Windows – Do user-specified shortcut keys for Windows only work on certain directories

keyboard shortcutsshortcutswindowswindows 7windows-explorer

I am trying to mute my computer's speakers by pressing a shortcut key. My keyboard doesn't have a button for 'Mute' or any other extra multimedia buttons.

With my keyboard, I mute my computer by creating a shortcut to NirCmd with the mutesysvolume 2 argument (toggle mute on/off). I then assigned this shortcut, a shortcut key of Ctrl + Alt + M by right clicking the shortcut > Properties > Shortcut > Shortcut key.

However, this only works if I create the shortcut file in the desktop or a subfolder in the desktop.

I initially tried creating the shortcut in the NirCmd directory in the Program Files folder, but no luck – the shortcut key doesn't work (but the shortcut does). I also tried creating the shortcut in a subdirectory one level under C:\, still to no avail. I then tried creating the shortcut at one directory level under C:\Users\username but the shortcut key still doesn't work. The shortcut keys won't work even if I move the shortcut file (.lnk) to the desktop.

I tried moving nircmd.exe to the Windows directory so I could call it without specifying the directory, but I still get the same issues above.

Anyone know the reason why the shortcut key does not work if I put the shortcut file in the directories I mentioned?

I am using Windows 7, 64-bit with the 64-bit version of NirCmd.

Best Answer

It must be in the Start menu folders or the Desktop.

As per the Microsoft Support page, Shortcut key for shortcut does not work:

Symptoms

You are unable to run a shortcut by pressing its shortcut key.

Cause

Shortcut keys work only for shortcuts on the desktop or in the Start menu hierarchy.

Resolution

Make sure that the shortcuts for which you want to use shortcut keys are on the desktop, on the Start menu, or in the Windows\Start Menu\Programs folder.

More Information

Shortcut keys work differently depending on the location of the shortcut. If the shortcut is on the desktop or in the Start menu hierarchy, you can use its shortcut key to start the assigned program, or switch to the program if it is already running.

If the shortcut is not on the desktop or in the Start menu hierarchy, you cannot use its shortcut key to start the assigned program, but you can use its shortcut key to switch to the assigned program if it is already running.

NOTE: Shortcut keys may not work for some programs. For example, shortcut keys do not work for items on the Quick Launch bar.

Related Solutions

Windows – Reliable custom Windows shortcut keys

Use Autohotkey. The scripting language is non standard and can be difficult to learn, but if all you're wanting to do is reliably launch programs, its simple. Plus you can base shortcuts off the Windows key! Use following sample script and modify it to your needs. (Lines starting with ; are comments.)

;win + alt + e ... unload ipod
#!E::
   run d:\Downloads\Apps\deveject\eject ipod.bat
   return

;win + w ... launch winamp
#w::
    run c:\program files (x86)\winamp\winamp.exe
    return

;win + a ... launch AS400
#a::
    run C:\Program Files (x86)\IBM\Client Access\Emulator\Private\1.ws
    return

;win + Shift a ... launch AS400 Printer
#+a::
    run C:\Program Files (x86)\IBM\Client Access\Emulator\Private\3.ws
    return

;win + ctrl + Shift a ... launch 2nd AS400 
#^+a::
    run C:\Program Files (x86)\IBM\Client Access\Emulator\Private\2.ws
    return

Save this as a .ahk file on your desktop, install autohotkey and run it.

Every time you press any key combination, AutoHotkey will scan this script. If it matches any of the key combinations that preceed a ::, it will execute the next command. If the return statement is missing, the AHK will continue to scan the script for matches after executing your statement. The key combinations are described below.

# = Windows Key
+ = Shift
^ = Control
! = Alt

You can use these in any combination with the letters of your keyboard. One combination I find extremely useful is as follows.

; ALT Backtick ... ctrl f4
!`::
    Loop, parse, RcvCtrlW, `,
    {
     IfWinActive %A_LoopField%
     {
        sendinput ^w
        Return
     }
    }
    sendinput ^{f4}
    return

; win Backtick ... alt f4
#`::
   sendinput !{f4}
   return

This is Alt + ` and Win + `. When this script is running and I press alt + `, the script sends ctrl + F4. Win + ` becomes alt + F4.

Autohotkey is basically its own programming language. I have scripts set up that simulate "Rocker Gestures" system wide. I have GMail like shortcuts for my email. If you spend the time to learn some of its tricks, you can get nuts with it. Lifehacker has a whole bunch of useful scripts for Autohotkey. Have Fun!

Windows – Shortcut keys not working on Windows 7 Ultimate x64

Was the keys working, any time after installing Windows 7? Check this forum and this forum. They mention corrupt user profile can also be a reason for this and some restriction for special keys also.

Make sure the actual shortcut is available in Desktop or startmenu hierarchy as this KB says.

As far as a mapper, you could try Hoekey or KeyTweak

Best Answer

Symptoms

Cause

Resolution

More Information

Related Solutions

Windows – Reliable custom Windows shortcut keys

Windows – Shortcut keys not working on Windows 7 Ultimate x64

Related Question