Notifications, questions and speech
Show a toast, ask a question with buttons, speak text or play a sound, so a routine can keep you in the loop.
Steps (11)
Ask for input
Ask for input pops up a question with a text box and waits for your answer. Use it when a routine needs something only you know, like a project name, a note, or a search term.
Ask with buttons
Ask with buttons shows a Windows notification with up to three buttons and waits for a click. It's the lightest way to let a routine ask you something, even while you're in a game.
Show banner
Show banner puts a large text message on screen for a set time. Unlike a Windows notification, it still shows when a borderless full-screen app is in front, and it never takes the mouse or keyboard.
Add to bell
Add to bell writes a silent entry into KeyRoutines' bell, the list of notices in the app. Nothing pops up and nothing plays, so it's the polite way for a routine to report back.
Choose from a list
Choose from a list shows a question with a list of answers and waits for you to pick one. It lets one routine cover several variations, such as different projects, games or layouts.
Ask Yes or No
Ask Yes or No asks a simple question and waits for an answer. It's the safety catch before steps you don't always want, like closing apps or shutting down.
Show progress
Show progress puts a progress bar on screen for a routine that takes a while. Later steps can update it with a new line of text or a new percentage, then close it.
Play sound
Play sound plays one of Windows' own sounds or a sound file you choose. It's a quick audible cue that a routine finished, started, or needs you.
Speak text
Speak text reads a sentence aloud using a voice installed in Windows. It's ideal for updates you want to hear rather than see, like "Stream is live" in your headset.
Show notification
Show notification pops up a regular Windows notification from KeyRoutines and copies it to the bell. A typical use is the last step of a setup routine, like telling you a game is ready.
Quiet mode
Quiet mode turns KeyRoutines' own quiet mode on, off, or the other way round. It's made for Gaming Mode and focus routines, so KeyRoutines doesn't pop up while you're busy.
How-to guides
- How to switch audio output with a hotkey on Windows 11
- How to switch to your headset automatically when it connects
- How to mute your microphone with a hotkey on Windows 11
- How to mute Discord automatically when a Zoom or Teams call starts
- How to save and restore your window layout with a hotkey
- How to get an alert when a window's title changes
- How to close all open apps except a few with one click
- How to reopen an app automatically when it closes or crashes
- How to turn HDR on and off with a hotkey on Windows 11
- How to launch a game and set up Discord, OBS and guides at once
Build this routine in KeyRoutines
Free from the Microsoft Store for Windows 11 and 10. Pro is a one-time upgrade.