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In Windows 10, I frequently use Alt + D to quickly highlight the path to the current folder in Windows File Explorer so it can quickly be copied. It's the same shortcut that can be used to highlight the URL in many web browsers too.

I just got a Windows 11 laptop and I noticed that pressing Alt + D doesn't do anything in File Explorer. Is there a setting I can change to get the behavior I used to get in Windows 10? Or is it gone forever in Windows 11?

I am on Windows 11 Pro version 23H2, build 22631.3155.

EllipticalInitial
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2 Answers2

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ALT + SHIFT + d focuses the location bar in my Windows 11 explorer.exe on 23H2 22631.3880.

To preserve my long-baked-in muscle memory, I used AutoHotKey to map ALT + d to send ALT + SHIFT + d while Explorer is open:

; map alt+d to alt+shift+d for Win11 Explorer location bar shortcut
#If WinActive("ahk_exe explorer.exe")
!d::Send !+d
a.t.
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As @a.t mentions above, alt-shift-d works. In addition, so does ctrl-L and F4. So there are three keyboard shortcuts they chose to keep, but the alt-d shortcut was booted. I have failed to find any rationale for this.

(IMO alt-d is actually far more important, from the POV of standardization and reuse - which should be a very important UX factor - since it is available as a "select the path/address" action in all web browsers and several filesystem navigators. I think that reusing and standardizing keyboard usage is very important for accessibility concerns.)

That said, as for a solution: Another alternative to using AHK key macros (I do not), is to use Microsoft PowerToys, which includes a "keyboard manager" tool that remaps keys and keyboard shortcuts. Basically, install power toys if you are not using it already (e g winget install Microsoft.PowerToys), go to settings (use the tray app to start the settings UI) and navigate to "Keyboard Manager" in the left hand sidebar tree, select remap a shortcut (not key) and map alt(left)-D to F4, for example. Image of this:

powertoys keyboard manager remap a shortcut ui

I found this tip here, which linked to this detailed guide on how to use the tool.

For me, this was a great solution to one of the worst win 11 issues so far!

mawi
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