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AutoHotkey Text Expansion for Windows 11 and 10

Create safe AutoHotkey v2 hotstrings for reusable email replies, signatures and frequently typed phrases on Windows.

These examples use AutoHotkey v2 on Windows 11 or Windows 10. Copy a code sample into a UTF-8 text file, save it with the .ahk extension, and run it with the v2 interpreter. Check any script from an unfamiliar source before executing it.

Basic abbreviation

::addr::123 Example Street

Replace this sample text with your own address; keep sensitive credentials out of plain-text scripts.

Longer multiline expansion

::followup::{
    SendText "Thanks for the update.\nI will review this and reply shortly."
}

SendText sends literal text instead of interpreting special Send characters.

Disable case sensitivity only when useful

::btw::by the way

Test the abbreviation in the specific application where you plan to use it.

Limits and safety checks

Hotstrings work best for ordinary desktop fields. Some games, protected fields, remote desktop clients and apps using unusual input methods may not accept simulated text.

Frequently asked questions

Does this run on Windows 11?

Yes, AutoHotkey v2 supports Windows 11 and Windows 10 for desktop automation; individual apps can impose their own limitations.

Is AutoHotkey v1 syntax compatible with v2?

Not always. AutoHotkey v2 changes many commands and expressions; use v2 examples with the v2 interpreter.

More AutoHotkey resources

Download AutoHotkey v2 · AHK key names · Hotkey not working · Migrate v1 to v2