WPF Application that Listens for Commands Even When not the Active Application

Question

I would like to configure a WPF application to function in a similar way to SlickRun. I would like to be able to minimize the application to the taskbar, then while in any other program, press a key command (ex: ALT + X) and have my application appear to the user.

Can someone point me in the right direction?

Answer 1

Your best bet is to use RegisterHotKey(). That works by sending the WM_HOTKEY message to the HWND you passed in. Since WPF doesn't expose its windows' message loop to developers, you'll probably need to get your hands dirty with some interop and create a message only window to receive the hot key messages.