This Is How I Use AutoHotkey to Fix Windows 11’s Worst Flaws

Autohotkey (AHK) is a powerful automation tool that can transform how you interact with Windows. With simple scripts, you can correct some of the boring limits of Windows by adding missing features. This guide has practical examples of the way I do this.

It is not a thorough tutorial on AHK, so you can use these scripts as is or as an inspiration to explore the program further and create yours. That said, let’s dive.

What is Autohotkey?

Autohotkey is a script language that helps you automate repetitive tasks under Windows. It is a light and versatile tool to improve productivity and create personalized workflows. You may feel intimidated at this stage, thinking that HK is mainly for programmers, but I assure you, it’s easy to learn. Once you see how easy most of the guide scripts are easy to follow, you will realize how intuitive, but powerful.

How to create and run a script in Autohotkey

To start, you need to download Autohotkey V2.0 and install it on your computer. Then right -click on an empty part of the desktop or the file explorer and select New> Autohotkey script.

Give the script a name and click the “Create” button. This creates a blank text file with an AHK extension. You can also use any text editor (for example, Notepad, Notepad ++ or Visual Studio Code) to create an autohotkey script.

Now right -click on the script and select Show more options> Modify the script. Paste the code you want to run in the text editor and save it by pressing CTRL + S or by clicking on file> Save – These are the most common means of saving a file on Windows. Then right -click on the script and select “Open” in the menu. Alternatively, you can simply double-click it.

You can check that the script is running by checking the system tray. Look for the AHK icon with the file name. If you need scripts to run after starting your PC, you can make it a start -up program. Simply place them in the “C: \ USERS \[User]\ Appdata \ Roaming \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Start Menu \ Programs \ Startup “Folder. Here, [User] is your Windows username.

Related

How to write a lot script on Windows

If you have a task that you do on several occasions, writing a single lots file can save you a ton of time.

How I use autohotkey to improve my Windows experience

Now that you know the creation of AHK scripts, let’s look at certain useful scripts that I use to make the Windows experience more pleasant.

Open everything with a shortcut

AHK allows you to open applications, files or folders using global shortcuts. No need for several clicks via the menus or the start menu to access what you need.

Here is a script that opens Google Chrome using the shortcut CTRL + ALT + G:

        ; Launch Chrome
^!g::Run "C:\\Program Files\\Google\\Chrome\\Application\\chrome.exe"

    

Keep in mind that Authotkey will ignore any line of code that begins with a semicolon (;), as these are considered comments in the world of programming. The following line of code is what it will perform. Here ^ is ctrl, ! is alt, and g East, well, the key G. The double settlers (:) separate the definition of the sky from the key to the action to be carried out (Execute “C: \ Program Files \ Google \ Chrome \ Application \ Chrome.exe”).

You can customize the script above according to your needs. For example, you can replace G with another key. You can also replace the chrome file path with Asana if that’s what you want to open instead.

If you want to open multiple applications, files and folders with a single shortcut, you can insert the code to run them in inclined supports, as in the example below:

        ^!g::
{
  ; Launch Chrome
   Run "C:\\Program Files\\Google\\Chrome\\Application\\chrome.exe"
    
   ; Wait a second before launching the next app
   Sleep 1000
    
   ; Launch Notepad
   Run "notepad.exe"
    
   ; Launch File Explorer
   Run "explorer.exe"
    
   ; You can add more applications as needed
   return
}

    

Without Ahk, a way to achieve it is to use Power Automate so that the office automates repetitive tasks. The use of Ahk in this case is faster.

Quickly search Google

If you see a word and want to search for Google, you must open a browser, type it and press the Enter key. You don’t want Windows to allow you to highlight it and hit a few keys to do it? It’s possible, but with Autohotkey.

Here is the script to get there when you press CTRL + Shift + G:

        ^+g::
{
    Send, ^c
Sleep 50
Run, <https://www.google.com/search?q=%clipboard%>
Return
}
    

The research results will open in the default browser of your PC. If it opens a browser that you do not use (for example, edge instead of Chrome), you can change your default browser on Windows in a few clicks.

An easier way to insert special characters

There is no easy way to insert special characters on Windows without counting on the keyboard on the screen or opening a forgotten tool such as the characters. But with Ahk, you can assign them to personalized shortcuts and insert them anywhere with ease.

Here is the AHK script which inserts the copyright symbol (©) when you press Alt + Q:

        !q::Send ©

    

Insert frequently used text extracts

Have you ever found yourself typing the same sentences again and again, and wants Windows to offer a way to do these tedious actions with shortcuts? Well, Autohotkey is the solution, because it allows you to insert text extracts frequently used with only a few keys.

Here is an example of a script that inserts Besides Whenever you type Besides follow -up of the space key.

        ::btw::by the way

    

Although a little more complex, you can also insert multi-line text. For example, this script can help you if you are tired of writing the same messaging signature every time. Here is an example:

        :*:emailsig::
{
    Send "Best regards,{Enter}John Doe{Enter}Email: johndoe@email.com{Enter}Phone: 555-123-4567"
    return
}

    

Now every time you enter e-mail While the script is running, it will insert the email signature. THE {Enter} The rating means where Ahk will enter a new line, just as you would have to type part of the signature and press the Enter key.

Add an automatic correction to Windows

I hate that Windows does not have an integrated automatic feature that works in all applications to correct these common and frustrating typing faults. You will find below a script which can solve this problem:

        ::teh::the
::adn::and
::recieve::receive
::alot::a lot
::thier::their
::freind::friend
::definately::definitely
::seperate::separate

    

You can extend this list with more words than you frequently deceive. Consider keeping a list in progress of your common striking faults to add to this script over time.

Related

Can you count on Microsoft Word for spelling and grammar corrections?

Let’s see if you have to trust Microsoft Word’s spelling task is up to par.

A simple text case converter

Another frustrating thing that I constantly meet is that there is simply no text case converter on Windows. If I want text to be uppercase or vice versa after typing it in a notebook or sticky notes, I usually have to type it again. With a simple AHK script, I can convert it instantly with a shortcut.

The AHK script below transforms all letters into capital letters when you press CTRL + Shift + U and tiny when Ctrl + Shift + L is driven (make sure you highlight the text first):

        ^+u::
{
    ClipSaved := ClipboardAll
    Clipboard := ""
    SendInput ^c
    ClipWait 0.5
    StringUpper, Clipboard, Clipboard
    SendInput %Clipboard%
    Clipboard := ClipSaved
    Return
}
^+l::
{
    ClipSaved := ClipboardAll
    Clipboard := ""
    SendInput ^c
    ClipWait 0.5
    StringLower, Clipboard, Clipboard
    SendInput %Clipboard%
   Clipboard := ClipSaved
    Return
}

    

Quickly stop the windows

Stopping your PC generally requires click on Start> Power supply> Stop or long pressure of the power button. But with Ahk, you can create a simple shortcut to start the stop process. This can be particularly useful when you should quickly turn off your computer if you have to leave right away and you don’t have time to navigate the menus.

Here is a script that stops the windows immediately when you press CTRL + Shift + End:

        ^+End::
{
    Run "shutdown.exe /s /t 0"
    return
}

    

And here is one to restart your PC with Win + Shift + R:

        
{   
   Run "shutdown.exe /r /t 0"
   return
}

    

Minimize all windows except the activity

Do you already need to focus on a single window and get rid of all other congestion? You can minimize them all with the Win + M shortcut, but there is none to minimize all the windows, except the one with which you work.

Autohotkey can remedy it with the script below. It minimizes all windows except those active when you press Win + Shift + M.

        
{
    WinGetTitle, ActiveTitle, A
    WinMinimizeAll
    WinRestore, %ActiveTitle%
    return
}

    

If you find more than one useful script, you don’t have to create a separate AHK file for this. You can combine them all in a single file, and it will perform them all (as long as the keyboard shortcuts are not in conflict with each other).

These are all simple scripts, but they can become more advanced than that. If you want to dive deeper into AHK, there are many online resources in addition to documentation, including tutorials, YouTube videos and community forums.