microsoft / microsoft/PowerToys

[Keyboard Manager] Allow wildcard remapping of combo shortcuts

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C
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Description

### Description of the new feature / enhancement

Instead of requiring a specific key combination to be remapped, offer `Any Key`, `Any Number`, `Any Number (Numpad)` and `Any Letter`, as options for the secondary/tertiary/etc. key in both the trigger & action remapping.
- When used as part of a `Trigger`, matching "type" will be appended to shortcut `, and be non-removable.
- e.g. `Any Key` in the `Trigger` area will append `Any Key` to the end of the `Action`.
- When `Any Number` is used, the appended `Action` can be swapped between `Any Number` and `Any Number (Numpad)`
- Otherwise, selection will be greyed out.

### Example
| Trigger | Action | Intended Effect |
| ------------- | ------------- | ------------- |
| Win + Any Letter | Ctrl + Any Letter | Mac-style lettered keyboard shortcuts, whilst retaining Win-key behaviors |
| Alt + Any Number | Any Number (Numpad) | Allow calling Numpad numbers, which may have dedicated use inside specific programs, on keyboards without a numpad and no mechanism to call them. |

### Scenario when this would be used?

1. Shortcut remapping for multi-platform users
2. Easier access and remapping of shortcuts which involve keys not present on the user's keyboard
3. Reduction of 1-by-1 remappings

### Supporting information

I'm a predominant Mac user. I like using things such as Cmd+S, Cmd+A, etc. **but I wish to retain the Win = Start action**. Remapping the core Win key to Ctrl **breaks this**, and results in unstable key behaviors (e.g. "locked" ctrl key). I have not found an adequate solution beyond **swapping the Ctrl & Win keys in registry, then remapping their base shortcuts via PowerToys. However, this has the side effect of breaking key shortcuts when machine is locked.**

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

The issue identifies Keyboard Manager but names no files, tests, or entry points. Start by locating the trigger and action remapping flows, then determine how wildcard choices and their matching or swapping rules fit together. Done means the listed wildcard options work for the described shortcut scenarios without breaking existing remapping behavior.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
c
Domain
desktop
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Quiet
Clarity
Mostly clear
Newbie friendliness
35/100

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