diff --git a/libs/cua-driver-rs/crates/platform-windows/src/tools/impl_.rs b/libs/cua-driver-rs/crates/platform-windows/src/tools/impl_.rs
index 8242ba4fea..4c3dcb5eff 100644
--- a/libs/cua-driver-rs/crates/platform-windows/src/tools/impl_.rs
+++ b/libs/cua-driver-rs/crates/platform-windows/src/tools/impl_.rs
@@ -1588,12 +1588,15 @@ impl Tool for HotkeyTool {
                 )),
                 Ok(Ok((false, scanned))) => ToolResult::error(format!(
                     "hotkey on a modern XAML / UWP target (pid {raw_pid}, hwnd {hwnd}) \
-                     could not find a descendant UIA AcceleratorKey matching \
-                     `{key_display_for_result}` (scanned {scanned} element(s)). \
+                     could not find a UIA AcceleratorKey or `(Ctrl+X)`-style name hint \
+                     matching `{key_display_for_result}` (scanned {scanned} element(s)). \
                      PostMessage WM_KEYDOWN/UP is ignored by this target's input pipeline. \
-                     Call `get_window_state(pid={raw_pid}, window_id={hwnd})` to inspect \
-                     available UIA actions, then use an exposed accelerator or invoke/click \
-                     the matching element."
+                     Common cause: the action is nested behind a closed menu (e.g. modern \
+                     Notepad's Save under the File menu) — its element isn't in the visible \
+                     subtree until the menu is opened. Call \
+                     `get_window_state(pid={raw_pid}, window_id={hwnd})` to inspect available \
+                     UIA actions, then use an exposed accelerator or `click` the matching \
+                     element directly."
                 )),
                 Ok(Err(e)) => ToolResult::error(format!("hotkey (UIA path): {e}")),
                 Err(e) => ToolResult::error(format!("Task error: {e}")),