In Windows, you can assign cut, copy, and paste shortcuts to functions keys for ease of use. Here are the exact steps on how to do it.
To copy something from one place to another, we generally use the built-in Cut, Copy, and Paste functionality. For example, to copy a file, folder, or text, you can copy it and paste it into the destination. Almost every operating system has some sort of cut, copy, and paste functionality so that the user can move or copy data between places and applications. The default keyboard shortcuts for Cut, Copy, and Paste actions in Windows are “Ctrl + X,” “Ctrl + C,” and “Ctrl + V.”
For the most part, the default Cut, Copy, and Paste shortcuts are pretty easy to use, and the placement is not that hard on your fingers either. However, you can make it a bit easier by assigning Cut, Copy, and Paste shortcuts to the function keys. That way, you don’t have to press the shortcut to get the job done awkwardly. After all, the functions keys sit ideally, save but a few like F2, F5, and F11.
Assigning Cut, Copy, and Paste shortcuts to Function keys is very helpful if you are constantly moving or copying data. For example, if you are working on an Excel sheet, the ability to cut, copy, or paste with a single keypress will increase your productivity and experience significantly. The same is true for other use cases too.
In this quick and straightforward Windows guide, I will show you how to assign cut, copy, and paste shortcuts to function keys.
Assign Cut, Copy, and Paste Shortcuts to Function Keys
To assign cut, copy, and paste shortcuts to functions keys, we will use a free and open-source application called AutoHotKey. Using AutoHotKey, you can remap keys and create macros with ease. One of the best things about AutoHotKey is that it is lightweight but a pretty powerful application. Here is how to use AutoHotKey to assign Cut, Copy, and Paste shortcuts to function keys.
First, download and install AutoHotKey if you haven’t already.
After installing the AutoHotKey software, go to the desktop. Next, right-click on the desktop and select “New” and then “Text Document.” This action will create a new text file on your desktop.
Name the text file anything you want. Make sure you change the file extension from “.txt” to “.ahk.” For example, I named the file “CutCopyPaste.ahk.” If you cannot change the file extension, you might have to enable file extensions in Windows first.
Next, right-click on the newly created file and select the “Edit script” option. As soon as you choose the Edit Script option, the AHK file is opened in the Notepad. This is where we will add the script.
In the Notepad file, paste the below script. The script remaps the copy, paste, and cut shortcuts to F6, F7, and F8, respectively. If needed, you can change the function keys to the ones you want. For example, to use F8, F9, and F10 as the shortcuts, replace F6, F7, and F8 with them.
;Press F6 to Copy
F6::^c
return
;Press F7 to Copy
F7::^v
return
;Press F8 to Copy
F8::^x
return
Next, click on “File” and then select “Save” to save the file. You can also press the “Ctrl + S” shortcut to save the script. After saving, close the Notepad.
Finally, double-click on the AHK file you just created. It will launch the script, and you can see it on the taskbar.
As long as the script is running, the Cut, Copy, and Paste shortcuts are mapped to the functions keys. That means you can press the appropriate function keys to perform Cut, Copy, and Paste actions.
To ensure the script is always running, I recommend you configure AutoHotKey to start with the system. That way, you don’t have to launch the script manually.
That is all. It is that simple to assign cut, copy, and paste shortcuts to function keys in Windows.
I hope that helps.
If you are stuck or need some help, comment below, and I will try to help as much as possible.
