What Are App Execution Aliases, and How Do You Use Them?
If you’re trying to open an app like Microsoft Paint in the Run Dialog and see an error message, it could be caused by your app aliases. But what exactly are App Execution Aliases, where do you find them, and how do you use them?
What Are App Execution Aliases?
An alias is an alternative name given to something. The most obvious example is the codename given to a spy or undercover agent. On Windows, aliases have nothing to do with spying. Instead, they are used for streamlining tasks, such as entering commands.
Windows 10 and 11 both allow aliases to be declared for some apps by default. The available apps vary but are often those commonly associated with command line tools. Giving an app an alias allows it to be executed using a shorter title rather than the full name or path.
App aliases can be used in severalWindows Command Line Interfaces(CLI), including the Run Dialog, Command Prompt, andPowerShell. If you use these tools with any regularity, app aliases can help to streamline entering commands.
How to Enable App Execution Aliases in Settings
it’s possible to enable and disable aliases for compatible apps in the main settings in both Windows 10 and 11. If more than one app uses the same alias name, you can choose which has the alias applied to it.
In Windows 11:
In Windows 10:
By default, in both Windows 10 and 11, you can only enable or disable existing app aliases. But if you don’t mind editing the Registry, you can create new aliases for many other apps.
Create App Execution Aliases in Registry Editor
Before editing or creating registry keys, it is advisable tocreate a full backup of the Windows Registry. Of course, you should also ensure you understand how to restore the Registry from that backup.
The process below for creating app execution aliases in the Registry Editor should be the same in both Windows 10 and 11.
you may now close the Registry Editor. The new App Execution Alias will now be available to use in the Windows CLIs.
Using and Creating App Execution Aliases
Entering commands into tools such as Command Prompt and PowerShell can be laborious. you’re able to streamline that process by enabling or creating aliases for apps that commonly feature in those commands. Why type out a full path to an executable file when you can point to it with a few keystrokes?
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