Mastering Windows Shortcuts: Boosting Productivity and Efficiency
Tags: productivity, windows, shortcut, guide
Published: 2023-07-23 12:57:06



In the fast-paced world of computing, efficiency is the key to productivity. Windows shortcuts are a powerful tool that can significantly enhance your computing experience, saving you time and effort. Whether you're a casual user or a seasoned professional, mastering these keyboard shortcuts will transform the way you interact with your computer.


*Here's a table of 100 Windows shortcuts along with their functions:*

| Shortcut                  | Function                                 |
|---------------------------|------------------------------------------|
| CTRL+C                    | Copy selected item(s) or text            |
| CTRL+X                    | Cut selected item(s) or text             |
| CTRL+V                    | Paste copied or cut item(s) or text      |
| CTRL+Z                    | Undo the last action                     |
| DELETE                    | Delete selected item(s) or text         |
| CTRL+A                    | Select all items or text in a document   |
| CTRL+Y                    | Redo the last undone action             |
| CTRL+S                    | Save the current document or file       |
| CTRL+P                    | Print the current document or file      |
| CTRL+F                    | Open "Find" window                       |
| CTRL+H                    | Open "Find and Replace" window           |
| CTRL+N                    | Open a new window or document            |
| CTRL+O                    | Open an existing file or document        |
| CTRL+W                    | Close the current window or document     |
| CTRL+Q                    | Quit the current application             |
| CTRL+T                    | Open a new tab in a browser              |
| CTRL+TAB                  | Switch between open tabs                 |
| CTRL+SHIFT+TAB            | Switch to the previous tab               |
| CTRL+SHIFT+ESC            | Open the Task Manager                    |
| ALT+TAB                   | Switch between open windows              |
| ALT+F4                    | Close the active window or application   |
| ALT+ENTER                 | Display properties of the selected item  |
| ALT+SPACE                 | Open the window's system menu            |
| ALT+PRINT SCREEN          | Take a screenshot of the active window   |
| WIN+D                     | Show or hide the desktop                 |
| WIN+E                     | Open File Explorer                       |
| WIN+R                     | Open the Run dialog                      |
| WIN+L                     | Lock the computer screen                 |
| WIN+M                     | Minimize all windows                     |
| WIN+SHIFT+M               | Restore minimized windows                |
| WIN+UP ARROW              | Maximize the active window               |
| WIN+DOWN ARROW            | Minimize the active window               |
| WIN+LEFT ARROW            | Snap the active window to the left       |
| WIN+RIGHT ARROW           | Snap the active window to the right      |
| WIN+HOME                  | Minimize or restore all windows          |
| WIN+P                     | Choose a presentation mode               |
| WIN+X                     | Open the Quick Link menu                 |
| WIN+I                     | Open Windows Settings                    |
| WIN+A                     | Open the Action Center                   |
| WIN+K                     | Open the Connect menu                    |
| WIN+H                     | Open the Share menu                      |
| WIN+G                     | Open the Game Bar                        |
| WIN+S                     | Open the Search bar                      |
| WIN+CTRL+D                | Create a new virtual desktop             |
| WIN+CTRL+LEFT/RIGHT ARROW | Switch between virtual desktops          |
| WIN+CTRL+F4               | Close the current virtual desktop        |
| CTRL+ESC                  | Open the Start menu                      |
| SHIFT+F10                 | Display the context menu for a selected item or text |
| CTRL+SHIFT+N              | Create a new folder                      |
| ALT+ENTER                 | Open the Properties dialog for a selected item |
| F2                        | Rename a selected item                   |
| F3                        | Open the Search feature in some applications |
| F4                        | Display the address bar list in File Explorer |
| F5                        | Refresh the active window                |
| F6                        | Cycle through screen elements in a window |
| F10                       | Activate the Menu bar in some applications |
| ALT+SPACE+X               | Maximize the active window vertically    |
| CTRL+ALT+TAB              | Use arrow keys to switch between open windows from Task View |
| CTRL+SHIFT+ENTER          | Run a program as an administrator        |
| ALT+CTRL+DELETE           | Access the Windows Security screen       |
| CTRL+ALT+ESC              | Open the Task Manager directly           |
| CTRL+SHIFT+WIN+B          | Reset graphics driver                     |
| WIN+PRTSC                 | Capture a screenshot and save to Pictures folder |
| WIN+1/2/3...9             | Open the corresponding application from the taskbar |
| WIN+T                     | Cycle through apps on the taskbar         |
| WIN+B                     | Highlight the notification area          |
| WIN+U                     | Open Ease of Access Center                |
| WIN+F1                    | Open Windows Help and Support            |
| WIN+NUMPAD0               | Open the context menu for the app pinned to the taskbar |
| WIN+SPACE                 | Switch input language and keyboard layout |
| WIN+CTRL+SPACE           | Change to a previously selected input       |
| WIN+. (PERIOD)            | Open the emoji picker                       |
| WIN+COMMA                | Peek at the desktop                         |
| WIN+CTRL+F               | Search for computers (on a network)         |
| WIN+K                     | Open the Connect quick action               |
| WIN+CTRL+V               | Open Clipboard history                      |
| WIN+CTRL+SHIFT+B         | Show or hide the desktop bar                |
| WIN+SHIFT+S              | Capture a specific area of the screen        |
| WIN+G                    | Open Xbox Game Bar                           |
| WIN+ALT+R                | Start/stop recording with Xbox Game Bar      |
| WIN+ALT+G                | Record the last 30 seconds with Xbox Game Bar |
| WIN+ALT+T                | Show/hide recording timer with Xbox Game Bar |
| WIN+CTRL+SHIFT+L         | Turn on color filters                         |
| WIN+PLUS SIGN (+)        | Zoom in (Magnifier)                          |
| WIN+MINUS SIGN (-)       | Zoom out (Magnifier)                         |
| WIN+ESC                  | Exit Magnifier                               |
| WIN+CTRL+Q               | Open Quick Assist                            |
| WIN+V                    | Open the Clipboard history                   |
| WIN+SHIFT+V              | Cycle through notifications in reverse order |
| WIN+LEFT ARROW + UP ARROW + RIGHT ARROW | Snap the active window to the top-left corner |
| WIN+CTRL+NUMBER         | Switch to a specific virtual desktop         |
| WIN+ALT+NUMBER          | Open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar |
| WIN+SHIFT+NUMBER        | Open a new instance of an app from the taskbar |
| WIN+CTRL+SHIFT+NUMBER  | Open an app from the taskbar as an administrator |
| WIN+TAB                | Open Task View (virtual desktops and recent apps) |
| WIN+SHIFT+TAB         | Cycle backward through Task View items         |
| WIN+CTRL+LEFT/RIGHT ARROW | Switch to the previous/next virtual desktop  |

*Please note that some shortcuts may be specific to certain Windows versions or applications.*


![A Sample keyboard](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/4d1q755e02qno5pdqb9u.jpg)

We'll explore the most valuable and relevant Windows shortcuts listed above, along with practical tips on how to integrate them seamlessly into your daily workflow.

## 1. Copy, Cut, and Paste (CTRL+C, CTRL+X, CTRL+V)

Copying, cutting, and pasting are fundamental actions in any computing task. Whether it's text, files, or images, these shortcuts allow you to duplicate, move, and transfer content effortlessly. To use these shortcuts effectively, select the desired content, press CTRL+C to copy or CTRL+X to cut, navigate to the destination, and press CTRL+V to paste. Say goodbye to tedious right-clicking and menu navigation!

## 2. Undo (CTRL+Z) and Delete (DELETE)

Mistakes happen, but with the "Undo" shortcut, you can easily revert the last action without breaking your workflow. Press CTRL+Z to undo your most recent action, whether it's deleting a file or making changes to a document. On the other hand, the "Delete" key allows you to remove selected items with a simple keystroke, streamlining the content management process.

## 3. Select All (CTRL+A) and Redo (CTRL+Y)

When you need to work with all the content in a document or folder, the "Select All" shortcut (CTRL+A) is your go-to option. It highlights everything within the active window, enabling you to copy, cut, or delete in one swift motion. Additionally, the "Redo" shortcut (CTRL+Y) comes in handy when you need to reapply an action that you just undid.

## 4. Save (CTRL+S) and Print (CTRL+P)

Preserving your work is essential, and the "Save" shortcut (CTRL+S) ensures that you don't lose any progress in your documents, even during unexpected crashes or power outages. It is a simple yet indispensable shortcut that every computer user should integrate into their workflow. Make it a habit to save your work regularly to prevent data loss and avoid the frustration of having to recreate your work from scratch.

On the other hand, the "Print" shortcut (CTRL+P) comes in handy when you need to turn your digital content into hard copies. Instead of navigating through menus to access the print function, simply press CTRL+P, and the print dialog box will pop up, allowing you to select the printer, adjust print settings, and swiftly send the document to the printer. Whether you need to print documents, images, or web pages, the "Print" shortcut streamlines the printing process, saving you time and effort.

## 5. Navigating Windows (ALT+TAB, WIN+D, WIN+E)

Switching between open windows can be cumbersome, especially when you have multiple applications running simultaneously. The "ALT+TAB" shortcut allows you to cycle through open windows quickly, making it easy to switch between tasks seamlessly. Moreover, if you want to minimize all open windows and get straight to the desktop, simply press "WIN+D," saving you from having to manually minimize each window.

Need to access File Explorer swiftly? The "WIN+E" shortcut opens File Explorer instantly, allowing you to browse and manage files and folders effortlessly. Whether you want to access a specific document or organize your files, this shortcut is a true time-saver.

## 6. Task Management (CTRL+SHIFT+ESC, ALT+F4)

When your computer starts to slow down or an application becomes unresponsive, the "CTRL+SHIFT+ESC" shortcut provides direct access to the Task Manager. From here, you can analyze processes, end unresponsive tasks, and monitor system performance. It's an invaluable tool for troubleshooting and optimizing your computer's performance.

For a quick way to close applications and windows, use the "ALT+F4" shortcut. Whether you're done with a document, web browser, or any other application, pressing ALT+F4 will close the active window instantly, providing a more efficient alternative to using the mouse and clicking the close button.

## 7. Virtual Desktops (WIN+CTRL+D, WIN+CTRL+LEFT/RIGHT ARROW)

Managing multiple projects or tasks can get overwhelming, but virtual desktops are here to help. Use the "WIN+CTRL+D" shortcut to create a new virtual desktop, providing a separate workspace to organize your windows and applications.

Once you have multiple virtual desktops, switch between them with the "WIN+CTRL+LEFT/RIGHT ARROW" shortcut. This allows you to keep your workflow organized and reduces clutter, ultimately boosting your productivity.

## 8. System Control (WIN+I, WIN+X, WIN+L)

The "WIN+I" shortcut opens Windows Settings, giving you quick access to various system configurations and customization options. Whether you need to change display settings, update preferences, or manage accounts, Windows Settings is the centralized hub for controlling your operating system.

For a convenient menu of essential system tools, use the "WIN+X" shortcut. This shortcut opens the Quick Link menu, providing quick access to commonly used tools like Task Manager, Command Prompt, Device Manager, and more.

When it's time to step away from your computer, press "WIN+L" to lock your screen, securing your privacy and keeping your work safe.


![Beautiful keyboard](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/u3xx01ksbijxvtsh7kqd.jpg)

## Conclusion

Windows shortcuts are like hidden gems that, once discovered and mastered, can revolutionize your computing experience. These shortcuts save time, reduce the reliance on the mouse, and streamline repetitive tasks, allowing you to focus on what truly matters – your work and creativity.

In this article, we've explored some of the most valuable and relevant Windows shortcuts, ranging from the basic copy-paste functions to advanced virtual desktop management. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily workflow, you can become a more efficient and productive computer user. So, why wait? Start using these shortcuts today, and unlock the full potential of your Windows-powered device!

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