How to set HotKey system-wide in C#

Question

In AutoIt v3 there's a function called HotKeySet. It sets a hotkey that calls a user function when pressed. It's a system wide hotkey, meaning that the key can't be used for anything else when the hotkey is set.

Basically, I would like to catch Esc or any other key like $, `, etc. and when the user presses it anywhere, even outside of the application, it should let me know.

For example, I would do like HotKeySet({ESC}) inside a loop and when it's done, the program would wait for that key to be pressed before.

public static void work() {
    while (true) {
        string task = null;
        lock (locker)
            if (tasks.Count > 0) {
                task = tasks.Dequeue();
                if (task == null) {
                    return;
                }
            }
        if (task != null) {
            //MessageBox.Show("Performing task: " + task);
            Program.mainAnnounceWindow.setLogTextBox(task);
            Program.mainAnnounceWindow.setLogTrayTip(task);
            Program.windowStateChange("Show");

            // Set the hotkey here
            SetHotkey(`);

            //Wait for hotkey to press when it's pressed... Execute some stuff
            Thread.Sleep(5000); // Simulate work...
            Program.windowStateChange("Hide");
        }
        else {
            wh.WaitOne(); // No more tasks - wait for a signal
        }
    }
}

Answer 1

I think you need to setup a system hook...

Here is an example: http://www.axino.net/tutorial/2009/02/keylogger-in-c-introduction

Answer 2

You need to take a look at RegisterHotKey in user32.dll. There a good example at pinvoke.net, RegisterHotKey (user32).