AutoHotkey script to fix Ctrl+Backspace (delete previous word) in File Explorer and Notepad

FixCtrlBackspace.ahk

; 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

This code was created for my answer to “Ctrl+Backspace inserts a small box instead of erasing” on Super User

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

#IfWinActive ahk_class Progman ; Desktop
    ^Backspace::

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.

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.

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

We can use this instead, right?

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)

@lihuelworks What update to the script are you suggesting?

I am runnnig the script but nothing is happening.

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

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 🙌🏻🙌🏻