Assigning a custom command to a keyboard "F" function key

GregH · 26 May 2020

Hi all,

I would like to create a custom function for a "F" key. For example, I would like to have a shortcut that opens a regularly used folder on a particular drive in my PC simply by hitting "F6". Currently I have to do multiple clicks as the folder sits inside other folders on a second hard drive (D:). I don't want to move the folder.

Would be great too if I could for example click File - Save As - "F6" - Enter, to save the file in this folder.

Is there an option to customize an F key to do this? I know most F keys already have functions assigned but I seldom use any of them.

This is on a laptop - Dell 5590 with Win 10 Pro but I am also usually using a standard wireless Microsoft desktop keyboard and mouse.

Thanks!

dalchina · 26 May 2020

Hi, you can do that readily with Autohotkey (free).
Download and install that, then double click this ahk (text) file (attached), which I've had to zip for the forum to accept the upload.
CTRL F9 will then open the Windows folder.
(in the file - ! = CTRL)
Amend as necessary.
Rt click and click 'Compile' to produce a .exe file

If you want quick access to favourite folders - and a lot more- one way is to use Listary (free).
Middle click empty space in an explorer and almost all open/save dialogues and you get this:

Assigning a custom command to a keyboard "F" function key-untitled.png

If you wanted a quick way to save a file to a certain folder, use rt click, Send to.

Here I have added a shortcut to the specific folder in my Sendto folder (Test folder).

If I rt click a file, click Send to, click Test folder, that file is copied to Test folder.

To access your Sendto folder,:
Win key + R, shell:SendTo, enter