[1022] Activate specific apps using keyboard shortcuts

This is a very good one!!! 

Taskbar Shortcut Keys:

• If an app is pinned to your taskbar, you can use the following shortcut:
  • Press Win + 1 to activate the first program on the taskbar (or launch it if it’s not open).
  • Similarly, Win + 2 activates the second app, and so on, up to Win + 0 for the 10th app.
  • Note that the programs don’t need to be pinned to the taskbar for this to work; they just need to be open.

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Certainly! Windows provides several ways to activate specific apps using keyboard shortcuts. Let’s explore a couple of methods:

1. Creating Custom Keyboard Shortcuts:

   • You can create your own keyboard shortcuts to open specific apps. Here’s how:
     1. Create a Shortcut:
        • First, create a shortcut for the app you want to open. You can do this by right-clicking an empty space on your desktop, choosing “New,” and then selecting “Shortcut.”
        • In the wizard that appears, type the location of the program (or app) you want to open. You can also browse your computer to find the app’s executable file.
        • Provide a name for your shortcut and finish the wizard.
     2. Edit Shortcut Properties:
        • Right-click the newly created shortcut and choose “Properties.”
        • In the Properties window, go to the “Shortcut” tab.
        • Click in the “Shortcut key” field and press the key combination you want to use as the shortcut (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + C).
        • Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
   • Now, whenever you press that key combination, the app will open.

2. Taskbar Shortcut Keys:

   • If an app is pinned to your taskbar, you can use the following shortcut:
     • Press Win + 1 to activate the first program on the taskbar (or launch it if it’s not open).
     • Similarly, Win + 2 activates the second app, and so on, up to Win + 0 for the 10th app.
     • Note that the programs don’t need to be pinned to the taskbar for this to work; they just need to be open.

3. Pinning Apps to the Taskbar (Windows 11):

   • To pin an app to the taskbar:
     1. Search for the program in the Start menu.
     2. Right-click the app and select “Pin to Taskbar.”
   • Once pinned, you can use the Win + AppNumber shortcut (where “AppNumber” corresponds to the app’s position on the taskbar) to launch it.

Choose the method that suits you best, and let those keyboard shortcuts work their magic! 🪄🔍🖱️

¹: How to open any program (or app) with a keyboard shortcut in Windows ²: Assign keyboard shortcut to bring window into focus ³: How to Quickly Launch Apps on Windows 11 Using Keyboard Shortcuts Learn more