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I haven't seen this question, I would love to map the start button on my keyboard and desktop to open an application instead of the Windows start menu. I currently use XLaunchpad as my start menu and I'd rather have that start as I really rarely use the start menu now.
I have Windows 10 Pro on a Surface Pro 3
user608424
Posted 2016-06-20T23:16:28.663
Reputation: 1
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You can't map an individual key to launch a program, at least not using anything built into Windows, and even if you could, it would be a bad idea. The Windows key is used for a LOT more than just opening Start (use it in a chord with the number row, the arrow keys, the Tab key, at least half the letter keys, etc.; it's part of a ton of shortcuts).
However, you can create your own shortcut chords, no problem. One option is to pin the programs to the Taskbar, then use the Win+ chord to launch the relevant program (for example, by default in Win10, Win+1 will launch Edge because it's the first thing on the Taskbar). Otherwise, you can try the "Shortcut Key" field in the Properties window of a shortcut. That field is restricted in what chords you can use - Ctrl+Alt+ is the usual - but is still more flexible and isn't dependent on how your Taskbar is laid out.
CBHacking
Posted 2016-06-20T23:16:28.663
Reputation: 5 045
Thank you very much — I didn't think about all of that. But if I could just change what the Windows button does on my Surface Pro — The hardware button on the side of the device – user608424 – 2016-06-20T23:33:24.597
@Burgi I have just read up on it and did a lot of research. The Surface Pro has a MS app that disables the button, but nothing to remap. – user608424 – 2016-06-22T15:46:03.043