Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
Computer Shortcuts
Explore essential keyboard shortcuts to improve your productivity on Windows.
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Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts Desktop Shortcuts Windows Key Shortcuts Windows Settings Page Shortcuts Text Editing Shortcuts Dialog Box Shortcuts Virtual Desktop Shortcuts File Explorer Shortcuts Command Prompt Shortcuts Taskbar Shortcuts Copy, Paste, and Other Basic Shortcuts Secrets & TricksCopilot Keyboard Shortcuts
To do this: Open Copilot, or another app as configured in Settings.
Desktop Shortcuts
The following desktop keyboard shortcuts allow you to efficiently open, close, navigate, and perform tasks across the desktop environment, including the Start menu, Taskbar, Settings, and more.
Windows Settings Page Shortcuts
The “Windows key,” when used with other keys, enables you to execute numerous handy tasks such as launching Settings, File Explorer, the Run command, and apps pinned to the Taskbar, as well as open specific features like Narrator or Magnifier. Additionally, you can manage windows and virtual desktops, take screenshots, lock the computer, and more.
Here is a list of the most common keyboard shortcuts utilizing the Windows key:
Text Editing Shortcuts
Use the following list of shortcuts to edit the text more quickly and efficiently.
Dialog Box Shortcuts
Here are the keyboard shortcuts to help you perform actions within a dialog box quickly:
Virtual Desktop Shortcuts
The following virtual desktop shortcuts allow you to switch between the desktops, add or close virtual desktops, and more.
File Explorer Shortcuts
The following list of File Explorer shortcuts allows you access to folders, the navigation pane, search bar, address bars, and more.
Command Prompt Shortcuts
Use the following keyboard shortcuts to work more efficiently in the Command Prompt.
Taskbar Shortcuts
The below shortcuts allow you to navigate to the taskbar options quickly.
Copy, Paste, and Other Basic Shortcuts
Here is a list of keyboard shortcuts that help you perform basic operations such as copy, paste, undo, redo, and more:
How to take screenshots on Windows?
Taking screenshots on Windows is easy with the following methods:
- Windows + Print Screen: Capture the entire screen and save the screenshot in the “Pictures” folder.
- Alt + Print Screen: Capture the active window and copy it to the clipboard.
- Windows + Shift + S: Use the Snipping Tool to select a custom area of the screen.
- Windows + G: Open the Game Bar to capture screenshots and videos while gaming.
Did you know? You can use Snip & Sketch (Windows + Shift + S) to select specific areas or windows to capture.
How to force restart my Windows PC?
If your PC freezes, here are ways to force restart it:
- Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Open the Task Manager and restart your PC from there.
- Press and hold the power button: If your PC is unresponsive, holding the power button for 10 seconds will force a restart.
Tip: If you’re unable to restart, using the physical power button might be your only option.
How to show hidden files and folders in Windows?
To reveal hidden files and folders in Windows, use these methods:
- Windows + E: Open File Explorer and go to the “View” tab, then check the “Hidden items” box to show hidden files.
- Command Prompt: Use the command “attrib -h” to unhide files.
Warning: Hidden files are often system-critical files, so be cautious while working with them.
How to switch between open apps?
Switch between open apps on Windows easily using these shortcuts:
- Alt + Tab: Cycle through open apps.
- Windows + Tab: Open Task View to see all open apps and desktops.
- Alt + F4: Close the active app.
Quick Tip: Holding Alt and tapping Tab lets you cycle through open apps faster.
How to take a screenshot of a specific window?
If you want to capture just one window, here’s how:
- Alt + Print Screen: Capture the currently active window and copy it to the clipboard.
Tip: This is useful for capturing individual windows without the surrounding desktop elements.
How to search files quickly on Windows?
Searching for files on Windows is simple with the following methods:
- Windows + S: Open the search bar to quickly search for apps, files, or settings.
- Windows + E: Open File Explorer and use the search bar to find files on your PC.
Tip: You can search for apps, documents, web results, and even emails using Windows Search!
How to manage multiple desktops on Windows?
Use the following shortcuts to manage desktops and workspaces on Windows:
- Windows + Tab: Open Task View to see all your desktops.
- Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow: Switch between multiple desktops.
Tip: You can create multiple desktops to organize your workspace, especially for multitasking!
How to force quit an app on Windows?
If an app becomes unresponsive, here’s how to force quit it:
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager to view and close unresponsive apps.
- Alt + F4: Close the active window or app directly.
Tip: If an app is not responding, use Task Manager to force quit it safely.
How to quickly lock your Windows PC?
Locking your PC is simple with:
- Windows + L: Lock your PC screen instantly.
Tip: Use this shortcut when you need to step away from your PC to secure your data.
How to open the Control Panel on Windows?
Access the Control Panel quickly:
- Windows + X: Open the quick access menu, then select “Control Panel.”
- Windows + R: Open the Run dialog and type “control” to open the Control Panel.
Tip: The Control Panel is where you can manage system settings and install/remove programs.
Windows 10/11 Shortcuts for Accessing Cortana or Windows Search
Windows 10 and Windows 11 introduced integrated search features like Cortana and Windows Search to help you find files, apps, and even web results quickly. Here are some shortcuts to access these features:
- Windows Key + S: Open Windows Search bar.
- Windows Key + C: Open Cortana (available in Windows 10; in Windows 11, Cortana is not pre-enabled, but you can still use the Windows Search).
- Windows Key + Q: Open Windows Search with voice command (if Cortana is enabled).
Tip: You can search for apps, documents, emails, and web results directly from the Windows Search bar.
Snap Layouts and Snap Groups in Windows 11
Windows 11 introduced Snap Layouts and Snap Groups, making multitasking easier by allowing you to snap windows into different layouts and manage multiple windows more efficiently. Here’s how to use these features:
- Windows Key + Z: Open Snap Layouts to choose a window layout for your current window (new to Windows 11).
- Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow: Snap the active window to the left or right half of the screen.
- Windows Key + Up/Down Arrow: Snap the active window to the top or bottom half of the screen.
- Windows Key + Shift + Left/Right Arrow: Move the active window to another monitor (if you have multiple monitors connected).
Did you know? Snap Groups allow you to quickly switch between groups of snapped windows by hovering over the app icon in the taskbar.
Virtual Desktop Management Improvements in Windows 11
Windows 11 improved the virtual desktop management system, making it easier to organize and navigate between multiple desktops. Here are some useful shortcuts:
- Windows Key + Ctrl + D: Add a new virtual desktop.
- Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow: Switch between virtual desktops.
- Windows Key + Tab: Open Task View to see all your open windows and virtual desktops.
- Windows Key + Ctrl + F4: Close the current virtual desktop.
Quick Tip: You can personalize each virtual desktop with a different wallpaper to easily distinguish between them.
Windows 10 vs Windows 11
Feature | Windows 10 | Windows 11 |
---|---|---|
Start Menu | Traditional with live tiles | Centered and simplified |
Taskbar | Left-aligned icons | Centered icons |
System Requirements | Compatible with older hardware | Higher requirements (e.g., TPM 2.0) |
Microsoft Store | Limited app selection | Revamped with Android app support |
Snap Layouts | Basic snapping | Advanced Snap Layouts |
Gaming Features | DirectX 12 | DirectStorage, AutoHDR |
Multitask Efficiently with Virtual Desktops and Taskbar Shortcuts
Windows 10 and 11 offer powerful multitasking features that allow you to manage multiple applications and workspaces seamlessly. Here’s how you can improve your multitasking:
- Windows Key + Ctrl + D: Quickly add a new virtual desktop to keep your work organized.
- Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow: Switch between multiple virtual desktops to manage different tasks or projects.
- Windows Key + Tab: Open Task View to see all your desktops and running applications in one place.
- Windows Key + T: Cycle through apps pinned to your taskbar quickly.
- Alt + Tab: Switch between open windows and apps on your current virtual desktop.
Tip: Organize different types of work into separate virtual desktops (e.g., one for personal tasks, one for work tasks) to avoid distractions and stay focused.
Boost Your Workflow with Clipboard History and Advanced File Management Shortcuts
Windows allows you to use advanced clipboard features and file management tools to speed up your workflow:
- Windows Key + V: Open the Clipboard History feature to view and paste recent items you’ve copied (must be enabled in Settings).
- Ctrl + Shift + V: Paste text without any formatting, useful when pasting between different programs.
- Windows Key + E: Open File Explorer to browse your files quickly.
- Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder in File Explorer.
- Alt + D: Focus the address bar in File Explorer to quickly type or paste a directory path.
Did you know? You can pin items to your Clipboard History for easy access later by clicking the small “pin” icon next to an item.
Time-Saving Tips for Working with Multiple Windows Using Snap Assist and Keyboard Shortcuts
Managing multiple windows and maximizing screen real estate is easy with Snap Assist and keyboard shortcuts:
- Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow: Snap the active window to the left or right side of the screen, enabling efficient multitasking.
- Windows Key + Up Arrow: Maximize the active window, making it easier to focus on one task at a time.
- Windows Key + Down Arrow: Minimize the active window or restore it from a minimized state.
- Windows Key + Shift + Left/Right Arrow: Move the active window between multiple monitors (if you have multiple displays connected).
- Windows Key + M: Minimize all open windows, helping you clear your desktop and focus on important tasks.
Quick Tip: Use Snap Assist to snap two windows side by side and quickly switch between them with Alt + Tab.
How do I take a screenshot on Windows?
Windows provides several methods to capture screenshots:
- Windows + Print Screen: Captures the entire screen and saves it to the “Pictures” folder.
- Alt + Print Screen: Captures only the active window and copies it to the clipboard.
- Windows + Shift + S: Opens the Snipping Tool to capture a custom area of the screen.
- Windows + G: Opens the Game Bar to capture screenshots or record your screen while gaming.
How can I force restart my Windows PC?
If your system becomes unresponsive, here are ways to force restart it:
- Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Open the Task Manager and restart your PC from there.
- Press and hold the power button: If the system is frozen, holding the power button for 10 seconds will force a restart.
How do I find hidden files in Windows?
To view hidden files and folders, follow these steps:
- Windows + E: Open File Explorer and go to the “View” tab to check the “Hidden items” box.
- Command Prompt: Use the command
attrib -h
to unhide specific files.
How do I switch between open apps on Windows?
Switching between open apps is simple with these shortcuts:
- Alt + Tab: Cycle through open apps and select the one you want to switch to.
- Windows + Tab: Open Task View to see all open apps and desktops.
How can I search for files quickly on Windows?
To quickly search for files on your PC:
- Windows + S: Open the search bar to find files, apps, or settings.
- Windows + E: Open File Explorer and use the search bar to locate files on your PC.
How do I force quit an app on Windows?
If an app freezes, you can force quit it by following these steps:
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager and select the app to close it.
- Alt + F4: Close the active window or app.
How can I quickly lock my Windows PC?
To lock your PC instantly:
- Windows + L: Lock your screen and require a password to unlock.
How do I open the Task Manager on Windows?
To quickly access Task Manager:
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager directly.
- Ctrl + Alt + Delete: Open the security screen, then select Task Manager.
How do I manage multiple desktops in Windows?
You can create and manage multiple desktops with these shortcuts:
- Windows + Tab: Open Task View to see all your desktops.
- Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow: Switch between multiple desktops.
How can I open the Control Panel on Windows?
Here’s how you can open the Control Panel:
- Windows + X: Open the quick access menu and select “Control Panel.”
- Windows + R: Open the Run dialog and type
control
to open the Control Panel.