On Windows 11 OS, keyboard shortcuts have revolutionized the way users navigate and access numerous applications and functionalities. This intuitive interface boasts a plethora of keyboard shortcuts for myriad actions. However, there is a noticeable gap – there isn’t a direct keyboard shortcut to swiftly access a specific folder. But wouldn’t it be efficient if, amidst juggling various tasks, you could instantly access a specific folder without navigating to its location or pinning it? Imagine being in the middle of a document, presentation, or a web browser, and with a simple hotkey, your desired folder springs open. For those who yearn for such convenience, you’re in luck. In this risewindows post, we’ll guide you on crafting a keyboard shortcut to access a folder instantaneously on Windows 11, eliminating the need to repetitively locate it or pin it elsewhere. Dive in and learn how to set this up on your Windows 11/10 system.
How do Custom Keyboard Shortcuts work on Windows 11?
To establish a custom keyboard shortcut for a specific folder, you must first create a desktop shortcut for that folder. Once this is done, you can assign a keyboard shortcut to this desktop shortcut. Consequently, every time you press the designated keyboard shortcut, your chosen folder will open in File Explorer. This spares you the hassle of navigating through local drives to access your desired folder.
Should you wish to open multiple folders using keyboard shortcuts, begin by creating desktop shortcuts for each of these folders. To avoid a cluttered desktop, gather all these shortcuts and place them inside a singular folder on the desktop. This ensures a tidy workspace while still granting quick access to multiple folders.
How to Compose a Keyboard Shortcut to Open a Folder on Windows 11?
Follow these steps to make a keyboard shortcut to open a folder on Windows 11:-
Step 1. Firstly, navigate to File Explorer and find the folder for which you want to make a keyboard shortcut.
Step 2. Now, right-click on the folder and select Show more options.
Step 3. Then, select Send To > Desktop (create shortcut) in the following menu.
Step 4. After that, access the Desktop (shortcut keys Windows + D) and find your folder’s shortcut. Then, right-click on the folder shortcut and choose Properties from the pop-up menu.
Step 5. In the Properties dialog, switch to the Shortcut tab. After that, click on the Shortcut key field in the Shortcut tab. Then, press any key from the keyboard (A to Z or 0 to 9).
Windows will automatically add Ctrl + Alt in the keyboard shortcut.
Step 6. Next, click the Apply button at the bottom.
Step 7. At last, click on the OK button to exit.
That’s it.
If you want to open your preferred folder, press the key combination you have assigned.
Conclusion
Windows 11, with its intuitive interface and array of keyboard shortcuts, offers users unprecedented ease of navigation. However, one significant gap was the absence of a direct keyboard shortcut to access specific folders quickly. This guide fills that void, teaching users how to set up a custom keyboard shortcut for instant folder access. By following the above steps, users can avoid the repetitive task of locating or pinning folders and streamline their workflow on the Windows 11/10 system.
