How To Create Your Own Run Command Shortcuts In Windows 10

Here is a small but very useful trick. If you are a keyboard freak like me you will love this trick. We remember all run command shortcuts to quickly launch all Windows tools and control panel programs. Did you know that just like the default run commands, you can also create your own run commands in Windows?

Tip: Did you know that many of the default programs in Windows can be launched by typing their names in the Run command box. For example, you can type Notepad in the Run command box and then hit the Enter key to open the same.

Yes, you can create Run command shortcuts for installed programs as well. For instance, you will be able to launch a third-party program by typing its name or custom name in the Run command box. For instance, you can type Writer and then hit the Enter key to open the Windows Live Writer program.

The trick is simple. We just need to place the program shortcut in the Windows directory to be able to launch them via the Run command box.

Create Run commands for programs in Windows 10

Step 1: In the Start menu, right-click on the program icon, click More and then click Open file location. This will open the Start menu programs folder. We are going to create a Run command for the Office Word program, but you can do it for any application.

Step 2: Copy the program shortcut that you would like to launch via the Run command and paste it into the Windows directory. The Windows folder is located at the root of the Windows 10 install drive. You might get Destination Folder Access Denied dialog. Click the Continue button. If asked, enter the administrator password.

This action creates a shortcut of your program in the Windows folder. You can also rename the shortcut to anything that you like to call the program shortly.

Step 3: Finally, open the Run dialog box either from the Start menu or by using [Windows] + [R] keyboard shortcut and type the name of the program in the dialog box to launch the program. For instance, I launch the Microsoft Office Word program by typing the string Word in the Run dialog box.

Have fun!