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Is there a way to assign shortcut keys like Ctrl+Alt+E (or non-used Windows+key) to Modern UI (Tiled) Apps. Some of them are useful to be able to bounce in and out of them with a keystroke.

I'm aware how to assign shortcut keys to traditional Windows programs via the Right Click > Properties > Shortcut key. But I'm wondering if you can do the same with the Tiled Apps.

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3 Answers 3

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Just create a shortcut in your desktop and assign a Hotkey:

For example: This is for People app

1. Create a new shortcut in your desktop: using the following format

%windir%\explorer.exe [App's URL Protocol name]: <~ ending with colon

App's URL Protocol name? read about it at the end

enter image description here

2. Open its properties dialog and setup the hotkeys you want to use

enter image description here

And that's it, now you can launch your Windows 8 applications with that hotkey

App's URL Protocol Some applications have their own URL protocol to open its supported files, something similar to http:// or mailto:

And you will find those names in windows registry : HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Classes

There you will find some of your applications (not all of them), just look for the ones with default value like this one:

URL:wlpeople

Another hint is that they also have a string value called URL Protocol

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Hopefully, you will find your desired-application's URL Protocol name. Good luck!

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Well, I have not tried it myself but this article on Create Metro App Shortcuts On Desktop And Pin Metro Apps To Taskbar In Windows 8 seems to promise about what you want with a third party tool. From the article

MetroApp Link is a handy tool for computer users running Windows 8 operating system. The tool lets you create shortcuts of Metros-style apps on the desktop and lets you pin apps to the taskbar as well. For instance, you can create a shortcut for the Windows Store app and then pin the same to the taskbar.

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you may be able to use AutoHotkey to accomplish this. There is a hint on how to do this in Windows 8 in this forum post on their web site.

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  • Does Autohotkey supports Modern UI apps now?
    – avirk
    Nov 14, 2012 at 4:04
  • It appears you can handle some events using absolute coordinates. See this support thread: autohotkey.com/board/topic/86511-windows-8-start-screen-clicks/…
    – uSlackr
    Nov 14, 2012 at 4:05
  • Have you tried yourself? It will be handy to give an example with your answer. :)
    – avirk
    Nov 14, 2012 at 4:07
  • Follow the link I posted
    – uSlackr
    Nov 14, 2012 at 4:15
  • Sir, its not me who wants the solution. What if user is not familiar with AHK? In that case it would be handy to give an example in your answer. Sorry if I demand anything more.
    – avirk
    Nov 14, 2012 at 4:25

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