They can save time, reduce repetitive strain, and make you look like a computer wizard to your friends and colleagues.
Windows operating systems come with a plethora of built-in keyboard shortcuts that can help you navigate your computer more efficiently.
In this article, we'll explore some of the best keyboard shortcuts for Windows, breaking them down into categories to make it easier for you to find and learn the ones that are most relevant to your needs.
General Shortcuts
Ctrl + C (Copy)
Copies the selected item to the clipboard. This is probably one of the most commonly used shortcuts and can save you a lot of time.
Ctrl + X (Cut)
Cuts the selected item and places it on the clipboard. This is useful for moving text or files from one place to another.
Ctrl + V (Paste)
Pastes the item from the clipboard to the current cursor location.
Ctrl + Z (Undo)
Undoes the last action. This is extremely helpful if you make a mistake and want to go back a step.
Ctrl + Y (Redo)
Redoes the last undone action. If you undo something by mistake, this shortcut will redo it.
Ctrl + A (Select All)
Selects all items in the current window or text in a document. This is useful for quickly selecting everything in a document or folder.
Alt + Tab (Switch between open apps)
Switches between the currently open applications. This is great for multitasking and quickly navigating between different programs.
Alt + F4 (Close the active window)
Closes the currently active window. If no windows are open, it opens the shutdown dialog.
Windows + D (Show desktop)
Minimizes all open windows and shows the desktop. Pressing it again restores the windows.
Windows + L (Lock your PC)
Locks your computer, taking you to the lock screen. This is useful for security when you need to step away from your desk.
File Explorer Shortcuts
Windows + E (Open File Explorer)
Opens a new File Explorer window, taking you directly to Quick Access.
Ctrl + N (New window)
Opens a new window in File Explorer. This is handy for managing multiple folders at once.
Ctrl + Shift + N (New folder)
Creates a new folder in the current directory.
Alt + D (Select address bar)
Selects the address bar, allowing you to quickly type in a new path or URL.
F2 (Rename selected item)
Renames the selected file or folder. This shortcut is faster than right-clicking and selecting "Rename".
F3 (Search)
Opens the search box in the current window, allowing you to quickly find files and folders.
Ctrl + Shift + E (Expand all folders)
Expands all folders in the current directory, showing the full path in the navigation pane.
Alt + Enter (Properties)
Opens the Properties dialog box for the selected item. This is useful for viewing detailed information about a file or folder.
Shift + Delete (Delete permanently)
Deletes the selected item permanently without sending it to the Recycle Bin.
Task Management Shortcuts
Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Open Task Manager)
Opens the Task Manager directly, allowing you to monitor and manage running applications and processes.
Windows + X (Open quick link menu)
Opens the Quick Link menu, giving you fast access to system tools like Device Manager, Disk Management, and Command Prompt.
Windows + R (Run dialog)
Opens the Run dialog box, allowing you to quickly launch applications by typing their names or paths.
Windows + P (Project)
Opens the Project pane, letting you choose how to display your screen on another monitor or projector.
Window Management Shortcuts
Windows + Left Arrow / Right Arrow (Snap window)
Snaps the current window to the left or right half of the screen. This is useful for side-by-side multitasking.
Windows + Up Arrow / Down Arrow (Maximize / Minimize window)
Maximizes the current window (Up Arrow) or minimizes/restores it (Down Arrow).
Windows + Home (Minimize all but the active window)
Minimizes all windows except the one you're currently working in. This helps reduce distractions.
Windows + Shift + Left Arrow / Right Arrow (Move window to another monitor)
Moves the current window to the left or right monitor in a multi-monitor setup.
Accessibility Shortcuts
Windows + U (Ease of Access Center)
Opens the Ease of Access Center, where you can adjust accessibility settings.
Windows + Plus (+) / Minus (-) (Magnifier)
Opens the Magnifier tool and zooms in (Plus) or out (Minus) on your screen.
Ctrl + Alt + Del (Security options)
Opens a screen with options to lock your computer, switch users, log off, or open the Task Manager.
Windows + Ctrl + C (Color filters)
Turns on or off color filters (if enabled in Settings).
Cortana and Search Shortcuts
Windows + S (Open search)
Opens the Windows search box, allowing you to quickly search for files, apps, or web results.
Windows + C (Open Cortana in listening mode)
Activates Cortana in listening mode, ready for voice commands (if enabled).
Virtual Desktop Shortcuts
Windows + Ctrl + D (New virtual desktop)
Creates a new virtual desktop, helping you organize your workspace better.
Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow / Right Arrow (Switch virtual desktops)
Switches between virtual desktops, allowing you to move between different workspaces.
Windows + Ctrl + F4 (Close virtual desktop)
Closes the current virtual desktop, moving its windows to the previous desktop.
Browser Shortcuts (Microsoft Edge / Chrome)
Ctrl + T (New tab)
Opens a new tab in your web browser.
Ctrl + W (Close tab)
Closes the current tab in your web browser.
Ctrl + Shift + T (Reopen closed tab)
Reopens the last closed tab in your web browser. This is great if you accidentally close a tab.
Ctrl + L (Select address bar)
Selects the address bar, allowing you to quickly type in a new URL.
Ctrl + Tab / Ctrl + Shift + Tab (Switch tabs)
Moves forward (Ctrl + Tab) or backward (Ctrl + Shift + Tab) through open tabs in your browser.
Ctrl + D (Bookmark page)
Bookmarks the current page.
Ctrl + F (Find on page)
Opens the search box to find text on the current page.
File Management Shortcuts
Ctrl + Shift + T (Open last closed folder in File Explorer)
Reopens the last closed folder in File Explorer.
Alt + P (Show/hide preview pane)
Toggles the preview pane in File Explorer, allowing you to see previews of files.
Alt + Up Arrow (Go up one level)
Moves up one folder level in File Explorer.
F11 (Full screen)
Toggles full-screen mode for the active window.
Text Editing Shortcuts
Ctrl + Left Arrow / Right Arrow (Move cursor by word)
Moves the cursor left or right by one word.
Ctrl + Backspace / Delete (Delete word)
Deletes the word to the left (Backspace) or right (Delete) of the cursor.
Ctrl + Home / End (Go to beginning/end of document)
Moves the cursor to the beginning (Home) or end (End) of the document.
Mastering these keyboard shortcuts can significantly enhance your efficiency and productivity while using Windows.
Whether you're navigating through files, managing open applications, or editing text, these shortcuts can save you time and make your computing experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Start by memorizing a few that are most relevant to your daily tasks, and gradually incorporate more into your routine.
Before you know it, you'll be navigating your computer with the speed and precision of a pro.