Highlights

• Windows keyboard shortcuts can save time and improve productivity
• Shortcuts such as Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V are essential for copying and pasting text and images and Alt+Tab lets you quickly switch between open windows. Apart from these, many shortcuts can assist in your daily routine can save time and effort.
• keyboard shortcuts are an essential tool for any computer user. They can save time, increase productivity, reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries, improve accessibility, simplify complex tasks, and provide consistency across different applications. By learning and using keyboard shortcuts, you can become a more efficient and effective computer user.
• In this blog post, we’ll are sharing some secret essential windows keyboard shortcuts keys you didn’t know existed on your keyboard that can save you time and improve your productivity.

Do you ever feel like you’re not using your computer to its full potential? If so, you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize that dozens of keyboard shortcuts can help them work faster and more efficiently on their Windows PCs.

First on the list and probably the most popular keyboard shortcuts are the Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V shortcuts. These simple keystrokes allow you to copy and paste text or images from one location to another.

Instead of manually highlighting the text or image and using the right-click menu, you can simply use these shortcuts to do it in a fraction of the time.

Then, we have the Alt+Tab, which lets you quickly switch between open windows. This is particularly useful when you have multiple applications open at once and need to switch between them frequently.

Another helpful shortcut is Win+D, which minimizes all open windows and takes you directly to your desktop. This can be a lifesaver when you need to quickly access a file or folder on your desktop.

These are just a few examples of the many Windows keyboard shortcuts that can make your computing experience smoother and more efficient.

So, take the time to learn them and start using them in your daily routine – you’ll be amazed at how much time and effort they can save you in the long run!

In this blog post, we’ll go over some of the most essential Windows keyboard shortcuts that can save you time and improve your productivity.

Whether you’re a professional writer, a graphic designer, or just someone who uses their computer for everyday tasks, these shortcuts are sure to come in handy.

Before we move to the keyboard shortcuts, let’s understand the significance of using shortcuts on a PC during your everyday tasks.

Why Do We Need Keyboard Shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are a set of key combinations that are designed to perform specific tasks on your computer. They can be incredibly helpful for users who want to increase their productivity and work more efficiently. Here are some reasons why we need keyboard shortcuts:

Saves Time: Using keyboard shortcuts can save you a significant amount of time. Instead of going through menus and submenus to find a particular option, a simple keyboard shortcut can do the job in seconds.

Increases Productivity: Keyboard shortcuts can significantly increase your productivity by allowing you to work faster and more efficiently.

For instance, by using a keyboard shortcut, you can easily switch between different applications, copy and paste text, or create a new document, without having to move your hand away from the keyboard.

Reduces Repetitive Strain Injuries: Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are common among computer users, particularly those who use a mouse extensively. Using keyboard shortcuts can help reduce the strain on your hands, wrist, and fingers, thereby reducing the risk of developing RSI.

Improves Accessibility: Keyboard shortcuts can make your computer more accessible to users with disabilities. For example, users who have difficulty using a mouse can use keyboard shortcuts to navigate through menus and perform tasks.

Simplifies Complex Tasks: Many software applications have complex functions that are difficult to access through menus. Keyboard shortcuts can simplify these tasks by providing a quick and easy way to access them.

Offers Consistency: Keyboard shortcuts offer a consistent way to perform tasks across different applications. This consistency helps users quickly learn new software applications and become more proficient in their use.

Basic Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Here are some basic Windows keyboard shortcuts that can make your computing experience smoother and more efficient:

Ctrl + C – Copy – This shortcut allows you to copy selected text, images or files to the clipboard.

Ctrl + V – Paste – This shortcut allows you to paste the contents of the clipboard into the current document or location.

Ctrl + X – Cut – This shortcut allows you to cut selected text, images or files to the clipboard.

Ctrl + A – Select All – This shortcut selects all items in the current window or document.

Ctrl + Z – Undo – This shortcut allows you to undo the last action performed.

Ctrl + Y – Redo – This shortcut allows you to redo the last undone action.

Alt + Tab – Switch between open windows – This shortcut allows you to switch between open windows or applications.

Windows Key + D – Show Desktop – This shortcut minimizes all open windows and takes you directly to your desktop.

Windows Key + L – Lock Screen – This shortcut allows you to lock your computer screen quickly.

Windows Key + E – File Explorer – This shortcut opens the File Explorer window.

Windows Key + R – Run Dialog – This shortcut opens the Run dialog box.

Windows Key + S – Search – This shortcut opens the Windows Search box.

Windows Key + I – Settings – This shortcut opens the Windows Settings window.

Windows Key + P – Project to a second screen – This shortcut allows you to project your screen to a second display.

Windows Key + Print Screen – Screenshot – This shortcut takes a screenshot of your entire screen and saves it to your Pictures folder.

These basic keyboard shortcuts can help you work more efficiently on your Windows PC. By using them regularly, you can save time and improve your productivity.

Advanced Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Here are some advanced Windows keyboard shortcuts that can take your computing experience to the next level:

Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Task Manager – This shortcut opens the Task Manager, which allows you to manage running processes and applications on your computer.

Windows Key + Tab – Task View – This shortcut opens the Task View, which shows all your open windows and virtual desktops.

Alt + F4 – Close Window – This shortcut allows you to quickly close the current window or application.

Ctrl + Alt + Delete – Security Options – This shortcut opens a menu with security options such as Lock, Switch User, Sign Out, and Task Manager.

Windows Key + Arrow Keys – Snap Window – This shortcut allows you to quickly arrange open windows on your desktop.

Windows Key + Number Keys – Open App from Taskbar – This shortcut opens the application on the taskbar that corresponds to the number you press.

Ctrl + Shift + T – Reopen Closed Tab – This shortcut reopens the last closed tab in your web browser.

Ctrl + Shift + N – New Incognito Window – This shortcut opens a new private browsing window in your web browser.

Ctrl + Shift + P – New InPrivate Window – This shortcut opens a new private browsing window in Internet Explorer and Microsoft Edge.

Windows Key + Break – System Properties – This shortcut opens the System Properties window.

Windows Key + E + Shift – Open File Explorer as Administrator – This shortcut opens File Explorer with administrator privileges.

Windows Key + R + Type “msconfig” + Enter – System Configuration – This shortcut opens the System Configuration tool, which allows you to manage startup programs and system services.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc + Alt – Resource Monitor – This shortcut opens the Resource Monitor, which provides detailed information about system resource usage.

Windows Key + X – Quick Link Menu – This shortcut opens the Quick Link menu, which provides quick access to various system settings.

These advanced keyboard shortcuts can help you take full advantage of your Windows PC. By using them regularly, you can work more efficiently and get the most out of your computer.

Productivity Windows Shortcuts

Here are some productivity Windows keyboard shortcuts that can help you get more done in less time:

Windows Key + A – Action Center – This shortcut opens the Action Center, which provides quick access to important system notifications and settings.

Windows Key + C – Cortana – This shortcut activates Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant, allowing you to search the web, set reminders, and perform other tasks using voice commands.

Windows Key + H – Share – This shortcut opens the Share menu, which allows you to quickly share files, photos, and other content with others.

Windows Key + K – Connect – This shortcut opens the Connect menu, which allows you to quickly connect to wireless displays, audio devices, and other peripherals.

Windows Key + S – Snipping Tool – This shortcut opens the Snipping Tool, which allows you to capture screenshots and annotate them with notes and highlights.

Windows Key + W – Whiteboard – This shortcut opens the Whiteboard app, which allows you to collaborate with others on a virtual whiteboard.

Windows Key + Shift + S – Snip & Sketch – This shortcut allows you to capture screenshots and annotate them using the Snip & Sketch tool.

Windows Key + D + Shift – Show Desktop on Second Screen – This shortcut minimizes all open windows on the second screen.

Windows Key + Comma – Peek at Desktop – This shortcut allows you to quickly peek at the desktop without minimizing any open windows.

Windows Key + Space – Switch Language Input – This shortcut allows you to quickly switch between different input languages.

Windows Key + Ctrl + F – Find Text – This shortcut allows you to quickly search for text within a document or web page.

Windows Key + G – Xbox Game Bar – This shortcut opens the Xbox Game Bar, which allows you to capture screenshots and record game footage.

Windows Key + L + Shift – Logout of Windows – This shortcut logs you out of your Windows account.

Windows Key + U – Ease of Access Center – This shortcut opens the Ease of Access Center, which provides quick access to accessibility settings.

These productivity keyboard shortcuts can help you work more efficiently and accomplish more in less time. By using them regularly, you can streamline your workflow and get more done.

Microsoft Office Keyboard Shortcuts

Microsoft Office is one of the most commonly used computer software in both personal and professional capacities. If you use MS office for performing many of your computer tasks, here are some easy and quick keyboard shortcuts that will surely make your life easier.

Excel

• Close a spreadsheet: Ctrl + W
• Open a spreadsheet: Ctrl + O
• Choose a fill colour: Alt + H, H

You can also create your own Excel keyboard shortcuts.

PowerPoint

• Change the font size for selected text: Alt + H, F, S
• Insert a picture: Alt + N, P
• Insert a shape: Alt + H, S, H
• Select a theme: Alt + G, H
• Select a slide layout: Alt + H, L

OneNote

• Open a new OneNote window: Ctrl + M
• Dock the OneNote windows: Ctrl + Alt + D
• Bring up the context menu for anything currently in focus: Shift + F10

Outlook

• New message: Ctrl + Shift + M
• Reply: Alt + H, R, P
• Forward: Alt + H, F, W
• Send: Alt + S
• Insert File: Alt + N, A, F

Word

• Close active window or document: Ctrl + W
• Format all letters as capitals: Ctrl + Shift + A
• Save as: Alt, F, A
• Insert Table of Contents: Alt, S, T, I
• Full-Screen Mode: Alt, W, F

Bonus – A Shortcut Windows 10 “God Mode” for Desktop

This is not a real keyboard shortcut, but a rather helpful and handy productivity trick nonetheless. It is the Windows 10 “God Mode”. This creates a shortcut on the desktop for easy access to the settings of your PC.

Using this shortcut, you can access all the important settings and information of your computer at a glance.

Here’s How to Activate the Windows 10 “God Mode” –

Step 1. Make sure you’re on an administrator account

Step 2. Click right on the desktop to create a “new folder”

Step 3. As the folder’s name, copy and paste (exactly as is):

GodMode.{ED7BA470–8E54–465E-825C-99712043E01C}

And that’s all, the folder will be created. This folder once saved will change to a control panel icon and provide all the functionality and information you could ever want.

Essential shortcuts

Desktop shortcuts

File Explorer shortcuts

Settings page shortcuts

Command Prompt shortcuts

Microsoft Edge shortcuts

Windows key shortcuts

FAQs on Secret Essential Windows Keyboard Shortcut Keys You Didn’t Know Existed on Your Keyboard

Q1. What are settings page shortcuts?

Answer. This list includes the keyboard shortcuts for the dialog box legacy settings pages (for example, Folder Options).

• Ctrl + Tab – Cycles forward through the tabs.
• Ctrl + Shift + Tab – Cycles back through the tabs.
• Ctrl + number of tab – Jumps to tab position.
• Tab – Moves forward through the settings.
• Shift + Tab – Moves back through the settings.
• Alt + underline letter – Actions the setting identified by the letter.
• Spacebar – Checks or clears the option in focus.
• Backspace – Opens the folder one-level app in the Open or Save As dialog.
• Arrow keys – Select a button of the active setting.

Q2. What is the main key that does most of the shortcuts on a PC?

Answer. Shortcut keys help provide an easier and quicker method of navigating and executing commands in the computer software. Shortcut keys are performed using Alt (on IBM-compatible computers), Command (on Apple computers), Ctrl, or Shift in conjunction with another key.

Q3. How do I close a window shortcut?

Answer. To Close an Application Window

• Press Alt+Tab to move the highlight to the window you want to close.
• Press Alt+F4.

Q4. How do I assign a shortcut key in Windows 10?

Answer. Once the program is on the taskbar:

• Right-click the desired icon.
• At the bottom of the drop-down menu, above “unpin”, right-click the name of the program. …
• Left-click “properties”
• Click on the text box that says “shortcut key”
• Type in your desired keyboard combination by pressing the keys.
• Once completed, click “ok”

Q5. How do I enable keyboard shortcuts in Windows?

Answer. Enable Keyboard Shortcuts

• Click the Settings icon.
• Select Settings. Scroll down the General settings tab until you find the Keyboard shortcuts category.
• Click the Keyboard shortcuts on option button on the General tab.
• Click the Save Changes button.

Q6. Why Windows shortcut keys are not working?

Answer. Keyboard shortcuts could fail to work if you don’t press the key combinations at the same time. If you are having difficulties pressing multiple keys at the same time, you should enable Sticky Keys. This Windows 10 feature allows you to press the shortcut keys one after another.

Q7. What is the keyboard shortcut to maximize a window?

Answer. To maximize a window using the keyboard, hold down the Super key and press ↑ , or press Alt + F10.

Q8. What is the shortcut for full screen?

Answer. A very common shortcut, particularly for browsers, is the F11 key. It can take your screen into and out of full-screen mode quickly and easily. When using a document type of application, like Word, pressing the WINKEY and the up arrow can maximize your window for you.

Q9. What is the keyboard shortcut for Refresh?

Answer. One of the most popular shortcut keys to refresh is the F5 key. It is available in Windows 11 as well as older versions of Windows. You just need to press the F5 key to refresh Windows PC. On some Windows 10/11 laptop/ PC, you may need to press the Function ‘Fn’ key with F5 as well to refresh.

Also Read: Windows 11 in 2023 — Here’s What to Expect

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