When using a simple keyboard that lacks multimedia keys, here’s a solution for Windows systems that add custom key mappings that in turn generate simulated multimedia key presses. Any application that supports multimedia keys won’t know the difference.
- Install AutoHotkey.
- Create multimedia_keys.ahk file containing:
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#Numpad4::Send {Media_Prev} #Numpad5::Send {Media_Play_Pause} #Numpad6::Send {Media_Next} #NumpadDot::Send {Media_Stop} #Numpad8::Send {Volume_Up} #Numpad2::Send {Volume_Down} #Numpad0::Send {Volume_Mute} |
Double click multimedia_keys.ahk to activate it immediately. Test it out by pressing WindowsKey+NumPad8 to turn up volume.
To activate the AutoHotKey mapping every time you login:
- Create a shortcut to multimedia_keys.ahk
- Click Start -> Run and type “shell:startup” and hit enter.
- Move the shortcut created in step one to this startup folder