Windows 11 and 10 have evolved beyond the traditional user interface, bringing forth advanced capabilities that allow users to access various applications seamlessly using tools like Command Prompt, PowerShell, and the Run Command box. A quintessential example of this is how the alias “notepad.exe” lets you launch the Notepad application simply by typing “notepad” and pressing Enter. These aliases, inherently designed for user convenience, often mirror the original application’s name. However, this system isn’t without its flaws. Picture this: two disparate applications having identical aliases. It’s a recipe for confusion as invoking the intended program’s alias could inadvertently open a different application. Recognizing the potential predicament, Microsoft took corrective measures. Starting with the Windows 10 April 2018 Update (version 1803), a feature was introduced in the Settings app to designate which app should have the privilege of using the alias when there’s a naming collision. This risewindows guide aims to be your compass, guiding you through the maze of enabling, disabling, and even crafting App Execution Aliases in both Windows 11 and 10. Delve in to master the nuances of these handy shortcuts.
How to Manage App Execution Aliases in Windows 11?
If more than one app uses the same alias name in Windows 11, you can select which one should use an alias. Here are the steps:-
Step 1. First, open the Settings app.
Step 2. Then, click on the Apps category in the left pane.
Step 3. After that, click on the Advanced app settings tab on the right pane.
Step 4. In the following screen, click on the App execution aliases tile.
Step 5. Once completed, Windows 11 will showcase a list of apps capable of using aliases. Beneath each application name, you’ll see its alias designation. If you prefer an app not to utilize its alias, simply switch the toggle to the “Off” position beside its name. Conversely, if you’d like an application to operate with its associated alias, set the toggle switch to the “On” position for that specific app.
How to Enable or Disable App Execution Aliases in Windows 10?
To turn on or off app execution aliases in Windows 10, do the following:-
Step 1. First, launch the Settings app.
Step 2. Then, click on the Apps category.
Step 3. Next, select the Apps and features tab on the left-hand side.
Step 4. After that, click on the App execution aliases link to see the list of apps that might have conflicting aliases.
Step 5. Finally, turn Off the toggle button for the apps with the same name.
When you initiate an application using its alias via the Command Prompt or the Run command box, only those with the toggle set to “On” will launch. If you’ve set the toggle to “Off” for a particular app and attempt to open it through Command Prompt, you’ll receive an error stating, “is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.”
Moreover, if you attempt to launch a program with a disabled alias via the Run box, an error will appear stating, “Windows cannot find ‘program name.’ Ensure you entered the name accurately, and retry.”
How to Create Execution Aliases for Specific Apps in Windows 11 or 10?
In Windows 11/10, not all installed apps come with execution aliases by default. Yet, you can establish execution aliases for your preferred apps in Windows 11 or 10 via a registry modification.
To set up an execution alias for a particular app in Windows 11 or 10, follow these steps:-
Step 1. First, open the Registry Editor.
Step 2. When the Registry Editor window appears on your computer, navigate to the following path in the left sidebar:-
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths
Step 3. Then, right-click on the App Paths key and select New > Key.
Step 4. Assign the newly created key a relevant alias corresponding to your chosen app, ensuring it concludes with the “.exe” suffix. For example, if we aim to formulate an alias for the ShareX application, the new key should be labeled “ShareX.exe.”
Step 5. Next, double-click the (Default) REG_STRING in the right pane. Then, enter the absolute filename of your app’s executable file. After that, click the OK button.
Step 6. Then, right-click the blank area in the right pane and select New > String Value.
Step 7. Name the string as the path. Then, double-click on it and set its “Value data” to your app’s full path (minus the filename).
Step 8. Click OK.
After finalizing the aforementioned steps, you can input the alias into the Command Prompt, Run command box, or PowerShell, facilitating a swift launch of your application.
Conclusion
Navigating the labyrinthine settings of Windows can seem daunting, but with a bit of guidance, one can truly tailor their OS experience. Execution aliases are a powerful tool in Windows 11 and 10, offering quick access to frequently-used applications. However, potential overlaps in aliases might lead to unintended application launches. Thankfully, Microsoft’s built-in measures, and our guide on management, ensure users can harness these shortcuts without confusion. Whether you’re looking to disable a conflicting alias or craft a new one for your favorite software, the provided steps serve as a beacon, illuminating the path to personalized command-line shortcuts.
