200 Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows) – Supercharge Your Productivity!
Hey there! Looking for ways to supercharge your productivity on Windows? Well, you’re in luck because I’ve got a powerhouse of shortcuts that’ll make your work easier and faster. Not only will these shortcuts save you time, but they’ll also boost your efficiency. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist their charm!
I’ve put together an amazing list of over 200 keyboard shortcuts for Windows. They’re neatly organized into different categories, so you can easily find the ones you need. And hey, if we happened to miss any shortcuts, feel free to leave a comment and let us know!
Contents
- 1 Discover Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
- 2 How to Access Control Panel in Windows 10 (7 Ways)
- 3 Windows Key Shortcuts
- 4 Keyboard Shortcuts for Dialog Boxes
- 5 Shortcuts for navigating File Explorer
- 6 Shortcuts for the taskbar
- 7 Shortcuts for easier access
- 8 Shortcuts for Remote Desktop Connection
- 9 Shortcuts for Navigating the Help Viewer
- 10 Shortcuts for Rearranging Apps on the Metro Screen
Discover Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows 11 is a fantastic operating system, but it might feel a little intimidating if you’re new to it. But hey, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with more helpful shortcuts. Just keep reading!
Here’s a Sneak Peek at What’s Inside:
- General Shortcuts – Get Things Done Faster!
- Windows Keys Shortcuts – Unlock Hidden Powers!
- Dialog Box Shortcuts – Navigate Like a Pro!
- File Explorer Shortcuts – Master Your Files!
I want to share with you some shortcuts that can make using your computer easier and faster. There are different types of shortcuts for various purposes. Here are some of them:
Taskbar Shortcuts
Ease of Access Shortcuts
Magnifier Shortcuts
Narrator Shortcuts
Remote Desktop Connection Shortcuts
Help Viewer Shortcuts
App Rearrangement Shortcuts (Metro)
Note: Some of the shortcuts given below may not work for versions below Windows 8.
Let’s start with the most common shortcuts that you’ll often use. They are pretty handy and can save you a lot of time:
F1: Display Help
F2: Rename the selected item
F3: Search for a file or folder
F4: Display the address bar list in File Explorer
F5: Refresh the active window
F6: Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
F10: Activate the Menu bar in the active app
ALT + F4: Close the active item, or exit the active app
ALT + ESC: Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened
ALT + underlined letter in menus and dialog box options: Perform the command for that letter
ALT + ENTER: Display properties for the selected item
ALT + SPACEBAR: Open the shortcut menu for the active window
ALT + LEFT ARROW: Back
ALT + RIGHT ARROW: Forward
ALT + PAGE UP: Move up one screen
ALT + PAGE DOWN: Move down one screen
ALT + TAB: Switch between open apps (except desktop apps)
CTRL + F4: Close the active document (in apps that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
CTRL + A: Select all items in a document or window
CTRL + C or CTRL + INSERT: Copy the selected item
CTRL + D / DELETE: DELETE the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin
CTRL + R or F5: Refresh the active window
CTRL + V or SHIFT + INSERT: Paste the selected item
CTRL + X: Cut the selected item
CTRL + Y: Redo an action
CTRL + Z: Undo an action
CTRL + + or CTRL + -: Zoom in or out of a large NUMBER of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen
CTRL + mouse scroll wheel: Change the size of desktop icons or zoom in or out of a large NUMBER of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen
CTRL + RIGHT ARROW: Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word
CTRL + LEFT ARROW: Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word
CTRL + DOWN ARROW: Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph
CTRL + UP ARROW: Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph
CTRL + ALT + TAB: Use the arrow keys to switch between all open apps
CTRL + ARROW + SPACEBAR: Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop
CTRL + SHIFT + ARROW: Select a block of text
CTRL + ESC: Open the Start screen
CTRL + SHIFT + ESC: Open Task Manager
CTRL + SHIFT: Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are available
CTRL + SPACEBAR: Turn the Chinese input method editor (IME) on or off
SHIFT + F10: Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
SHIFT + ARROW: Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document
SHIFT + DELETE: Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first
RIGHT ARROW: Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu
LEFT ARROW: Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu
ESC: Stop or leave the current task
These shortcuts can be really helpful and save you a lot of time. Try them out and see which ones work best for you. Happy computing!
How to Access Control Panel in Windows 10 (7 Ways)
It made me really mad when Microsoft got rid of the Control Panel shortcut from the Windows 10 power user menu. But don’t worry! There are still several ways to access the Control Panel in Windows 10.
Windows Key Shortcuts
Let’s take a look at some keyboard shortcuts that involve the Windows logo key. These shortcuts were introduced in Windows 8’s Metro UI and can be used in Windows 8 and above.
Win + F1 | Open Windows Help and support |
Win | Display or hide the Start screen |
Win + B | Set focus in the notification area |
Win + C | Open Charms |
Win + D | Display and hide the desktop |
Win + E | Open File Explorer |
Win + F | Open the Search charm and search for files |
Win + H | Open the Share charm |
Win + I | Open the Settings charm |
Win + K | Open the Devices charm |
Win + L | Lock your PC or switch users |
Win + M | Minimize all windows |
Win + O | Lock device orientation |
Win + P | Choose a presentation display mode |
Win + Q | Open the Search charm to search everywhere or within the open app (if the app supports app search) |
Win + R | Open the Run dialog box |
Win + S | Open the Search charm to search Windows and the web |
Win + T | Cycle through apps on the taskbar |
Win + U | Open Ease of Access Center |
Win + V | Cycle through notifications |
Win + SHIFT + V | Cycle through notifications in reverse order |
Win + W | Open the Search charm and search for settings |
Win + X | Open the Quick Link menu |
Win + Z | Show the commands available in the app |
Win + , | Temporarily peek at the desktop |
Win + PAUSE | Display the System Properties dialog box |
Win + CTRL + F | Search for PCs (if you’re on a network) |
Win + SHIFT + M | Restore minimized windows on the desktop |
Win + (NUMBER 1-9) | Open the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, it switches to that app. |
Win + SHIFT + (NUMBER 1-9) | Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
Win + CTRL + (NUMBER 1-9) | Open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
Win + ALT + (NUMBER 1-9) | Open the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
Win + CTRL + SHIFT + (NUMBER 1-9) | Open the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator |
Win + TAB | Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) |
Win + CTRL + TAB | Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) |
Win + SHIFT + TAB | Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order |
Win + CTRL + B | Switch to the app that displayed a message in the notification area |
Win + UP ARROW | Maximize the window |
Win + DOWN ARROW | Remove current app from the screen or minimize the desktop window |
Win + LEFT ARROW | Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen |
Win + RIGHT ARROW | Maximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen |
Win + HOME | Minimize all but the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke) |
Win + SHIFT + UP ARROW | Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen |
Win + SHIFT + DOWN ARROW | Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width |
Win + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW | Move an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another |
Win + SPACEBAR | Switch input language and keyboard layout |
Win + CTRL + SPACEBAR | Change to a previously selected input |
Win + ENTER | Open Narrator |
Win + SHIFT + . | Cycle through open apps |
Win + . | Cycle through open apps |
Win + / | Initiate IME reconversion |
Win + ALT + ENTER | Open Windows Media Center |
Win + +/- | Zoom in or out using Magnifier |
Win + ESC | Exit Magnifier |
Keyboard Shortcuts for Dialog Boxes
Hey there! I wanted to share some really cool keyboard shortcuts that you can use when working with dialog boxes. They’ll make your life a whole lot easier!
Press F1 | I’ll display helpful information for you. |
Press F4 | Want to see the items in the active list? Just press this. |
Press CTRL + TAB | I’ll help you move forward through the tabs. Easy peasy! |
Press CTRL + SHIFT + TAB | Need to go back through the tabs? No worries, I got you! |
Press CTRL + (NUMBER 1-9) | If you want to move to a specific tab, just press the corresponding number. |
Press TAB | No need to slow down. Just press TAB to move forward through the options. |
Press SHIFT + TAB | Oops! Went too far? Don’t worry, SHIFT + TAB will take you back through the options. |
Press ALT + underlined letter | If you see an underlined letter in a menu or dialog box, press ALT + that letter to perform the command or select the option. |
Press SPACEBAR | If the active option is a checkbox, just press SPACEBAR to select or clear it. Easy peasy! |
Press BACKSPACE | If you’re in the Save As or Open dialog box and you want to go up one level in the folder hierarchy, just press BACKSPACE. |
Use the ARROW keys | If the active option is a group of option buttons, you can use the ARROW keys to select a button. How cool is that? |
Here are some handy shortcuts you can use to easily move around and manage your files and folders in File Explorer.
To easily navigate and perform tasks in Windows, here are some helpful keyboard shortcuts:
– To select the address bar, press ALT + D.
– If you want to search something quickly, press CTRL + E to select the search box.
– CTRL + F also selects the search box, making it easier to find specific content.
– To open a new window, press CTRL + N.
– If you want to close the current window, simply press CTRL + W.
– Need to change the size and appearance of file and folder icons? CTRL + scroll wheel on your mouse will do the trick.
– To show all folders above the selected folder, press CTRL + SHIFT + E.
– To create a new folder, press CTRL + SHIFT + N.
– For displaying all subfolders beneath the selected folder, press NUM LOCK + *.
– To see the contents of the selected folder, press NUM LOCK + +.
– If you want to collapse the selected folder, press NUM LOCK + -.
– Want to see a preview of a file or folder? Just press ALT + P.
– To open the Properties dialog box for the selected item, press ALT + ENTER.
– To view the next folder, press ALT + RIGHT ARROW.
– To view the folder that the folder was in, press ALT + UP ARROW.
– To view the previous folder, press ALT + LEFT ARROW or BACKSPACE.
– If you want to display the current selection (if it’s collapsed) or select the first subfolder, press RIGHT ARROW.
– To collapse the current selection (if it’s expanded) or select the folder that the folder was in, press LEFT ARROW.
– If you want to go to the bottom of the active window, press END.
– To go to the top of the active window, press HOME.
– Lastly, if you want to maximize or minimize the active window, press F11.
These shortcuts will help you navigate and perform tasks more efficiently on your Windows computer.
Shortcuts for the taskbar
Did you know that there are some handy keyboard shortcuts you can use to navigate the taskbar on your desktop? Let me show you.
SHIFT + Click a taskbar button | This will open an app or quickly open another instance of an app. |
CTRL + SHIFT + Click a taskbar button | Want to run an app as an administrator? Just use this shortcut. |
SHIFT + Right-click a taskbar button | You can use this shortcut to show the window menu for the app. |
SHIFT + Right-click a grouped taskbar button | Show the window menu for the entire group of apps by using this shortcut. |
CTRL + Click a grouped taskbar button | Use this shortcut to cycle through the windows of the entire group. |
Shortcuts for easier access
Let me share a few keyboard shortcuts that will make using your computer a breeze.
You know those moments when you need to do something on your computer, but you just can’t figure out how to make it happen? Well, I’m here to help you out! Let me show you some nifty keyboard shortcuts that will make your life a whole lot easier.
Hold down the right Shift key for a full eight seconds, and something magical will happen. It’s called Filter Keys, and it lets you control how your keyboard inputs are recognized. Pretty cool, right?
Now, if you ever need to turn on or off High Contrast, just press Left Alt, Left Shift, and Print Screen all at the same time. It’s like flipping a switch for a whole new look!
Another handy shortcut is Left Alt, Left Shift, and Num Lock. This one is for Mouse Keys. It allows you to use your numeric keypad as a substitute for a traditional mouse. It definitely comes in handy when your mouse is on the fritz.
If you’re in the middle of a project and need to quickly enable or disable Sticky Keys, just press the Shift key five times. It’s so simple, yet so effective!
And if you ever find yourself in need of Toggle Keys, just press Num Lock for five whole seconds. This will allow your computer to play a sound whenever you press the Caps Lock, Num Lock, or Scroll Lock keys. It’s like having your own personal sound effects!
Last but not least, if you want to open the Ease of Access Center, just press the Windows key and the letter U at the same time. This will bring up a whole menu of accessibility options. It’s like a one-stop shop for making your computer work for you.
But wait, there’s more! If you want to use Magnifier, I’ve got some great shortcuts for you. Just sit back and let me walk you through it.
So there you have it – a handy guide to some keyboard shortcuts that will make your time on the computer a whole lot easier. I hope you find them as useful as I do. Happy computing!
I want to share some useful keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate and use the magnifier feature on your computer. These shortcuts are easy to remember and will make using your computer a breeze! So let’s get started.
To zoom in, simply press the Win key and the plus sign key at the same time. It’s as easy as that! Give it a try.
And if you need to zoom out, just press the Win key and the minus sign key together. This will make everything on your screen appear smaller. Amazing, right?
Sometimes, you might want to get a full-screen preview of your desktop. To do this, press the CTRL key, the ALT key, and the spacebar all at once. This will give you a clear view of your desktop in full-screen mode.
If you prefer to have your desktop in a docked mode, simply press CTRL, ALT, and the letter D. Your desktop will be neatly docked, making it easier to access your files and folders.
On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a completely immersive experience, switch to full-screen mode by pressing CTRL, ALT, and the letter F. Everything on your screen will be larger and more prominent, perfect for focusing on what matters.
Now, let’s talk about a cool feature called color inversion. To invert the colors on your screen, press CTRL, ALT, and the letter I. This can be handy if you have trouble reading certain texts or if you just want to change things up.
If you prefer a lens mode for magnification, press CTRL, ALT, and the letter L. This will activate a lens that follows your mouse cursor, making it easier to see the details you need.
To resize the lens, press CTRL, ALT, and the letter R. This will let you adjust the size of the lens to your preference, giving you more control over your magnification experience.
And if you need to pan in a specific direction, use the arrow keys while holding down CTRL, ALT, and the letter corresponding to the arrow direction. This will allow you to navigate through your screen with ease.
Finally, to exit the Magnifier feature, simply press the Win key and the ESC key at the same time. This will close the Magnifier and bring you back to your regular screen.
I hope these keyboard shortcuts make it easier for you to use the Magnifier feature on your computer. Whether you’re zooming in, changing modes, or inverting colors, these shortcuts will save you time and effort. Happy exploring!
When using this program, you can navigate and control it using several key commands. Here are the essential commands you need to know:
To activate the current item, simply press the SPACEBAR or ENTER.
To move around on the screen, use the TAB key along with the ARROW keys.
If you want to stop the program from reading, just press CTRL.
To read a specific item, use the combination of CAPS LOCK and D.
If you want the program to start reading, press CAPS LOCK and M.
For reading the whole document, you can press CAPS LOCK and H.
To have the program repeat a phrase, press CAPS LOCK and V.
If you want to read the entire window, press CAPS LOCK and W.
To adjust the voice volume, you can use CAPS LOCK along with PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN.
To increase or decrease the speed of the voice, use CAPS LOCK along with the +/- keys.
For executing the default action, press CAPS LOCK followed by the SPACEBAR.
To move to the previous or next item, use CAPS LOCK along with the LEFT or RIGHT ARROW keys.
If you want to see the commands related to the current item, press CAPS LOCK and F2.
Finally, if you want to exit the program, simply press CAPS LOCK along with ESC.
Shortcuts for Remote Desktop Connection
Hey there! I’ve got some handy keyboard shortcuts for you to use with remote desktop connection. They’ll make your life a whole lot easier!
ALT + PAGE UP | Move between apps, from left to right |
ALT + PAGE DOWN | Move between apps, from right to left |
ALT + INSERT | Go through apps in the order they were started |
ALT + HOME | Show the Start screen |
CTRL + ALT + BREAK | Switch between a window and full screen |
CTRL + ALT + END | Open the Windows Security dialog box |
CTRL + ALT + HOME | In full-screen mode, bring up the connection bar |
ALT + DELETE | Show the system menu |
CTRL + ALT + – | Copy the active window within the client and put it on the Terminal server clipboard (just like pressing ALT + PRINT SCREEN on your own computer) |
CTRL + ALT + + | Copy the entire client window area and put it on the Terminal server clipboard (similar to using Print Screen on your own computer) |
CTRL + ALT + RIGHT ARROW | Move the focus from the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host app (like a button or a text box). This comes in handy when the Remote Desktop controls are inside another (host) app. |
CTRL + ALT + LEFT ARROW | Move the focus from the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host app (like a button or a text box). This comes in handy when the Remote Desktop controls are inside another (host) app. |
Hey there! I’ve got some awesome keyboard shortcuts for you to use with the help viewer. They’ll make navigating through the help documentation a breeze!
When it comes to navigating through this content, there are a few key shortcuts that you can use. If you need to move the cursor to the search box, just press F3. To bring up the Options menu, press F10. You can easily jump to the beginning or end of a topic by using the HOME or END keys respectively.
If you want to go back to the previously viewed topic, press ALT + LEFT ARROW. To move forward to the next topic, use ALT + RIGHT ARROW. If you need to get back to the Help and support home page, press ALT + HOME. For the customer support page, press ALT + A. And if you want to view the table of contents, press ALT + C.
Don’t forget about the Connection Settings menu, which can be accessed by pressing ALT + N. And if you want to search within the current topic, simply press CTRL + F. To print a topic, press CTRL + P.
These shortcuts will help you navigate through the content more efficiently, making your experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Shortcuts for Rearranging Apps on the Metro Screen
Hey there! I’ve got some handy keyboard shortcuts that you can use to rearrange your apps on the Metro screen. It’s super easy! Just follow these steps:
- First, press and hold the Windows key. Keep it pressed down while you’re in the rearrange mode.
- Now, use these different commands to move and maximize your apps. Fun, right?
Shortcut | Action |
Win + . | Enter rearrange mode and select apps or dividers across monitors |
Win + LEFT ARROW | Move app divider to the left |
Win + RIGHT ARROW | Move app divider to the right |
Win + UP ARROW | Maximize the app |
Win + DOWN ARROW | Close the app |
Win + ESC | Exit rearrange mode |
So go ahead and give these shortcuts a try. They’ll make rearranging your apps a breeze. Enjoy!