You’ve likely found yourself clicking through menus more times than you’d prefer.

But what if you could open any app or folder with just a simple key combination?

Windows allows you to assign keyboard shortcuts to any desktop or taskbar icon, making access quicker and more efficient.

MacOS also gives you the tools to create your own custom keyboard shortcuts for the actions and apps you use most.

In this guide, we will walk you through  how to customise keyboard keys and create your own keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11 and Mac.

How to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts on Windows

1. Assigning Shortcuts to Desktop or Taskbar Icons

Windows lets you create custom keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 by editing any .lnk file—those are the shortcut icons on your desktop or pinned to the taskbar. Inbuilt functionality is limited to a combination of the Ctrl, Alt and one other key..

• Right-click the desktop or taskbar icon and choose Properties.
• Under the Shortcut tab, click Shortcut key and press a letter or number.
• Windows automatically adds Ctrl + Alt, so pressing C becomes Ctrl + Alt +C.
• Click Apply, then OK.

This method of changing keyboard shortcuts in Windows is simple and avoids extra software, but it only works with shortcuts icons.

2. Creating Shortcuts for Start-Menu Apps

If your app isn’t already on the desktop, you’ll need to create a .lnk first before you can customise keyboard keys:

• Open the Start menu and find your app.
• Drag its icon onto the desktop to create a shortcut.
• Now follow the same steps as above to assign your personalised keyboard keys.

This lets you create keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 for any Start-menu app, folder, file or website link—just drag, drop and customise.

3. Power Users: Using AutoHotkey for Hotkeys

For more advanced workflows, AutoHotkey unlocks limitless hotkeys. You can script multiple actions, send text snippets or launch apps in sequence.

1. Download and install AutoHotkey.
2. On your desktop, right-click → New → AutoHotkey Script.

Edit the script and add a line such as:

3.  (That maps Ctrl + Shift + N to open Notepad.)
4. Save and double-click the script to run it.

With AutoHotkey, custom keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 become truly personalised—no more hunting for icons or menus.

How to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts on Mac

1. Built-in System Shortcuts

MacOS makes it easy to add custom keyboard shortcuts without any extra software. This method works across most apps.

1. Open System Settings and select Keyboard.
2. Click Keyboard Shortcuts, then choose App Shortcuts.
3. Hit the + button to add a new shortcut.
4. In the Menu Title field, type the menu command exactly (for example, “New Email”).
5. Click the Keyboard Shortcut box and press your chosen keys (e.g., ⌘ + Shift + N).
6. Press Add.

That’s how you add custom keyboard shortcuts on Mac. You can repeat this to customise keyboard shortcuts for any menu item, making everyday tasks more efficient.

2. Creating Shortcuts App Automations

If you need more power than built-in system shortcuts offer, the Shortcuts app provides flexible mac custom hotkeys and workflows.

1. Launch the Shortcuts app from Applications.
2. Click the + icon to create a new shortcut.
3. Drag actions into the workflow—for example, Open App, Run Script, or Send Message.
4. Name your shortcut at the top.
5. Click the settings icon and choose Add Keyboard Shortcut.
6. Press your desired combo (such as ⌘ + Option + M).

Now you have a mac keyboard custom shortcut that can launch apps, run scripts or chain multiple steps in one tap.

Make Sure Your Shortcuts Work for You

Custom keyboard shortcuts can transform the way you work on Windows 11 and macOS. 

But before you start assigning keys left and right, a few things to keep in mind:

• Don’t overwrite what already works
  Check if a shortcut already exists. Replacing default actions can cause confusion later — especially for things like copy, paste, or screenshot tools.
  
• Stick with simple combos
  Go for shortcuts that are easy to remember. A good rule: make it feel natural. For example, Ctrl + Alt + D for Downloads makes more sense than Ctrl + Shift + Alt + F3.
  
• Test as you go
  Create, then try. If it doesn’t work as expected, tweak it early. It’s easier than fixing layers of shortcuts later.

Once you get the hang of it, it’s addictive — and in the best way. Add custom keyboard shortcuts that work the way you do. It’s one of the simplest ways to boost your productivity with just a few key presses.

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