When you need to create a new e-mail, there are generally a number of steps involved to get to the compose screen — but by using this tip, you can simplify it into a single shortcut.

All you need to do is create a new shortcut with mailto: in the location field, and Windows will create a new email message using whatever your default mail client is.

1. Right click on your desktop.
   
   
   
   
2. Select New - Shortcut.
   
   
3. In the Create Shortcut dialog, enter mailto: as the location:
   
   
   
   
4. Click on Next to proceed.
   
   
5. Type a name for this shortcut, e.g. New Mail:
   
   
   
   
6. Click on Finish to create the shortcut on your desktop.
   
   
   
   
7. Once you have the shortcut created, you can assign a hotkey to it under the properties dialog.