GLOBAL WINDOWS SHORTCUTS
What Are Computer Shortcuts?
Computer shortcuts, also known as keyboard shortcuts, are special combinations of keys on a keyboard that allow users to perform tasks quickly and efficiently without using a mouse.
Instead of clicking through menus or options on the screen, a user can press certain keys together to carry out commands instantly.
Shortcuts help save time, reduce effort, and improve productivity when using a computer.
Purpose of Computer Shortcuts
The main purpose of computer shortcuts is to make computer work faster, easier, and more convenient.
They are especially useful for tasks that are done repeatedly, such as copying text, saving files, or switching between programs.
By using shortcuts, users can work more smoothly and with fewer interruptions.
Windows Key Shortcuts
Shortcut Action
Win Open Start Menu
Win + A Open Quick Settings / Action Center
Win + B Focus on System Tray
Win + C Open Copilot / Cortana (version-dependent)
Win + D Show/Hide Desktop
Win + E Open File Explorer
Win + F Open Feedback Hub
Win + G Open Xbox Game Bar
Win + H Dictation
Win + I Open Settings
Win + K Open Cast panel
Win + L Lock PC
Win + M Minimize all windows
Win + Shift + M Restore minimized windows
Win + N Notification Center
Win + O Lock device orientation
Win + P Project/Display options
Win + R Run dialog
Win + S Search
Win + T Cycle through taskbar apps
Win + U Accessibility settings
Win + V Clipboard history
Win + X Power User Menu (Quick Link menu)
Win + Y Focus between desktop & Mixed Reality
Win + Z Snap layout menu
Win + . or Win + ; Emoji / symbols panel
Win + , Peek at desktop
Win + Space Change keyboard language/layout
Win + Shift + S Snip & Sketch (Screenshot tool)
Win + Shift + V Cycle notification banners
Win + Esc Exit Magnifier
WINDOW MANAGEMENT SHORTCUTS
Shortcut Action
Alt + Tab Switch between windows
Shift + Alt + Tab Reverse window switching
Ctrl + Alt + Tab Keep task switcher open
Win + Tab Task View
Win + Left / Right Arrow Snap window left/right
Win + Up Arrow Maximize window
Win + Down Arrow Minimize/restore window
Win + Ctrl + D Create new virtual desktop
Win + Ctrl + ← / → Switch virtual desktops
Win + Ctrl + F4 Close virtual desktop
Win + Home Minimize all except active window
Alt + F4 Close active window / Shut down (on desktop)
Alt + Space Window menu (move/resize)
FILE EXPLORER SHORTCUTS
Shortcut Action
Win + E Open File Explorer
Alt + Up Go to parent folder
Alt + Left / Right Back/Forward navigation
Ctrl + L Focus address bar
Ctrl + Shift + N New folder
Ctrl + Shift + E Expand all folders in Navigator
Ctrl + W Close Explorer window
F2 Rename selected item
F3 / Ctrl + F Search
Ctrl + N New Explorer window
Ctrl + Mouse Scroll Change folder view size
F5 Refresh
Alt + Enter File properties
TEXT EDITING SHORTCUTS (Works in all apps)
Shortcut Action
Ctrl + A Select all
Ctrl + C Copy
Ctrl + X Cut
Ctrl + V Paste
Ctrl + Z Undo
Ctrl + Y Redo
Ctrl + Shift + V Paste without formatting
Ctrl + B/I/U Bold / Italic / Underline
Home / End Move to line start/end
Ctrl + Home / End Move to top/bottom of document
WEB BROWSER SHORTCUTS (Chrome/Edge/Firefox)
Shortcut Action
Ctrl + T New tab
Ctrl + W Close tab
Ctrl + Shift + T Reopen closed tab
Ctrl + Tab Next tab
Ctrl + Shift + Tab Previous tab
Ctrl + L Focus address bar
Ctrl + J Downloads
Ctrl + H History
Ctrl + D Bookmark page
F11 Fullscreen
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