Ctrl
, Alt
, and Shift
are modifier keys — hold them down while pressing other keys to modify the effects.Windows
Effect
Shortcut
Demo
Open any program
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Copy
Ctrl
+C
Paste
Ctrl
+V
Cut (copy + delete)
Ctrl
+X
Undo
Ctrl
+Z
Close system dialog boxes / pop-ups
Esc
Quick-switch programs
Alt
+Tab
Hold
Alt
, then tap Tab
repeatedly until you land on the desired program, then release Alt
.Convenient for rapidly switching between two programs.
Task manager - diagnose problems like slow computer
Ctrl
+Shift
+Esc
Click the column headers to sort tasks by usage of CPU, Memory etc. to find problematic tasks.
To improve performance, check the Startup tab and disable any unnecessary tasks.
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Task manager menu - try when above doesn't work
Ctrl
+Alt
+Delete
Close program
Alt
+F4
Snap window to sides
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←
or→
Try it with one window on each side for side-by-side mode!
Maximize, restore, minimize window
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↑
or↓
Move window between multiple monitors
Shift
+
←
or→
Effect
Shortcut
Demo
Find any program or file
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Open file explorer
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E
Switch to most recently used open app
Alt
+Tab
Task view
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Tab
Copy screen clipping to clipboard
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Shift
+S
Launch Nth taskbar program
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0
to9
Action panel
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A
Toggle desktop view
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D
Connections (bluetooth)
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K
Sticky notes, screen sketch
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W
OneNote quick note
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N
Magnifier

+
Increase magnification:
+
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+
Decrease magnification:
+
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-
Exit magnifier:
+
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Esc
Admin menu
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X
Once open, type the underlined letters to follow the menu items.
Search with voice control
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Q
Ease of Access Center (magnifier, screen keyboard, high contrast etc.)
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U
Lock the computer
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L
🎈 Emoji menu 😎✨
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.
HEY I'm a more info over here
Custom shortcuts
Check out AutoHotkey — many scripts are already available!
Effect
Shortcut
Demo
Search programs, files, web
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Open file explorer
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E
Create a new folder
Ctrl
+Shift
+N
Rename selected file/folder
F2
Close file explorer
Ctrl
+W
or Alt
+F4
Create a new file
right-click,
W
, T
This creates a text file by default; just hit
Ctrl
+A
and change the file extension.Jump to a file in the current directory
click anywhere in the folder, then start typing the file name
Find a file or folder
Ctrl
+F
Access any command in the top menus
Alt
, then type the letters that appear on top of the menu itemsFocus the address bar (e.g. to copy the address or navigate to a copied address)
F4
or Ctrl
+L
Effect
Shortcut
Demo
Note: Windows 10 only
Add a virtual desktop
Ctrl
+
D
Switch between virtual desktops
Ctrl
+
←
or →
Close virtual desktop
Ctrl
+F4
Task View: perform any of above using mouse
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Tab
Show a window or program on all desktops
In Task View, right-click a window > "show this window on all desktops" or "show windows from this app on all desktops"