Tutorial: Use PowerToys to disable Windows + Number keys from opening apps in taskbar
WHY:
- I was trying to google this and most results say "use PowerToys" but don't explain exactly how
- Most people who have a problem with this are PC gamers who have in-game actions mapped to ALT or CTRL + Num keys but accidentally press Win + 1, 2, 3, etc. instead, opening an app. It's really freaking annoying.
HOW:
- Download PowerToys (free version is fine)
- Go to PowerToys Settings > Input / Output > Keyboard manager > click Remap a shortcut
- + Add shortcut remapping > CLICK THE PENCIL ICON on the left before inputting the shortcut. If you click any other button, it will do what we do not want: open an app.
- Click the dropdown under the pencil on the right, input D > select Disable
- Repeat for all WIN + # keys you want to disable
It will look like this:
And here, finished:
👍
Posted Mar 6, 2026, 9:46 PM UTC
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