Why Use Windows Keyboard Shortcuts?
Using keyboard shortcuts reduces your reliance on the mouse, enabling you to navigate, manage files, and perform tasks more efficiently. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you can save time and reduce repetitive strain on your hands.
Here are some essential Windows keyboard shortcuts to boost your productivity with these handy shortcuts
General Shortcuts
These keyboard shortcuts are universal across most Windows applications and are great for everyday tasks:
| Ctrl + C | Copy selected item(s) to the clipboard |
| Ctrl + X | Cut selected item(s) to the clipboard |
| Ctrl + V | Paste item(s) from the clipboard |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo the last action |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo the last action |
| Ctrl + A | Select all items in a document or window |
| Ctrl + S | Save the current document or file |
| Ctrl + N | Open a new window or document |
| Ctrl + F | Open the “Find” window to search for text |
| Ctrl + P | Print the current document |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open windows or applications |
| Alt + F4 | Close the active window or application |
| Ctrl + Alt + Del | Open the security options menu |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager directly |
Taskbar Shortcuts
Quickly manage your desktop and applications using these keyboard shortcuts:
| Windows Key + E | Open file explorer |
| Windows Key + D | Show or hide the desktop |
| Windows Key + Tab | Open Task View to switch between open windows |
| Windows Key + R | Open the Run dialog box |
| Windows Key + M | Minimise all windows |
| Windows Key + Shift + M | Restore minimised windows |
| Windows Key + L | Lock your computer to ensure security |
| Windows Key + T | Cycle through taskbar applications |
| Windows Key + Number (1-9) | Open corresponding app pinned to the taskbar based on its position |
Virtual Desktop Shortcuts
Take advantage of Windows’ virtual desktop feature for improved multitasking using these keyboard shortcuts:
| Windows Key + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
| Windows Key + Ctrl + F4 | Close the current virtual desktop |
| windows Key + Ctrl + ⬅️/ ➡️ | Switch between virtual desktops |
Accessibility Shortcuts
These keyboard shortcuts enhance accessibility and ease of use:
| Windows Key + U | Open the Accessibility settings. |
| Windows Key + + (Plus) | Open the Magnifier to zoom in |
| Windows Key + – (Minus) | Zoom out using the Magnifier |
| Windows Key + Enter | Open the Narrator |
| Windows Key + Ctrl + C | Turn colour filters on or off |
| Shift + 5 (Num Lock) | Enable/disable Mouse Keys for moving the cursor with the numeric keypad. |
Browser Shortcuts
Boost your browsing experience with these keyboard shortcuts:
| Ctrl + T | Open a new tab |
| Ctrl + W | Close the current tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + T | Reopen the last closed tab |
| Ctrl + Tab | Switch to the next tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + Tab | Switch to the previous tab |
| Ctrl + L | Focus the address bar |
| F11 | Enter or exit full-screen mode |
Advanced System Commands
Use these keyboard shortcuts for system-level tasks:
| Windows Key + Pause/Break | Open the System Properties window |
| Windows Key + I | Open the Settings menu |
| Windows Key + X | Open the Quick Link menu (right-click Start menu) |
| Windows Key + Shift + S | Take a screenshot of a selected area using the Snipping Tool |
| Windows Key + P | Switch display modes (e.g., duplicate, extend, or second screen only) |
| Windows Key + Space | Switch input language or keyboard layout |
Start small—pick a few keyboard shortcuts to learn each week. Once they become second nature, add more to your repertoire. With practice, you’ll wonder how you ever worked without them!
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