For all you Microsoft Windows users who would like to run programs faster, here are some of the shortcut keys you can use to open some of the default windows programs.

For using this you will have to make you of the Run option provided by Windows which allows you to run programs directly without having to actually navigate through or even visit the programs menu.

The hot key for the run prompt key from your keyboard Windows Key + R.

Open Windows Explorer

Type in explorer into the Run and click on Enter

If you want to go to a particular folder in explorer then type in explorer C:\path\to\your\folder

Open Internet Explorer

Type in iexplore into the Run and click on Enter

If you want to open a particular site then type in iexplore http://www.google.com

Control Panel Shortcuts

Open Control Panel – Type in control into the run prompt and press enter, listed below individual control panel option

1. Accessebility Options – Type in access.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
2. Add or remove programs – Type in appwiz.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
3. Display Properties – Type in desk.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
4. Firewall Settings – Type in firewall.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
5. Add Hardware Wizard – Type in hdwwiz.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
6. Open Internet Properties – Type in inetcpl.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
7. Regional and Language Settings – Type in intl.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
8. Change Mouse Settings – Type in main.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
9. Change Sound Properties – Type in mmsys.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
10. View Network Conections – Type in ncpa.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
11. Network Setup wizard – Type in netsetup.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
12. Change User Settings – Type in nusrmgr.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
13. Power Options – Type in powercfg.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
14. System Properties – Type in sysdm.cpl into the run prompt and press enter
15. Date and time propeties – Type in timedate.cpl into the run prompt and press enter

Shortcuts if you are using Microsft Office Application

1. Microsft Word – Open run command and type in winword
2. Microsoft Excel – Open run command and type in excel
3. Microsoft Powerpoint – Open run command and type in powerpnt
4. Microsoft Outlook – Open run command and type in outlook
5. Microsoft Access – Open run command and type in access
6. Microsoft Frontpage – Open run command and type in access frontpg

Other Useful Shortcuts

Lock your windows machine is Windows Key + L.

Will be updating this in future, so keep your eye on this for more shortcuts, if any of you have your own set, please leave them in the comments for others to see.