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Keyboard shortcuts can boost your productivity if your daily job relies heavily on using Windows. They just don’t get the work done quickly, but also improve efficiency. Give them a try and you just might find yourself getting addicted to keyboard shortcuts.
Here is the massive list of windows keyboard shortcuts that make your work easier 
Some of the shortcuts given below may not work for versions below Windows 8, But they are friendly with 7, 8.1 XP, 10, and servers!!
General Shortcuts
Let’s kickstart the list with the most common shortcuts that you’ll often use.
- F1 [Display Help]
- F2 [Rename the selected item]
- F3 [Search for a file or folder]
- F4 [Display the address bar list in File Explorer]
- F5 [Refresh the active window]
- F6 [Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop]
- F10 [Activate the Menu bar in the active app]
- ALT + F4 [Close the active item, or exit the active app]
- ALT + ESC [Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened]
- ALT + Underlined Letter in menus and dialog box options [Perform the command for that letter]
- ALT + ENTER [Display properties for the selected item]
- ALT + SPACEBAR [Open the shortcut menu for the active window]
- ALT + LEFT ARROW [Back]
- ALT + RIGHT ARROW [Forward]
- ALT + PAGE UP [Move up one screen]
- ALT + PAGE DOWN [Move down one screen]
- ALT + TAB [Switch between open apps (except desktop apps)]
- CTRL + F4 [Close the active document (in apps that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)]
- CTRL + A [Select all items in a document or window]
- CTRL + C or CTRL + INSERT [Copy the selected item]
- CTRL + D / DELETE [DELETE the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin]
- CTRL + R or F5 [Refresh the active window]
- CTRL + V or SHIFT + INSERT [Paste the selected item]
- CTRL + X [Cut the selected item]
- CTRL + Y [Redo an action]
- CTRL + Z [Undo an action]
- CTRL + + or CTRL + – [Zoom in or out of a large NUMBER of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen]
- CTRL + mouse scroll wheel [Change the size of desktop icons or zoom in or out of a large NUMBER of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen]
- CTRL + RIGHT ARROW [Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word]
- CTRL + LEFT ARROW [Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word]
- CTRL + DOWN ARROW [Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph]
- CTRL + UP ARROW [Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph]
- CTRL + ALT + TAB [Use the arrow keys to switch between all open apps]
- CTRL + ARROW + SPACEBAR [Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop]
- CTRL + SHIFT + ARROW [Select a block of text]
- CTRL + ESC [Open the Start screen]
- CTRL + SHIFT + ESC [Open Task Manager]
- CTRL + SHIFT [Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are available]
- CTRL + SPACEBAR [Turn the Chinese input method editor (IME) on or off]
- SHIFT + F10 [Display the shortcut menu for the selected item]
- SHIFT + ARROW [Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document]
- SHIFT + DELETE [Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first]
- RIGHT ARROW [Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu]
- LEFT ARROW [Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu]
- ESC [Stop or leave the current task]
Windows key Shortcuts
Let’s check the keyboard shortcuts involving the Windows logo key. Most of them are introduced in Windows 8’s Metro UI, and can be used in Windows 8 and above.
- Win + F1 [Open Windows Help and support]
- Win [Display or hide the Start screen]
- Win + B [Set focus in the notification area]
- Win + C [Open Charms]
- Win + D [Display and hide the desktop]
- Win + E [Open File Explorer]
- Win + F [Open the Search charm and search for files]
- Win + H [Open the Share charm]
- Win + I [Open the Settings charm]
- Win + K [Open the Devices charm]
- Win + L [Lock your PC or switch people]
- Win + M [Minimize all windows]
- Win + O [Lock device orientation]
- Win + P [Choose a presentation display mode]
- Win + Q [Open the Search charm to search everywhere or within the open app (if the app supports app search)]
- Win + R [Open the Run dialog box]
- Win + S [Open the Search charm to search Windows and the web]
- Win + T [Cycle through apps on the taskbar]
- Win + U [Open Ease of Access Center]
- Win + V [Cycle through notifications]
- Win + SHIFT + V [Cycle through notifications in reverse order]
- Win + W [Open the Search charm and search for settings]
- Win + X [Open the Quick Link menu]
- Win + Z [Show the commands available in the app]
- Win + , [Temporarily peek at the desktop]
- Win + PAUSE [Display the System Properties dialog box]
- Win + CTRL + F [Search for PCs (if you’re on a network)]
- Win + SHIFT + M [Restore minimized windows on the desktop]
- Win + (NUMBER 1-9) [Open the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, it switches to that app.]
- Win + SHIFT + (NUMBER 1-9) [Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number]
- Win + CTRL + (NUMBER 1-9) [Open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number]
- Win + ALT + (NUMBER 1-9) [Open the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number]
- Win + CTRL + SHIFT + (NUMBER 1-9) [Open the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator]
- Win + TAB [Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps)]
- Win + CTRL + TAB [Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps)]
- Win + SHIFT + TAB [Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order]
- Win + CTRL + B [Switch to the app that displayed a message in the notification area]
- Win + UP ARROW [Maximize the window]
- Win + DOWN ARROW [Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window]
- Win + LEFT ARROW [Maximize the app or desktop window to the LEFT side of the screen]
- Win + RIGHT ARROW [Maximize the app or desktop window to the RIGHT side of the screen]
- Win + HOME [Minimize all but the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke)]
- Win + SHIFT + UP ARROW [Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen]
- Win + SHIFT + DOWN ARROW [Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width]
- Win + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW [Move an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another]
- Win + SPACEBAR [Switch input language and keyboard layout]
- Win + CTRL + SPACEBAR [Change to a previously selected input]
- Win + ENTER [Open Narrator]
- Win + SHIFT + . [Cycle through open apps]
- Win + . [Cycle through open apps]
- Win + / [Initiate IME reconversion]
- Win + ALT + ENTER [Open WindowsMedia Center]
- Win + +/- [Zoom in or out using Magnifier]
- Win + ESC [Exit Magnifier]
Dialog box Shortcuts
These are the keyboard shortcuts that can be used in dialog boxes.
- F1 [Display Help]
- F4 [Display the items in the active list]
- CTRL + TAB [Move forward through tabs]
- CTRL + SHIFT + TAB [Move back through tabs]
- CTRL + (NUMBER 1-9) [Move to nth tab]
- TAB [Move forward through options]
- SHIFT + TAB [Move back through options]
- ALT + Underlined Letter in menus and dialog box options [Perform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter]
- SPACEBAR [Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box]
- BACKSPACE [Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box]
- ARROW keys [Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons]
File explorer Shortcuts
These are the shortcuts that can be used to work with File Explorer’s windows or folders.
- ALT + D [Select the address bar]
- CTRL + E [Select the search box]
- CTRL + F [Select the search box]
- CTRL + N [Open a new window]
- CTRL + W [Close the current window]
- CTRL + mouse scroll wheel [Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons]
- CTRL + SHIFT + E [Display all folders above the selected folder]
- CTRL + SHIFT + N [Create a new folder]
- NUM LOCK + * [Display all subfolders under the selected folder]
- NUM LOCK + + [Display the contents of the selected folder]
- NUM LOCK + – [Collapse the selected folder]
- ALT + P [Display the preview pane]
- ALT + ENTER [Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item]
- ALT + RIGHT ARROW [View the next folder]
- ALT + UP ARROW [View the folder that the folder was in]
- ALT + LEFT ARROW [View the previous folder]
- BACKSPACE [View the previous folder]
- RIGHT ARROW [Display the current selection (if it’s collapsed), or select the first subfolder]
- LEFT ARROW [Collapse the current selection (if it’s expanded), or select the folder that the folder was in]
- END [Display the bottom of the active window]
- HOME [Display the top of the active window]
- F11 [Maximize or minimize the active window]
Taskbar Shortcuts
Here are the keyboard shortcuts to work with items on the Desktop’s taskbar.
- SHIFT + Click a Taskbar Button [Open an app or quickly open another instance of an app]
- CTRL + SHIFT + Click a Taskbar Button [Open an app as an administrator]
- SHIFT + Right-click a Taskbar Button [Show the window menu for the app]
- SHIFT + Right-click a Grouped Taskbar Button [Show the window menu for the groUP]
- CTRL + Click a Grouped Taskbar Button [Cycle through the windows of the groUP]
Ease of access Shortcuts
These are the keyboard shortcuts to help you use your computer easily.
- Hold RIGHT SHIFT for eight seconds [Turn Filter Keys on and off]
- LEFT ALT + LEFT SHIFT + PRINT SCREEN [Turn High Contrast on or off]
- LEFT ALT + LEFT SHIFT + NUM LOCK [Turn Mouse Keys on or off]
- Press SHIFT five times [Turn Sticky Keys on or off]
- Press NUM LOCK for five seconds [Turn Toggle Keys on or off]
- Win + U [Open the Ease of Access Center]
Magnifier Shortcuts
Here are the keyboard shortcuts to help you use Magnifier.
- Win + + [Zoom in]
- Win + – [Zoom out]
- CTRL + ALT + SPACEBAR [Preview the desktop in full-screen mode]
- CTRL + ALT + D [Switch to docked mode]
- CTRL + ALT + F [Switch to full-screen mode]
- CTRL + ALT + I [Invert colors]
- CTRL + ALT + L [Switch to lens mode]
- CTRL + ALT + R [Resize the lens]
- CTRL + ALT + ARROW keys [Pan in the direction of the ARROW keys]
- Win + ESC [Exit Magnifier]
Narrator Shortcuts
These are the keyboard shortcuts to help you use Narrator.
- SPACEBAR or ENTER [Activate current item]
- TAB + ARROW Keys [Move around on the screen]
- CTRL [Stop reading]
- CAPS LOCK + D [Read item]
- CAPS LOCK + M [Start reading]
- CAPS LOCK + H [Read document]
- CAPS LOCK + V [Repeat phrase]
- CAPS LOCK + W [Read window]
- CAPS LOCK + PAGE UP or PAGE DOWN [Increase or decrease the volume of the voice]
- CAPS LOCK + +/- [Increase or decrease the speed of the voice]
- CAPS LOCK + SPACEBAR [Do default action]
- CAPS LOCK + LEFT or RIGHT ARROW [Move to previous/next item]
- CAPS LOCK + F2 [Show commands for current item]
- Caps + ESC [Exit Narrator]
Remote desktop connection Shortcuts
These are the keyboard shortcuts to ease the use of remote desktop connection.
-
ALT + PAGE UP [Move between apps, left to right]
-
ALT + PAGE DOWN [Move between apps, right to left]
-
ALT + INSERT [Cycle through apps in the order that they were started]
-
ALT + HOME [Display the Start screen]
-
CTRL + ALT + BREAK [Switch between a window and full screen]
-
CTRL + ALT + END [Display the Windows Security dialog box]
-
CTRL + ALT + HOME [In full-screen mode, activate the connection bar]
-
ALT + DELETE [Display the system menu]
-
CTRL + ALT + – [Place a copy of the active window, within the client, on the Terminal server clipboard (similar to ALT + PRINT SCREEN on a local PC)]
-
CTRL + ALT + + [Place a copy of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard (similar to Print Screen on a local PC)]
-
CTRL + ALT + RIGHT ARROW [TAB out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host app (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) app.]
-
CTRL + ALT + LEFT ARROW [TABout of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host app (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) app.]
Help viewer Shortcuts
These are the keyboard shortcuts that can be used with the help viewer.
- F3 [Move the cursor to the search box]
- F10 [Display the Options menu]
- HOME [Move to the beginning of a topic]
- END [Move to the end of a topic]
- ALT + LEFT ARROW [Move back to the previously viewed topic]
- ALT + RIGHT ARROW [Move to the next (previously viewed) topic]
- ALT + HOME [Display the Help and support home page]
- ALT + A [Display the customer support page]
- ALT + C [Display the TABle of Contents]
- ALT + N [Display the Connection Settings menu]
- CTRL + F [Search the current topic]
- CTRL + P [Print a topic]
App rearranging Shortcuts (Metro)
Here are the keyboard shortcuts that can be used to rearrange apps on Metro screen. You should keep the Windows key pressed down continuously once you enter in the rearrange mode, then use the various commands. When you’re done rearranging apps, then release the Windows key.
- Win + . [Enter Rearrange mode and select apps or dividers across monitors]
- Win + LEFT ARROW [Move app divider left]
- Win + RIGHT ARROW [Move app divider right]
- Win + UP ARROW [Maximize app]
- Win + DOWN ARROW [Close app]
- Win + ESC [Exit Rearrange mode]
Windows 10 / 11 Shortcuts:
General Keyboard Shortcuts
Let’s start with the general keyboard shortcuts that you’ll readily use everyday.
| Press the keys | to perform the action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + X | Cut the selection |
| Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Ins | Copy the selection |
| Ctrl + V or Shift + Ins | Paste the selection |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo the last action |
| Alt + F4 | Close or exit the active app |
| F2 | Rename the selected item |
| F6 | Cycle through the on-screen elements |
| F10 | Activate the Menu bar in the current app |
| Alt + F8 | Display your password on the login screen |
| Alt + Esc | Cycle through apps in their opening order |
| Alt + *Underlined letter | Perform the action for the underlined letter |
| Alt + Enter | Display the Properties for the selected item |
| Alt + Spacebar | Show the quick menu for the active window |
| Alt + ← | Navigate back |
| Alt + → | Navigate forward |
| Alt + Page Up | Scroll up one screen |
| Alt + Page Down | Scroll down one screen |
| Ctrl + F4 | Close the active tab or document |
| Ctrl + A | Select all items or content in the window |
| Ctrl + D or Del | Delete the selected item into the Recycle Bin |
| Ctrl + R or F5 | Refresh the active window |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo the last undo-ed action |
| Ctrl + → | Navigate the cursor to the beginning of the next word |
| Ctrl + ← | Navigate the cursor to the beginning of the previous word |
| Ctrl + ↓ | Navigate the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph |
| Ctrl + ↑ | Navigate the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph |
| Ctrl + Alt + Shift + Arrow keys | Move a group or a tile in focus in either direction on the Start menu |
| Ctrl + Arrow keys + Spacebar | Select multiple items in a window or on the desktop |
| Ctrl + Shift + Any arrow key | Select a block of text |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
| Ctrl + Shift | Switch between the available keyboard layouts |
| Ctrl + Spacebar | Turn on/off the Chinese input method editor |
| Shift + F10 | Display the context menu for the selected item |
| Shift + Any arrow key | Select text in the document or multiple items in a window or on the desktop |
| Shift + Del | Delete the selected item directly without first sending it to the Recycle Bin |
| → | Open the menu to the right or open a submenu |
| ← | Open the menu to the left or close a submenu |
| Esc | Stop or abandon the current task |
File Explorer keyboard shortcuts
Below are the keyboard shortcuts to master the File Explorer and traverse around the Windows filesystem quickly than ever.
| Press the keys | to perform the action |
|---|---|
| Alt + D or F4 | Select the address bar |
| Ctrl + E or Ctrl + F or F3 | Select the search box |
| Ctrl + N | Open a new window |
| Ctrl + W | Close the current window |
| Ctrl + Mouse scroll | Change the size and appearance of icons |
| Ctrl + Shift + E | Display all sub-folders of the parent folder |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder |
| Num Lock + * | Display all subfolders of the selected folder |
| Num Lock + + | Display all contents of the selected folder |
| Num Lock + – | Collapse the selected folder |
| Alt + P | Display the preview panel |
| Alt + Enter | Open the Properties for the selected item |
| Alt + → | Go to the next folder |
| Alt + ↑ | Go to the parent folder |
| Alt + ← or Backspace | Go to the previous folder |
| → | Expand the selected folder (if it’s collapsed) or select its sub folder |
| ← | Collapse the selected folder (if it’s expanded) or select its parent folder |
| End | Scroll to the bottom of the current window |
| Home | Scroll to the top of the current window |
| F11 | Maximize or minimize the current window |
Windows Key keyboard shortcuts
Here are the keyboard shortcuts starting with the Win (Windows) key that help you open numerous tools and achieve various tasks by pressing a few keys.
| Press the keys | to perform the action |
|---|---|
| Win or Ctrl + Esc | Open or close the Start menu |
| Win + A | Open the Action center |
| Win + B | Focus the notification area |
| Win + Shift + C | Open Cortana in listening mode |
| Win + D | Show or hide the desktop |
| Win + Alt + D | Show or hide the Calendar quick action |
| Win + E | Open the File Explorer |
| Win + F | Open the Feedback Hub |
| Win + G | Open the Game bar when playing a game |
| Win + H | Open the Share charm |
| Win + I | Open the Settings app |
| Win + J | Set focus to a Windows tip if available |
| Win + K | Open the Connect quick action |
| Win + L | Lock your PC or switch user accounts |
| Win + M | Minimize all visible windows |
| Win + O | Lock the device orientation |
| Win + P | Select a presentation display mode |
| Win + R | Launch the Run tool |
| Win + S | Open search (aka Cortana) |
| Win + T | Cycle through apps shown on the taskbar |
| Win + U | Open the Ease of Access Center |
| Win + V | Cycle through available notifications |
| Win + Shift + V | Cycle through available notifications in reverse order |
| Win + X | Open the Quick Links menu |
| Win + Z | Show the commands present in a full-screen mode app |
| Win + , | Peek at the desktop temporarily |
| Win + Pause | Show the System Properties dialog box |
| Win + Ctrl + F | Search for computers on your network |
| Win + Shift + M | Restore or expand all minimized windows |
| Win + Number | Start or switch to the app pinned to the taskbar in the position equal to the number |
| Win + Shift + Number | Start the app (even if opened) pinned to the taskbar in the position equal to the number |
| Win + Ctrl + Number | Switch to the recent active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position equal to the number |
| Win + Alt + Number | Show the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position equal to the number |
| Win + Ctrl + Shift + Number | Start a new instance of the app (as an administrator) located on the taskbar in the position equal to the number |
| Win + ↑ | Maximize the active window |
| Win + ↓ | Minimize the active window |
| Win + ← | Maximize or place the active window to the left side of the screen |
| Win + → | Maximize or place the active window to the right side of the screen |
| Win + Home | Minimize or restore all windows except the active application window |
| Win + Shift + ↑ | Stretch the active window vertically on the screen while maintaining width |
| Win + Shift + ↓ | Minimize or restore the active window vertically while maintaining the width |
| Win + Shift + ← or → | Move the current window from one monitor to another (if connected) |
| Win + Spacebar | Change input language plus keyboard layout |
| Win + Ctrl + Spacebar | Switch to the previously chosen/set input |
| Win + Enter | Open the Narrator |
| Win + / | Start IME re-conversion |
| Win + + | Zoom in using the Magnifier |
| Win + – | Zoom out using the Magnifier |
| Win + Esc | Exit the Magnifier |
Command Prompt keyboard shortcuts
Find below the keyboard shortcuts for Command Prompt that help you increase your productivity while using the Cmd tool in Windows.
| Press the keys | to perform the action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert | Copy the selected text |
| Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert | Paste the selected text |
| Ctrl + M | Enter the Mark mode |
| Alt + Selection key | Start selection in block mode |
| Arrow Keys | Move the cursor in the specified direction |
| Page Up | Scroll the cursor up by one page |
| Page Down | Scroll the cursor down by one page |
| Ctrl + Home | Move the cursor to the start of the buffer (in Mark mode) |
| Ctrl + End | Move the cursor to the end of the buffer (in Mark mode) |
| Ctrl + ↑ | Scroll one line up in the output history |
| Ctrl + ↓ | Scroll one line down in the output history |
| Ctrl + Home | Move the command viewport to the top of the buffer (in History navigation) and delete all characters to the left of the cursor |
| Ctrl + End | Move the command viewport to the command line (in History navigation) and delete all characters to the right of the cursor |
Dialog Box keyboard shortcuts
Below are some keyboard shortcuts useful for controlling and handling the dialog boxes using just the keyboard.
| Press the keys | to perform the action |
|---|---|
| F4 | Show the items in the active list |
| Ctrl + Tab | Switch the tabs in forward direction |
| Ctrl + Shift + Tab | Switch the tabs in backward direction |
| Ctrl + N (1-9) | Switch to the nth tab directly |
| Tab | Move forward through options |
| Shift + Tab | Move backward through options |
| Alt + *Underlined letter | Perform the command (or select the option) that is used with that letter |
| Spacebar | Click or select an active button, or select or clear an active check box |
| Backspace | Go to the parent folder if it’s selected in the Open or Save As dialog box |
| Arrow Keys | Select or move to a button from the list of active buttons |
Taskbar keyboard shortcuts
Here are some keyboard shortcuts for opening apps and performing other actions on the Taskbar quickly than ever.
| Press the keys | to perform the action |
|---|---|
| Shift + Click a Taskbar button | Open a new instance of an app quickly |
| Ctrl + Shift + Click a Taskbar button | Open an app (as an administrator) |
| Shift + Right-click a taskbar button | Show the window quick menu for the app |
| Shift + Right-click a grouped taskbar button | Show the window quick menu for the app group |
| Ctrl + Rlick a grouped taskbar button | Cycle through the concurrent opened windows of the app group |
Multi-tasking keyboard shortcuts
Below are some keyboard shortcuts to multi-task faster and gain productivity while using Windows 10.
| Press the keys | to perform the action |
|---|---|
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps |
| Win + Tab | Open the Task View |
| Win + Ctrl + D | Add a virtual desktop |
| Win + Ctrl + ← | Switch to the virtual desktop on the left |
| Win + Ctrl + → | Switch to the virtual desktop on the right |
| Win + Ctrl + F4 | Close the active or current virtual desktop |
That was all about keyboard shortcuts for improving productivity and doing more in less time on Windows 10. Hope you find these helpful and don’t forget to practice them daily to become a power user. (Source: Multiple resources on windows tricks)
ENJOY & HAPPY LEARNING! 
Appreciate the share, don’t be cheap!
