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Is there a way to change Alt+*key* mnemonics keys ?

Benjamin Burq 0 Reputation points
2025-08-18T12:53:37.95+00:00

Hello,

In most Office apps, there is a very old and convenient function of mnemonics keys that can quickly activate most functions of the software. Due to their number, it often requires to type a second key after typing ALT, like ALT + A + 2. While it is convenient on QWERTY keyboards, it is less intuitive and quick using keyboards like the french standards AZERTY or BÉPO, because the numbers can only be accessed by pressing SHIFT + [number] . Is there a way to restrict the possible keys proposed after typing ALT ?

To give a clear example, the Vimium extension for Firefox allows the user to define all the keys he or she wants as ALT mmenonics, which makes it suitable for any keyboard layout).

Microsoft 365 and Office | Other
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  1. HansV 462.6K Reputation points MVP Volunteer Moderator
    2025-08-18T13:23:28.55+00:00

    In the desktop version of Word for Windows and MacOS, you can assign a custom keyboard shortcut to almost any action. In Word for Windows: File > Options > Customize Ribbon > Customize... (next to Keyboard shortcuts):

    User's image

    Select a category, then select a command.

    Click in the 'Press new shortcut key' box and press the desired shortcut.

    Click Assign.

    User's image

    In the desktop version of Excel, you can only assign keyboard shortcuts to macros.

    PowerPoint and Outlook don't have the option to create custom keyboard shortcuts, as far as I know.

    1 person found this answer helpful.

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