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@roryokane
Created August 26, 2013 21:19
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AutoHotkey script to fix Ctrl+Backspace (delete previous word) in File Explorer and Notepad
; how to write scripts: http://www.autohotkey.com/docs/
#IfWinActive ahk_class CabinetWClass ; File Explorer
^Backspace::
#IfWinActive ahk_class Notepad
^Backspace::
Send ^+{Left}{Backspace}
#IfWinActive
; source and context: http://superuser.com/a/636973/124606
; relevant documentation links:
; writing hotkeys
; http://www.autohotkey.com/docs/Hotkeys.htm
; list of key codes (including Backspace)
; http://www.autohotkey.com/docs/KeyList.htm
; the #IfWinActive directive
; http://www.autohotkey.com/docs/commands/_IfWinActive.htm
; the Send command
; http://www.autohotkey.com/docs/commands/Send.htm
@nulano
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nulano commented Feb 21, 2014

This should be added after line 4 to add support for the windows desktop:

#IfWinActive ahk_class Progman ; Desktop
    ^Backspace::

@iwconfig
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iwconfig commented Oct 7, 2018

Why not just match the exe instead of class with ahk_exe explorer.exe for both file explorer and windows desktop? This catches both of them.

#NoEnv
#SingleInstance force
SendMode Input

#IfWinActive ahk_class Notepad ahk_exe notepad.exe
    ^BS:: send ^+{left}{del}
#IfWinActive ahk_exe explorer.exe
    ^BS::

Also, is it really necessary to turn off context sensitivity? Line 8 that is. The script ends after that anyway.

@Unknow0059
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Unknow0059 commented Aug 24, 2019

Why not just match the exe instead of class with ahk_exe explorer.exe for both file explorer and windows desktop? This catches both of them.

You're right. This can be done in three lines. Also, Notepad.exe now supports word deletion.

@CT-66
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CT-66 commented Oct 16, 2021

#IfWinActive ahk_class CabinetWClass
	^Backspace::Send ^+{Left}{Backspace}
#IfWinActive

We can use this instead, right?

@lihuelworks
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I don't think we could use CabinetWClass for everything. As this post says, some windows are classified with ExplorerWClass (mainly the ones with the explorer navigation panel open)

@coezbek
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coezbek commented May 16, 2022

@lihuelworks What update to the script are you suggesting?

@Zain-Sajjad
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I am runnnig the script but nothing is happening.

@JuaniElias
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JuaniElias commented May 3, 2023

I've updated this for AHK v2

; Ctrl + Backspace works in File Explorer and Desktop
#HotIf WinActive("ahk_exe explorer.exe")
^BS::Send("^+{Left}{Del}")
#HotIf

This seems to work fine for now

@lihuelworks
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I've updated this for AHK v2

; Ctrl + Backspace works in File Explorer and Desktop
#HotIf WinActive("ahk_exe explorer.exe")
^BS::Send("^+{Left}{Del}")

This seems to work fine for now

Can't react but works like a charm, thank you 🙌🏻🙌🏻

@NathanDai5287
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Syntax for Autohotkey v2

#HotIf WinActive("ahk_exe explorer.exe")
^BS::Send("^+{Left}{Del}")
#HotIf

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