it is possible to execute certain actions faster than doing it with the mouse.

Once you enter these key combinations you will notice a huge improvement in the way you work or use Windows 8 and all its tools.

In addition to the existing ones, the operating system allows to add more combinations. This enhances fluidity, ritual and user experience. If you still do not know how to achieve it, we invite you to read the following post.

Learn step by step how to customize your keyboard shortcuts in Windows 8

Create your own shortcuts keyboard it's easier than you think. Use different combinations to access Immediately to the programs you want.

All you have to do is follow these steps:

  • You can start with a desktop shortcut or else create a new one for the program you need. To do this, right-click on the executable and choose "Send to". Press on "Desk".
  • Go to the latter by pressing the button in the right corner of the taskbar or pressing "Windows Key + D".
  • Once there, press the right mouse button again on the shortcut. But this time, choose "Properties".
  • Within this window, click on the tab "Direct access".
  • Click the box "Shortcut key:".
  • Press the key combination that you want to use to start the chosen program. You can use two or more at the same time. You must bear in mind that you need to do it with everyone at the same time.
  • For undo this action uses the button recoil.
  • Press the button "To accept" to end.
  • Check it works properly.

The most useful shortcuts you should know in Windows 8

The most useful shortcuts you should know in Windows 8

In addition to knowing how to create your own shortcuts, It is important that know the ones that already exist. At least the most important. In this way, accessing a function or performing an action will be extremely practical.

Check out the five most used shortcuts by experts below:

Windows + D

By pressing these two keys at the same time, the system will minimize all active windows and show desktop. Conversely, executing this combination again displays all the programs in their previous state. It is a practical way to access the mentioned interface. Especially if you open multiple windows at once, it will no longer be necessary to hide one by one.

Windows + E

Open the Windows Explorer in "My team". Using this form, you can forget to search for it every time at startup, even pin it to the taskbar. It will be very useful if you want open multiple windows at once. You also make sure to always access the root menu, where you can see the capacity of each disk, as well as the connected storage devices.

Alt + Tab

These two keys together allow you to access a small box with all applications open. Furthermore, without releasing the first one and pressing the key again Tab You can move between each one of them. If you want to activate one, you only have to release the buttons when the selection box is placed on it. If you press Tab once and repeat the action, will return to the last used window and vice versa.

Alt + F4

A very powerful shortcut, which allows close the application we are using in active view. It will be very useful, especially because Windows 8 tends to hide buttons to minimize, restore and close. The second use for this combination is just as practical. If you are located on the system desktop, pressing these buttons will bring up the "Close Windows" where you will find the option of shutdown, restart, etc.

Windows + I (i)

With this combination, in Windows 8, the system displays the side menu "Settings. In it you can access options like network connections, brightness, volume, notification area, and shutdown. It is also possible to find the control panel, help and other important options. Due to the removal from start menuThe above is a good way to quickly access quick configuration options.