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
windows key
, then type what you want to open
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
+
Tabtab symbol
Hold
Alt
, then tap
Tabtab symbol
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.

task manager
Task manager menu - try when above doesn't work
Ctrl
+
Alt
+
Delete
Close program
Alt
+
F4
Snap window to sides
windows key
+
←
or
→

Try it with one window on each side for side-by-side mode!

Maximize, restore, minimize window
windows key
+
↑
or
↓
Move window between multiple monitors
Shift
+
windows key
+
←
or
→

Effect

Shortcut

Demo
Find any program or file
windows key
 + type something
Open file explorer
windows key
+
E
Switch to most recently used open app
Alt
+
Tabtab symbol
Task view
windows key
+
Tabtab symbol
Copy screen clipping to clipboard
windows key
+
Shift
+
S
Launch Nth taskbar program
windows key
+
0
to
9
Action panel
windows key
+
A
Toggle desktop view
windows key
+
D
Connections (bluetooth)
windows key
+
K
Sticky notes, screen sketch
windows key
+
W
OneNote quick note
windows key
+
N
Magnifier
windows key
+
+
Increase magnification:
windows key
+
+
Decrease magnification:
windows key
+
-
Exit magnifier:
windows key
+
Esc
Admin menu
windows key
+
X
Once open, type the underlined letters to follow the menu items.
Search with voice control
windows key
+
Q
Ease of Access Center (magnifier, screen keyboard, high contrast etc.)
windows key
+
U
Lock the computer
windows key
+
L
🎈 Emoji menu 😎✨
windows key
+
.

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
windows key
, then type what you want
Open file explorer
windows key
+
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 items
Focus 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
+
windows key
+
D
Switch between virtual desktops
Ctrl
+
windows key
+
←
or
→
Close virtual desktop
Ctrl
+
F4
Task View: perform any of above using mouse
windows key
+
Tabtab symbol
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"