Mastering Windows Keyboard Shortcuts: Boost Your Productivity and Efficiency

Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes

Keyboard shortcuts are a great way to increase your productivity and save time while using your computer. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the basics of Windows keyboard shortcuts, as well as some tips and tricks to help you use them more efficiently.

Step 1:

Get familiar with the Windows key The Windows key is a key on your keyboard that is often overlooked, but it’s essential for many Windows keyboard shortcuts. The key looks like the Windows logo, and it’s usually located on the bottom row of your keyboard, between the Ctrl and Alt keys.

Step 2:

Learn some basic Windows keyboard shortcuts Here are some basic Windows keyboard shortcuts that you can use to navigate your computer more efficiently:

Copy, paste, and other general keyboard shortcuts

Ctrl + XCut the selected item.
Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert)Copy the selected item.
Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert)Paste the selected item.
Ctrl + ZUndo an action.
Alt + TabSwitch between open apps.
Alt + F4Close the active item, or exit the active app.
Windows logo key  + LLock your PC.
Windows logo key  + DDisplay and hide the desktop.
F2Rename the selected item.
F3Search for a file or folder in File Explorer.
F4Display the address bar list in File Explorer.
F5Refresh the active window.
F6Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop.
F10Activate the Menu bar in the active app.
Alt + F8Show your password on the sign-in screen.
Alt + EscCycle through items in the order in which they were opened.
Alt + underlined letterPerform the command for that letter.
Alt + EnterDisplay properties for the selected item.
Alt + SpacebarOpen the shortcut menu for the active window.
Alt + Left arrowGo back.
Alt + Right arrowGo forward.
Alt + Page UpMove up one screen.
Alt + Page DownMove down one screen.
Ctrl + F4Close the active document (in apps that are full-screen and let you have multiple documents open at the same time).
Ctrl + ASelect all items in a document or window.
Ctrl + D (or Delete)Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin.
Ctrl + R (or F5)Refresh the active window.
Ctrl + YRedo an action.
Ctrl + Right arrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the next word.
Ctrl + Left arrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the previous word.
Ctrl + Down arrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph.
Ctrl + Up arrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph.
Ctrl + Alt + TabUse the arrow keys to switch between all open apps.
Alt + Shift + arrow keysWhen a group or tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it in the direction specified.
Ctrl + Shift + arrow keysWhen a tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it into another tile to create a folder.
Ctrl + arrow keysResize the Start menu when it’s open.
Ctrl + arrow key (to move to an item) + SpacebarSelect multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop.
Ctrl + Shift with an arrow keySelect a block of text.
Ctrl + EscOpen Start.
Ctrl + Shift + EscOpen Task Manager.
Ctrl + ShiftSwitch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are available.
Ctrl + SpacebarTurn the Chinese input method editor (IME) on or off.
Shift + F10Display the shortcut menu for the selected item.
Shift with any arrow keySelect more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document.
Shift + DeleteDelete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first.
Right arrowOpen the next menu to the right, or open a submenu.
Left arrowOpen the next menu to the left, or close a submenu.
EscStop or leave the current task.
PrtScnTake a screenshot of your whole screen and copy it to the clipboard. 

Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts

Windows logo keyOpen or close Start.
Windows logo key + AOpen Action center.
Windows logo key  + BSet focus in the notification area.
Windows logo key + COpen Cortana in listening mode.

Note: This shortcut is turned off by default. To turn it on, select Start  > Settings  > Cortana, and turn on the toggle under Let Cortana listen for my commands when I press the Windows logo key + C.
Windows logo key + Shift + COpen the charms menu.
Windows logo key + DDisplay and hide the desktop.
Windows logo key + Alt + DDisplay and hide the date and time on the desktop.
Windows logo key + EOpen File Explorer.
Windows logo key + FOpen Feedback Hub and take a screenshot.
Windows logo key + GOpen Game bar when a game is open.
Windows logo key  + Alt + BTurn HDR on or off.
Note: Applies to the Xbox Game Bar app version 5.721.7292.0 or newer. To update your Xbox Game Bar, go to the Microsoft Store app and check for updates.
Windows logo key + HStart dictation.
Windows logo key  + IOpen Settings.
Windows logo key + JSet focus to a Windows tip when one is available.

When a Windows tip appears, bring focus to the Tip.  Pressing the keyboard shortcuts again to bring focus to the element on the screen to which the Windows tip is anchored.
Windows logo key + KOpen the Connect quick action.
Windows logo key + LLock your PC or switch accounts.
Windows logo key + MMinimize all windows.
Windows logo key + OLock device orientation.
Windows logo key + PChoose a presentation display mode.
Windows logo key  + Ctrl + QOpen Quick Assist.
Windows logo key + ROpen the Run dialog box.
Windows logo key + SOpen search.
Windows logo key + Shift + STake a screenshot of part of  your screen.
Windows logo key + TCycle through apps on the taskbar.
Windows logo key + UOpen Ease of Access Center.
Windows logo key + VOpen the clipboard. 
Note: To activate this shortcut, select Start  > Settings  > System  Clipboard, and turn on the toggle under Clipboard history.
Windows logo key + Shift + VCycle through notifications.
Windows logo key + XOpen the Quick Link menu.
Windows logo key  + YSwitch input between Windows Mixed Reality and your desktop.
Windows logo key + ZShow the commands available in an app in full-screen mode.
Windows logo key  + period (.) or semicolon (;)Open emoji panel.
Windows logo key + comma (,)Temporarily peek at the desktop.
Windows logo key + PauseDisplay the System Properties dialog box.
Windows logo key + Ctrl + FSearch for PCs (if you’re on a network).
Windows logo key + Shift + MRestore minimized windows on the desktop.
Windows logo key + numberOpen the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app.
Windows logo key + Shift + numberOpen the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Windows logo key + Ctrl + numberOpen the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Windows logo key + Alt + numberOpen the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + numberOpen the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator.
Windows logo key + TabOpen Task view.
Windows logo key + Up arrowMaximize the window.
Windows logo key + Down arrowRemove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window.
Windows logo key + Left arrowMaximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen.
Windows logo key + Right arrowMaximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen.
Windows logo key + HomeMinimize all except the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke).
Windows logo key + Shift + Up arrowStretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen.
Windows logo key + Shift + Down arrowRestore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width.
Windows logo key + Shift + Left arrow or Right arrowMove an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another.
Windows logo key + SpacebarSwitch input language and keyboard layout.
Windows logo key + Ctrl + SpacebarChange to a previously selected input.
Windows logo key + Ctrl + EnterTurn on Narrator.
Windows logo key  + Plus (+)Open Magnifier.
Windows logo key + forward slash (/)Begin IME reconversion.
Windows logo key  + Ctrl + VOpen shoulder taps.
Windows logo key  + Ctrl + Shift + BWake PC from blank or black screen.
Windows logo key  + Alt + Enter (on taskbar item focus)Open taskbar settings.

Command Prompt keyboard shortcuts

Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert)Copy the selected text.
Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert)Paste the selected text.
Ctrl + MEnter Mark mode.
Alt + selection keyBegin selection in block mode.
Arrow keysMove the cursor in the direction specified.
Page upMove the cursor by one page up.
Page downMove the cursor by one page down.
Ctrl + Home (Mark mode)Move the cursor to the beginning of the buffer.
Ctrl + End (Mark mode)Move the cursor to the end of the buffer.
Ctrl + Up arrowMove up one line in the output history.
Ctrl + Down arrowMove down one line in the output history.
Ctrl + Home (History navigation)If the command line is empty, move the viewport to the top of the buffer. Otherwise, delete all the characters to the left of the cursor in the command line.
Ctrl + End (History navigation)If the command line is empty, move the viewport to the command line. Otherwise, delete all the characters to the right of the cursor in the command line.

Dialog box keyboard shortcuts

F4Display the items in the active list.
Ctrl + TabMove forward through tabs.
Ctrl + Shift + TabMove back through tabs.
Ctrl + number (number 1–9)Move to nth tab.
TabMove forward through options.
Shift + TabMove back through options.
Alt + underlined letterPerform the command (or select the option) that is used with that letter.
SpacebarSelect or clear the check box if the active option is a check box.
BackspaceOpen a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box.
Arrow keysSelect a button if the active option is a group of option buttons.

File Explorer keyboard shortcuts

Alt + DSelect the address bar.
Ctrl + ESelect the search box.
Ctrl + FSelect the search box.
Ctrl + NOpen a new window.
Ctrl + WClose the active window.
Ctrl + mouse scroll wheelChange the size and appearance of file and folder icons.
Ctrl + Shift + EDisplay all folders above the selected folder.
Ctrl + Shift + NCreate a new folder.
Num Lock + asterisk (*)Display all subfolders under the selected folder.
Num Lock + plus (+)Display the contents of the selected folder.
Num Lock + minus (-)Collapse the selected folder.
Alt + PDisplay the preview panel.
Alt + EnterOpen the Properties dialog box for the selected item.
Alt + Right arrowView the next folder.
Alt + Up arrowView the folder that the folder was in.
Alt + Left arrowView the previous folder.
BackspaceView the previous folder.
Right arrowDisplay the current selection (if it’s collapsed), or select the first subfolder.
Left arrowCollapse the current selection (if it’s expanded), or select the folder that the folder was in.
EndDisplay the bottom of the active window.
HomeDisplay the top of the active window.
F11Maximize or minimize the active window.

Virtual desktops keyboard shortcuts

Windows logo key  + TabOpen Task view.
Windows logo key  + Ctrl + DAdd a virtual desktop.
Windows logo key  + Ctrl + Right arrowSwitch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the right.
Windows logo key  + Ctrl + Left arrowSwitch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the left.
Windows logo key  + Ctrl + F4Close the virtual desktop you’re using.

Taskbar keyboard shortcuts

Shift + click a taskbar buttonOpen an app or quickly open another instance of an app.
Ctrl + Shift + click a taskbar buttonOpen an app as an administrator.
Shift + right-click a taskbar buttonShow the window menu for the app.
Shift + right-click a grouped taskbar buttonShow the window menu for the group.
Ctrl + click a grouped taskbar buttonCycle through the windows of the group.

Settings keyboard shortcuts

Windows logo key  + IOpen settings.
BackspaceGo back to the settings home page.
Type on any page with search boxSearch settings.

Step 3:

Customize your own Windows keyboard shortcuts You can also create your own custom keyboard shortcuts for Windows functions or third-party applications. Here’s how:

  • Right-click on the shortcut or program icon that you want to assign a keyboard shortcut to.
  • Click on “Properties”.
  • Click on the “Shortcut” tab.
  • Click on the “Shortcut key” field and press the key or key combination that you want to assign to the shortcut.
  • Click on “Apply” and then “OK” to save your changes.

Step 4:

Use third-party tools to learn and customize Windows keyboard shortcuts There are many third-party tools available that can help you learn and customize Windows keyboard shortcuts. Here are some examples:

  • Shortcut Mapper: This tool lets you view and customize the keyboard shortcuts for any program on your computer.
  • AutoHotkey: This tool allows you to create your own keyboard shortcuts for Windows functions or third-party applications.
  • SharpKeys: This tool lets you remap keys on your keyboard to different functions or keystrokes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Windows keyboard shortcuts are a powerful tool that can help you navigate your computer more efficiently and save time. With the help of this tutorial, you should now have a basic understanding of how to use Windows keyboard shortcuts. Remember to practice regularly and seek out additional resources and support as needed.

But before we end, I do understand that learning new things can be challenging. However, I encourage you to keep going, even if it feels difficult at first. With practice and determination, you will become a Windows keyboard shortcut master in no time! And remember that every mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Good luck!

Tags:

Keywords: Windows, Keyboard Shortcuts, Productivity, Efficiency, Tips, Tricks, Computer, Software, Time-saving

Tags: Windows, Keyboard Shortcuts, Productivity, Efficiency, Tips, Tricks, Computer, Software, Time-saving, Windows 10, Windows 11, Microsoft

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