A number of times, I prefer to use the Windows key on the keyboard to create shortcuts, especially to applications which I use frequently.

However, Windows has a default set of keyboard shortcuts that it maps to various applications and those key mappings can’t be changed. A few examples are Cortana (Win+C), Clipboard (Win+V).

To get around this, the Registry Editor needs to be modified.

  • Press Win+R and type regedit and press Enter
  • Navigate to –
    HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
  • Create a new String value DisabledHotkeys if it doesn’t exist already
  • Add the relevant keys without commas, e.g. VCO
  • This will disable Win+V, Win+C and Win+O

Now, these keys can be mapped in other programs and applications

  • Sign out or reboot to have the changes applied