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HotkeyScan is a free, open-source Windows app that finds which program is holding a key combination.
Windows refuses a shortcut that is already taken and never says who took it. HotkeyScan collects what can be known, in four layers, most certain first: a kernel RegisterHotKey probe; the table of shortcuts Windows reserves for itself; the hotkeys PowerToys, ShareX, OBS and AutoHotkey declare in their settings; and a live press test that runs only if you ask for it. The verdict keeps each layer on its own line and says which one spoke; when the owner cannot be seen, it says unknown and does not guess.
Scan them all sweeps 761 combinations and can keep only the ones held by an owner Windows will not name. A separate Key monitor shows one key three ways (raw input, window messages, hook chain), to tell a faulty key from a program swallowing it.
One 64-bit .exe with the .NET runtime inside: nothing to install, no administrator rights. MIT licence, no ads, no telemetry.
Features
- Four layers of evidence, most certain first
- Kernel RegisterHotKey probe: proves a combination is taken
- Reads the hotkeys PowerToys, ShareX, OBS and AutoHotkey declare
- Opt-in press test that watches what answers
- Sweeps 761 combinations in one pass
- Key monitor: raw input, window messages and hook chain for one key
- One .exe, .NET included, no administrator rights
Project Samples
