microsoft / microsoft/PowerToys

Option to remap actions in Windows, not just key combinations.

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#46,078 2 comments 0 reactions 0 assignees View on GitHub
Idea-Enhancement Needs-Triage Product-Keyboard Shortcut Manager
Dominant language
C
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Description

### Description of the new feature / enhancement

Currently, we can remap inputs, but not actions, I propose options to remap system actions, for example: the Action Kill windows (Alt + F4), remapped to anything else (like Win + K), that's just a example.

### Scenario when this would be used?

This can be helpful for people who use multiple operating systems, if someone is used to Gnome Shell defaults, for example, they could mimic their workflow with little friction in Windows. There are a plethora of shortcuts that has more ergonomic alternatives (For example: Switching between Virtual Desktops using Win + pgup/pgdown, instead of the current three-key combination).
With more power users being more aware of advanced keyboard shortcuts, the option to customize to one's needs would be very much appreciated.

### Supporting information

Image

The following image is the shortcut remapper of Gnome Shell, as it can be seen, it's not just remapping inputs, they're remapping the actions itself, so it's isolated to the shell, and don't bleed into other apps.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

Start by reviewing the existing input-remapping behavior in PowerToys and how Windows system actions are represented. Define which system actions can be remapped and how users would configure them. Done means users can remap actions such as closing windows or switching virtual desktops without changing unrelated application shortcuts.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Domain
desktop, operating-systems
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Stale
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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