How To Open Google Chrome With Keyboard Shortcut Key in Windows 11 [2026 Guide]

I’m going to teach you how to open Google Chrome using a keyboard shortcut key in Windows 11. If you want to speed up your workflow or prefer using keyboard shortcuts, I’ll guide you through the process step by step. I cover two straightforward methods to open Chrome instantly without having to reach for your mouse.

Both methods are quick and reliable. Pick the one that fits your routine or switch between them as needed. Practice a couple of times and you’ll open Chrome with just a few keys.

Taskbar shortcut

Pin Google Chrome to your taskbar.

Find the Chrome icon on your desktop or in the Start menu.

Right-click the Chrome icon and select Pin to taskbar.

Take note of the exact position of the Chrome icon on your taskbar.

Taskbar icons are numbered from left to right, starting with 1.

If Chrome is the first icon from the left, its number is 1.

Press the Windows key and the number that matches Chrome’s position on the taskbar.

If Chrome is number 1, press Windows key + 1 and Chrome opens right up.

If the Apps button is missing inside Chrome, you can quickly restore it with this guide: fix the Apps shortcut icon in Chrome.

Run command (2026 guide)

Start Chrome using the Run command.

Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.

Type the command below and run it.

chrome

Press Enter or click OK in the dialog box.

Google Chrome opens almost instantly.

If Chrome opens to a blank or white window in Windows, troubleshoot it here: fix Chrome white screen on Windows.

Final thoughts

With these two methods, choose the one that works best for you or switch based on preference. Both are quick ways to make opening Chrome a natural part of your workflow. These shortcuts save time and make navigation faster and more efficient.

If you often work with local content, you can also open folders and files directly in Chrome for quick access.