Create a keyboard shortcut to open a folder

Written by mittakrish

Last Updated: October 28th, 2008

Do you have a folder that you’d like to be able to open quickly and easily whenever you want? If you create a keyboard shortcut for that folder, you can open it anytime by pressing a key combination, no matter which other programs you have open.

To create a keyboard shortcut to open a folder

1.	Click on Start, All Programs, Accessories, and then click Windows Explorer.
2.	In Windows Explorer (the program that appears when you open folders such as My Computer, My Documents, My Pictures, or My Music), right-click the folder to which you want instant access, click Send To, and then click Desktop.
3.	On your desktop, right-click the new shortcut, and then click Properties.
4.	On the Shortcut tab, click in the Shortcut key box. Now press the letter on your keyboard that you want to use to open the folder. Note: In the Shortcut key box, Microsoft Windows XP automatically adds CTRL+ALT before the key you press, because to use the shortcut to open a folder, you have to hold down both the CTRL and ALT keys simultaneously, while pressing the letter you chose. This way, your folder won’t open every time you type that letter.
5.	Click OK.
6.	Now test your shortcut. Hold down the CTRL and ALT keys, and then press the letter you chose.

This tip can be applied to folders, programs, and text file shortcuts that are placed on the desktop. For more keyboard shortcuts, read Tired of chasing your mouse? Use keyboard shortcuts.