Generally, we use File Explorer to navigate and open folders, but some folders are accessed so frequently that having a quicker way would be really convenient. To make it happen, you can assign a keyboard shortcut to open a folder directly. This saves you the hassle of manually opening File Explorer and navigating to your favorite or frequently-used folder. For example, I often need to open my screenshots folder multiple times a day. To make this easier, I not only pinned the folder to the taskbar but also assigned a keyboard shortcut, allowing me to open it instantly.
In this quick and easy tutorial, I’ll show you step-by-step how to open a folder using a keyboard shortcut in both Windows 11 and Windows 10. Let’s get started.
Assign Keyboard Shortcut to Open Folder
- Right-click on the desktop.
- Select the “New” > “Shortcut” option.
- Click the “Browse” button.
- Select the folder and click “OK“.
- Click “Next” in the shortcut wizard.
- Enter a name in the “Name” field.
- Click “Finish“.
- Right-click the shortcut and select “Properties“.
- Select the “Shortcut key” field under the “Shortcut” tab.
- Press the shortcut you want to assign (the shortcut should start “Ctrl + Alt”).
- Click “Apply” and “OK“.
- From now on, press the keyboard shortcut to open the folder.
Detailed Steps (With Screenshots)
First, go to your desktop by pressing the “Windows key + D” shortcut. Next, right-click on the desktop and select “New” and then the “Shortcut” option. Click “Browse” in the Shortcut wizard. Next, find and select the folder for which you want to assign a shortcut and click the “OK” button.
Click the “Next” button in the main window.
Enter a name of your choice in the “Type a name for this shortcut” field and click the “Finish” button. This action creates the desktop shortcut with the selected name.
Once created, right-click the shortcut, and select the “Properties” option.
Go to the “Shortcut” tab and select the “Shortcut key” field. Now, press the shortcut you want to assign. For example, I assigned “Ctrl + Alt + 9” as the shortcut.
Important note: The shortcut must always start with “Ctrl” and “Alt” modifier keys. Otherwise, the shortcut will not work.
Click the “OK” button to save the change.
That is it. From now on, press the assigned keyboard shortcut to open the folder.
Wrapping Up — Opening Folders With a Keyboard Shortcut
As you can see, while the process isn’t entirely straightforward, it is fairly simple to assign a keyboard shortcut to open a folder. However, keep a few things in mind. The folder’s shortcut must be placed on the desktop. Additionally, the assigned keyboard shortcut should not conflict with existing system or app shortcuts. If an application uses the same shortcut for a different function, you won’t be able to open the folder when that application is in focus.
If you have any questions or need help, comment below. I’ll be happy to assist.
