How do I run a Windows 10 metro app from a custom media key?

Question

I have a generic media keyboard and I would like run a modern (Metro) Windows 10 application from a custom media key.

How do I this without software for a specific keyboard brand?

Answer 1

• Drag the Metro app from the Start Menu to the desktop to create a shortcut.
• Save and rename the shortcut to a long-term suitable location.
• Record the full path to the shortcut. e.g C:\Stuff\AppShortcut.lnk
• Open the Windows Registry Editor* (regedit)
• Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AppKey
• Find the desired application command event; you may need to create the one you want. Here's a list of possible command numbers (not all may be supported by your media keyboard).
• Change the ShellExecute value to point to the location of your application shortcut. You may need to replace an existing non-ShellExecute command (e.g. Association).
• Try out your re-configured media key.

_{* Create a system restore point or backup the registry if this is new territory.}