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](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
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![tab symbol](data:image/png;base64,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)
Hold
Alt
, then tap Tab![tab symbol](data:image/png;base64,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)
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](/static/task-manager-end-task-d6920a199d84eef11b0e6b0fcc3a00df.jpg)
Task manager menu - try when above doesn't work
Ctrl
+Alt
+Delete
Close program
Alt
+F4
Snap window to sides
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
←
or→
Try it with one window on each side for side-by-side mode!
Maximize, restore, minimize window
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
↑
or↓
Move window between multiple monitors
Shift
+![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
←
or→
Effect
Shortcut
Demo
Find any program or file
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
Open file explorer
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
E
Switch to most recently used open app
Alt
+Tab![tab symbol](data:image/png;base64,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)
Task view
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
Tab![tab symbol](data:image/png;base64,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)
Copy screen clipping to clipboard
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
Shift
+S
Launch Nth taskbar program
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
0
to9
Action panel
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
A
Toggle desktop view
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
D
Connections (bluetooth)
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
K
Sticky notes, screen sketch
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
W
OneNote quick note
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
N
Magnifier
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
+
Increase magnification:
+
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
+
Decrease magnification:
+
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
-
Exit magnifier:
+
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
Esc
Admin menu
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
X
Once open, type the underlined letters to follow the menu items.
Search with voice control
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
Q
Ease of Access Center (magnifier, screen keyboard, high contrast etc.)
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
U
Lock the computer
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
L
🎈 Emoji menu 😎✨
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
.
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](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
Open file explorer
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
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
+![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
D
Switch between virtual desktops
Ctrl
+![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
←
or →
Close virtual desktop
Ctrl
+F4
Task View: perform any of above using mouse
![windows key](/static/windows-key-99b6ac61c265c677ffb3cfd48187edf2.png)
Tab![tab symbol](data:image/png;base64,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)
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"