JAWS - Add a desktop hotkey to start JAWS

JAWS - Add a desktop hotkey to start JAWS

Problem

A customer may need a hotkey so they can start JAWS independently. This may be useful in cases where JAWS may be needed to shut down to allow operation by sighted colleagues/helpers.


Applies to

  • JAWS
  • Fusion

Resolution

Use the steps below expropriate to method of operation.

Method 1 - Using the keyboard

  1. Press Windows+D to focuz on the windows desktop.
  2. Press letter J repeatedly until you arrive at the versino of JAWS to have the hotkey created.
  3. Then press ALt+ENTER to open the properties window.
  4. Then press TAB to reach the shortcut key edit box.
  5. Then enter a singfle letter that is going to be used with the modifiers alt and control, for example the letter J.
  6. Then press TAB key to reach the Apply button and press SPACEBAR on it.
  7. On systems with User Account Control enabled you may have to press TAB to reach the Yes button and press SPACEBAR on it to complete this change.
  8. Then press ENTER to close the dialogue.

Method 2 - Using the mouse

  1. Click to minimize all windows so the desktop is in view.
  2. Right click the JAWS icon for the version intended for the shortcut tobe added.
  3. In the context menu choose Properties.
  4. In the shortcut dialogue click on the Shortcut Key edit box.
  5. Then press a single letter for the alt and control keys to be used with, form example J on the keyboard.
  6. Then click Apply to save the settings.
  7. On systems with User Account Control enabled you may have to click Yes button to complete this change.

Testing

  • To test the hotkey press ALT+CONTROL+J or any other letter that has been assigned to start JAWS or Fusion.
  • If at first it does not appear to work have the user hold down ALT and CONTROL first (eg. on keyboard on the left side) and then press the letter as well with ALT and CONTROL held down and then release all keys afterwards.

Solving problems

Below are some ideas to help solve problems where the hotkey does not appear to start JAWS or Fusion.

  • If the hotkey does not work right click the icon to see if the hotkey has actually been assigned in the properties dialogue.
  • If there are multiple icons for JAWS or Fusion right click those and ensure no hotkey is set elswhere for an earlier version. Either eliminate the other hotkey assignment or delete thos other icons leaving only the version to be started on the desktop.

    • Related Articles

    • Create a JAWS startup hotkey

      Problem If JAWS stops for any reason whilst in use or you the computer is shared among sighted users who don't need JAWS, it may be necerssary to set up a hotkey for restarting JAWS independantly. Resolution Method 1: Using a mouse Minimize all apps ...

    • JAWS - General keystroke hotkeys

      Problem A customer wishes to familiarise themselves the general hotkeys that work with most Windows applications including web browsers. Applies to JAWS Resolution Please find below the list og general JAWS hotkey shortcuts that work for most apps. ...

    • JAWS - Set up auto startup (registry items)

      Problem An IT Technician in a large organisation may need to manually add registry entries to allow JAWS to startup automatically for an end user. Resolution Notation for JAWS versions Throughout this document, [version] is used. From JAWS 2018 ...

    • JAWS - Alternative JAWS start-up for problem installations

      Problem JAWS auto-start up settings once set do not appear to work, JAWS does not start after signing into the Windows desktop. Resolution Note This problem is rare but when the workaround is implemented it will cause JAWS to start very slightly ...

    • JAWS - Start Up wizard (set auto start and other options)

      Problem A new JAWS customer needs to set their JAWS auto start options on their first startup after installing JAWS. Applies to JAWS Resolution These instructions assume that JAWS has just been installed and the system restarted. Set Start Up Wizard ...