Setting the shortcut key will work just fine. As you said, I just set a shortcut of Ctrl-Alt-Num7 to launch a shortcut to a batch file (.bat) on my desktop. Remember, though, that the shortcut will only work if the taskbar or desktop have focus (are the active program). If you are using a webpage (for example) and try to use the shortcut, the shortcut action will occur in that active program (or may be ignored by the program entirely). If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!