In today’s fast-paced digital world, efficiency is key. Every second saved on repetitive tasks can add up to hours over time. One of the most overlooked tools for improving productivity is Windows keyboard shortcuts. These simple combinations of keys allow you to perform tasks faster, navigate your system with ease, and manage files and applications more efficiently. Whether you’re a student, professional, gamer, or casual user, mastering these shortcuts can transform the way you interact with your computer.
Windows keyboard shortcuts are designed to minimize mouse usage, reduce repetitive actions, and streamline your workflow. While it may seem daunting to remember dozens or even hundreds of shortcuts, learning them gradually and practicing them regularly can lead to long-term benefits. In this guide, we will explore over 200 Windows keyboard shortcuts, organized by category, along with examples and tips to make them second nature.
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Table of Contents
Types of Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that allow you to perform tasks quickly without using a mouse. They can be broadly categorized based on their functionality. Here’s a detailed 14 types of breakdown:
Basic Keyboard Shortcuts
These basic Windows keyboard shortcuts help you navigate, edit, and manage tasks efficiently. Learning them can significantly speed up your workflow.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl + C | Copy | Copies the selected item(s) to the clipboard |
| Ctrl + X | Cut | Cuts the selected item(s) to move elsewhere |
| Ctrl + V | Paste | Pastes the copied or cut item(s) |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo | Reverts the last action |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo | Re-applies the last undone action |
| Ctrl + A | Select All | Selects all items in a document or window |
| Alt + F4 | Close Window | Closes the current window or application |
| Alt + Tab | Switch Apps | Switches between open applications |
| Ctrl + Esc | Open Start Menu | Opens the Windows Start menu |
| Windows Key (⊞ Win) | Open Start Menu | Opens the Windows Start menu quickly |
Mastering these shortcuts allows for faster navigation and easier task management in Windows. They are the most commonly used shortcuts for day-to-day operation
File Explorer Shortcuts
File Explorer shortcuts make managing files and folders faster and more efficient. They help you navigate, organize, and access files without relying heavily on the mouse.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Windows + E | Open File Explorer | Opens a new File Explorer window |
| Alt + Enter | Properties | Opens the Properties window for the selected file/folder |
| F2 | Rename | Renames the selected file or folder |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | New Folder | Creates a new folder in the current location |
| Ctrl + Shift + E | Expand Navigation | Expands all folders in the navigation pane |
| Alt + Left Arrow | Go Back | Moves back to the previous folder |
| Alt + Right Arrow | Go Forward | Moves forward to the next folder |
| Alt + Up Arrow | Go Up | Moves up one folder level |
| Ctrl + W | Close Window | Closes the current File Explorer window |
| Ctrl + Mouse Scroll | Zoom | Changes the icon size in File Explorer |
These File Explorer shortcuts simplify file navigation, folder management, and organization, making everyday tasks quicker and more intuitive.
Desktop and Window Management
Desktop and Window Management shortcuts help you organize and control open windows, switch between apps, and manage your desktop efficiently. They are essential for multitasking.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Windows + D | Show Desktop | Minimizes all windows to show the desktop; press again to restore |
| Windows + M | Minimize All | Minimizes all open windows |
| Windows + Shift + M | Restore Windows | Restores minimized windows |
| Windows + ↑ (Up Arrow) | Maximize Window | Maximizes the current window |
| Windows + ↓ (Down Arrow) | Minimize/Restore | Minimizes or restores the current window |
| Windows + ← (Left Arrow) | Snap Left | Snaps the current window to the left half of the screen |
| Windows + → (Right Arrow) | Snap Right | Snaps the current window to the right half of the screen |
| Alt + Tab | Switch Apps | Switch between open apps quickly |
| Windows + Tab | Task View | Opens Task View to see all open windows and virtual desktops |
| Ctrl + Windows + D | New Virtual Desktop | Creates a new virtual desktop for multitasking |
Using these shortcuts allows you to manage multiple windows and desktops seamlessly, improving productivity and reducing clutter on your screen.
Taskbar and Start Menu Shortcuts
Taskbar and Start Menu shortcuts help you quickly access programs, system tools, and settings from the Start menu or taskbar, improving efficiency and navigation in Windows.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Windows | Open Start Menu | Opens the Windows Start menu |
| Windows + X | Quick Link Menu | Opens the Quick Link menu for system tools and settings |
| Windows + Number (1–9) | Open Taskbar App | Opens the app pinned to the taskbar in the corresponding position |
| Windows + T | Focus Taskbar | Focuses on the first taskbar app; use arrow keys to navigate |
| Windows + B | Focus System Tray | Focuses on the notification area in the taskbar |
| Ctrl + Shift + Click on Taskbar App | Open as Admin | Opens the selected taskbar app with administrator privileges |
| Shift + Click on Taskbar App | Open New Instance | Opens a new window of the selected app |
| Alt + Click on Taskbar App | Peek | Previews the window of the taskbar app |
| Windows + Home | Minimize All But Active | Minimizes all windows except the active one |
| Windows + P | Project Screen | Opens the projection menu for multiple displays |
These shortcuts streamline access to Start menu items, pinned apps, and system tools, making multitasking and program management faster and easier.
Virtual Desktop Shortcuts
Virtual Desktop shortcuts allow you to create, switch, and manage multiple desktops in Windows. This is useful for organizing workspaces and multitasking efficiently.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Windows + Ctrl + D | New Virtual Desktop | Creates a new virtual desktop |
| Windows + Ctrl + F4 | Close Virtual Desktop | Closes the current virtual desktop |
| Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow | Switch Desktop Left | Moves to the virtual desktop on the left |
| Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow | Switch Desktop Right | Moves to the virtual desktop on the right |
| Windows + Tab | Task View | Opens Task View to see all virtual desktops and open windows |
| Windows + Ctrl + F | Find Desktop | Searches for a virtual desktop (rarely used in some versions) |
| Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow | Move Window Between Desktops | Moves the active window to another virtual desktop |
| Windows + Ctrl + Up Arrow | Peek at Desktops | Shows all open virtual desktops (Windows 11 feature) |
Mastering virtual desktop shortcuts helps you organize multiple workspaces, switch efficiently between tasks, and maintain a cleaner, more productive desktop environment.
Command Prompt and Terminal Shortcuts
Command Prompt and Terminal shortcuts help you work faster in Windows command-line environments, improving efficiency when running commands, navigating directories, or editing text.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl + C | Cancel Command | Stops the currently running command |
| Ctrl + V | Paste | Pastes text from the clipboard into the terminal |
| Ctrl + A | Select All | Selects all text in the terminal window |
| Ctrl + M | Mark Mode | Enables text selection with arrow keys |
| Ctrl + ↑ / ↓ | Scroll | Scrolls the terminal output line by line |
| Ctrl + Home / End | Go to Top/Bottom | Moves the cursor to the top or bottom of the terminal buffer |
| Tab | Auto-complete | Auto-completes file or folder names |
| Arrow Up / Down | Command History | Cycles through previously entered commands |
| F7 | Command History Menu | Displays a menu of previously used commands |
| Alt + Enter | Fullscreen | Toggles fullscreen mode for the terminal |
These shortcuts make navigating, editing, and executing commands in Command Prompt or Windows Terminal faster and more efficient, especially for advanced users and developers.
Text Editing and Formatting Shortcuts
Text editing and formatting shortcuts speed up typing, editing, and formatting in documents, emails, and other text-based applications. These shortcuts are essential for productivity and efficiency.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl + C | Copy | Copies the selected text to the clipboard |
| Ctrl + X | Cut | Cuts the selected text to move it elsewhere |
| Ctrl + V | Paste | Pastes text from the clipboard |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo | Reverts the last action |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo | Re-applies the last undone action |
| Ctrl + A | Select All | Selects all text in the document |
| Ctrl + B | Bold | Makes the selected text bold |
| Ctrl + I | Italic | Makes the selected text italic |
| Ctrl + U | Underline | Underlines the selected text |
| Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow | Move by Word | Moves the cursor one word to the left or right |
| Ctrl + Home / End | Go to Start/End | Moves the cursor to the beginning or end of the document |
| Shift + Arrow Keys | Select Text | Selects text character by character or line by line |
| Ctrl + Shift + Left/Right Arrow | Select Word | Selects text one word at a time |
Mastering these text editing shortcuts allows faster typing, precise selection, and quick formatting in documents or any text-based application, enhancing overall productivity.
Microsoft Edge and Browser Shortcuts
Browser shortcuts improve web navigation, tab management, and page control, helping you browse more efficiently in Microsoft Edge or other modern web browsers.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ctrl + T | New Tab | Opens a new browser tab |
| Ctrl + W | Close Tab | Closes the current browser tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + T | Reopen Closed Tab | Reopens the last closed tab |
| Ctrl + Tab | Next Tab | Switches to the next open tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + Tab | Previous Tab | Switches to the previous open tab |
| Ctrl + L / Alt + D | Focus Address Bar | Moves the cursor to the browser’s address bar |
| Ctrl + D | Bookmark Page | Adds the current page to bookmarks/favorites |
| Ctrl + H | History | Opens the browser history |
| Ctrl + J | Downloads | Opens the downloads page |
| Ctrl + R / F5 | Refresh | Reloads the current webpage |
| Ctrl + P | Opens the print dialog for the current page | |
| Ctrl + F | Find | Opens the search box to find text on the page |
| Ctrl + + / Ctrl + – | Zoom In/Out | Zooms in or out on the webpage |
| Ctrl + 0 | Reset Zoom | Resets the zoom level to default |
Learning these browser shortcuts allows faster navigation, tab management, and page interactions, making web browsing smoother and more productive.
Accessibility Shortcuts
Accessibility shortcuts help users quickly enable and control Windows accessibility features like magnifier, narrator, high contrast, and keyboard shortcuts for easier system navigation.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Windows + U | Ease of Access Settings | Opens the Accessibility (Ease of Access) settings |
| Windows + Ctrl + Enter | Narrator | Turns the Narrator on or off |
| Windows + + (Plus) | Magnifier Zoom In | Opens Magnifier and zooms in |
| Windows + – (Minus) | Magnifier Zoom Out | Zooms out using Magnifier |
| Windows + Esc | Exit Magnifier | Closes Magnifier |
| Alt + Shift + Print Screen | High Contrast | Turns High Contrast mode on or off |
| Shift + Num Lock | Toggle Mouse Keys | Turns Mouse Keys on or off |
| Windows + Ctrl + N | Narrator Settings | Opens Narrator settings for configuration |
| Windows + I | Settings | Opens Windows Settings (general accessibility access) |
| Ctrl + Esc | Open Start Menu | Helps navigate via keyboard if Start key is unavailable |
Mastering these accessibility shortcuts allows users to efficiently navigate Windows with enhanced visual, auditory, or mobility support, improving overall accessibility and ease of use.
Screenshot and Game Bar Shortcuts
Screenshot and Game Bar shortcuts allow you to capture your screen, record gameplay, and quickly access Xbox Game Bar features in Windows for content creation or sharing.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PrtSc (Print Screen) | Capture Full Screen | Takes a screenshot of the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard |
| Alt + PrtSc | Capture Active Window | Takes a screenshot of the currently active window only |
| Windows + PrtSc | Save Full Screen | Captures the entire screen and saves it automatically in the Screenshots folder |
| Windows + Shift + S | Snip & Sketch | Opens the Snip & Sketch tool to capture a selected portion of the screen |
| Windows + G | Open Game Bar | Opens the Xbox Game Bar for gameplay recording and overlays |
| Windows + Alt + R | Start/Stop Recording | Starts or stops screen recording in Game Bar |
| Windows + Alt + PrtSc | Screenshot via Game Bar | Takes a screenshot of the active window using Game Bar |
| Windows + Alt + G | Record Last 30 Seconds | Captures the last 30 seconds of gameplay in Game Bar |
| Windows + Alt + M | Toggle Microphone | Mutes or unmutes microphone while recording |
| Windows + Alt + B | Toggle Background Recording | Turns background recording on or off in Game Bar |
These shortcuts make capturing screenshots, recording gameplay, and managing Game Bar features fast and easy, ideal for gamers and content creators.
Dialog Box Shortcuts
Dialog box shortcuts help you navigate and interact with dialog windows efficiently, allowing you to select options, buttons, or fields without relying heavily on a mouse.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Tab | Next Field | Moves to the next option, button, or field in a dialog box |
| Shift + Tab | Previous Field | Moves to the previous option, button, or field |
| Enter | Confirm | Activates the selected button (usually “OK” or “Yes”) |
| Esc | Cancel | Closes the dialog box or cancels the action |
| Alt + Underlined Letter | Access Button/Option | Activates the option or button with the underlined letter |
| Spacebar | Toggle Checkbox | Checks or unchecks a selected checkbox |
| Arrow Keys | Navigate Options | Moves between radio buttons, list items, or menu options |
| F1 | Help | Opens help for the current dialog box or application |
| Alt + F4 | Close Dialog | Closes the active dialog box |
| Ctrl + Tab | Switch Tabs | Moves to the next tab in a multi-tab dialog box |
Using these dialog box shortcuts allows quick and precise interaction with Windows dialogs, improving navigation and reducing dependency on the mouse.
Run Command Shortcuts
Run Command shortcuts provide quick access to system tools, settings, and applications by typing commands in the Run dialog, helping users save time navigating through menus.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Windows + R | Open Run | Opens the Run dialog box |
Win + R, type cmd |
Open Command Prompt | Launches Command Prompt |
Win + R, type powershell |
Open PowerShell | Launches Windows PowerShell |
Win + R, type control |
Open Control Panel | Opens the Control Panel |
Win + R, type explorer |
Open File Explorer | Opens a new File Explorer window |
Win + R, type msconfig |
System Configuration | Opens the System Configuration utility |
Win + R, type regedit |
Registry Editor | Opens the Registry Editor |
Win + R, type services.msc |
Services | Opens the Services management console |
Win + R, type taskmgr |
Task Manager | Opens Task Manager |
Win + R, type notepad |
Open Notepad | Opens the Notepad application |
Run Command shortcuts allow rapid access to essential tools, applications, and settings, making system management and troubleshooting faster and more efficient.
Run box Common useful commands
The Run box allows you to quickly launch programs, system tools, settings, and utilities by typing their commands. Knowing these commands can save time navigating through menus.
| Run Command | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| cmd | Command Prompt | Opens the Command Prompt |
| powershell | PowerShell | Opens Windows PowerShell |
| control | Control Panel | Opens the Control Panel |
| explorer | File Explorer | Opens a new File Explorer window |
| notepad | Notepad | Opens Notepad |
| calc | Calculator | Opens the Calculator app |
| msconfig | System Configuration | Opens System Configuration utility |
| regedit | Registry Editor | Opens the Registry Editor |
| services.msc | Services | Opens the Services management console |
| taskmgr | Task Manager | Opens Task Manager |
| eventvwr | Event Viewer | Opens Event Viewer to view logs |
| appwiz.cpl | Programs & Features | Opens Programs & Features to uninstall apps |
| ncpa.cpl | Network Connections | Opens Network Connections window |
| devmgmt.msc | Device Manager | Opens Device Manager |
| diskmgmt.msc | Disk Management | Opens Disk Management utility |
| control printers | Printers & Devices | Opens Devices and Printers window |
| inetcpl.cpl | Internet Options | Opens Internet Properties |
| compmgmt.msc | Computer Management | Opens Computer Management console |
| sysdm.cpl | System Properties | Opens System Properties |
| winver | Windows Version | Displays Windows version information |
These Run commands are quick shortcuts to system tools, apps, and settings, helping you manage, troubleshoot, and access key Windows features efficiently without navigating multiple menus.
Power User and Admin Shortcuts
Power User and Admin shortcuts provide quick access to advanced system tools, administrative functions, and management utilities, making them essential for IT professionals and advanced Windows users.
| Shortcut | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Windows + X | Quick Link Menu | Opens a menu with shortcuts to system tools and settings |
| Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B | Graphics Reset | Resets the graphics driver if the display freezes |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Task Manager | Opens Task Manager directly |
Windows + R, type cmd + Ctrl + Shift + Enter |
Command Prompt Admin | Opens Command Prompt as Administrator |
Windows + R, type powershell + Ctrl + Shift + Enter |
PowerShell Admin | Opens Windows PowerShell as Administrator |
| Windows + Pause/Break | System Properties | Opens System Properties window |
| Windows + L | Lock PC | Locks the computer instantly |
| Alt + Enter | Properties | Shows properties of selected file, folder, or drive |
| Windows + S | Search | Opens Windows Search for apps, files, or settings |
| Windows + I | Settings | Opens Windows Settings directly |
These Power User and Admin shortcuts allow quick access to critical system tools, administrative commands, and essential management functions, making them indispensable for advanced users and IT administrators.
Bonus: Mouse + Keyboard Combos
Mouse + keyboard combinations enhance navigation and control by combining key presses with mouse actions. They allow faster selection, window management, and multitasking beyond standard keyboard shortcuts.
| Shortcut / Combo | Function | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Shift + Click | Select Multiple Items | Selects multiple items in a list or folder sequentially |
| Ctrl + Click | Add to Selection | Adds or removes individual items to a selection |
| Ctrl + Drag | Copy Item | Copies the selected file/folder to a new location |
| Shift + Drag | Move Item | Moves the selected file/folder to a new location |
| Alt + Drag | Create Shortcut | Creates a shortcut to the dragged item |
| Middle Mouse Button Click | Open Link in New Tab | Opens links in a new browser tab |
| Ctrl + Scroll Wheel | Zoom | Zooms in or out in documents, browsers, or File Explorer |
| Windows + Drag Window | Snap Window | Moves and snaps the active window to a screen edge |
| Shift + Right-Click | Extended Context Menu | Shows extended context menu with extra options |
| Alt + Scroll Wheel | Horizontal Scroll | Scrolls horizontally in supported applications |
These mouse + keyboard combinations provide advanced control for file management, window manipulation, and navigation, making daily tasks faster and more precise.
Final Words
Mastering Windows keyboard shortcuts is a game-changer for productivity, efficiency, and ease of navigation. From basic text editing to advanced system management, each shortcut is designed to save time and reduce reliance on the mouse. By learning these shortcuts category-wise—whether it’s File Explorer, Desktop Management, Virtual Desktops, or Power User tools—you can streamline daily tasks, multitask effectively, and work smarter.
Remember, the key to getting the most out of shortcuts is consistent practice. Start with the most common ones, like copy, paste, and window management, then gradually incorporate advanced and specialized shortcuts. Over time, these small combinations of keys will become second nature, allowing you to navigate Windows with speed, precision, and confidence.
In essence, Windows keyboard shortcuts are not just tools—they’re a pathway to greater efficiency, control, and mastery of your digital workspace. Equip yourself with this knowledge, and you’ll notice a tangible difference in how smoothly and quickly you interact with your computer every day.
FAQs
1. Why should I learn Windows keyboard shortcuts?
Learning keyboard shortcuts increases productivity by reducing reliance on the mouse, speeds up navigation, and allows you to perform tasks more efficiently. Even simple actions like copying, pasting, or switching windows become faster with practice.
2. Can these shortcuts work on all versions of Windows?
Most shortcuts listed work on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Some advanced features, like virtual desktops or certain Game Bar shortcuts, may vary slightly depending on the version of Windows you are using.
3. How can I remember all these shortcuts effectively?
Start by learning the most commonly used shortcuts, like Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, Alt + Tab, and Windows key combinations. Gradually add more specialized shortcuts category by category. Creating a printed or digital reference sheet can also help reinforce memory until the shortcuts become second nature.