Keyboard Shortcuts Windows 10

In today’s fast-paced digital world, efficiency and productivity are paramount. Windows 10, the popular operating system from Microsoft, comes packed with numerous features to help users navigate and control their PCs seamlessly. One such invaluable feature that can significantly enhance productivity is keyboard shortcuts. These time-saving combinations of keys can streamline tasks and make using Windows 10 a breeze. In this article, we will explore some of the most useful and practical keyboard shortcuts for Windows 10, helping you become a more proficient user.

What are Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 10?

Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of two or more keys pressed simultaneously to perform specific tasks or actions on a computer. These shortcuts are designed to streamline various functions, eliminating the need to navigate through menus and options manually. By mastering these keyboard combinations, users can save time and become more efficient in their daily computing tasks.

Why Use Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 10?

Using keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10 offers several advantages. Firstly, they enhance productivity by allowing users to execute commands swiftly. Secondly, they reduce reliance on the mouse, which can lead to repetitive strain injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome. Moreover, keyboard shortcuts often provide quick access to various features, making multitasking more manageable and enjoyable.

Essential General Shortcuts

1. The Windows Key (Win Key)
   • The Windows key, denoted by the Windows logo, serves as the primary key for many shortcuts. Pressing it opens the Start menu, and using it in combination with other keys can execute various commands.
2. Alt + Tab
   • This classic shortcut allows users to switch between open applications quickly. Holding down the “Alt” key and repeatedly pressing “Tab” enables seamless navigation through the active applications.
3. Ctrl + Shift + Esc
   • This powerful shortcut directly opens the Task Manager, providing a quick way to monitor and manage running processes.
4. Win + D
   • Pressing this combination minimizes all open windows and takes users directly to the desktop. It’s an efficient way to declutter the screen quickly.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Win + D	Show desktop
Win + E	Open File Explorer
Alt + Tab	Switch between open applications
Ctrl + Shift + Esc	Open Task Manager
Win + L	Lock your computer
Win + A	Open Action Center
Win + S	Open Search
Win + I	Open Settings
Win + X	Open Quick Link menu
Ctrl + Alt + Del	Open security options menu
Alt + F4	Close active window

File and Folder Management

1. Ctrl + C / Ctrl + X / Ctrl + V
   • These essential shortcuts are used for copying, cutting, and pasting files and folders, respectively. It’s a quick way to move data around your system.
2. Win + E
   • This shortcut opens File Explorer, giving users instant access to their files and folders.
3. Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y
   • These shortcuts undo and redo actions, providing a safety net while working on files.
4. Shift + Delete
   • While deleting a file using this combination, it bypasses the Recycle Bin, permanently removing the file from the system.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Ctrl + C	Copy selected item
Ctrl + X	Cut selected item
Ctrl + V	Paste copied/cut item
Ctrl + Z	Undo action
Shift + Delete	Permanently delete item
Ctrl + A	Select all items in a folder
F2	Rename selected item
Alt + Enter	View properties of the selected item
Ctrl + Shift + N	Create a new folder
Ctrl + Shift + arrow keys	Select multiple items in a list

Window Management

1. Win + Up / Down / Left / Right
   • These shortcuts maximize, minimize, and snap windows to the left or right side of the screen, allowing for efficient multitasking.
2. Alt + F4
   • Pressing this combination closes the active window promptly.
3. Win + M / Win + Shift + M
   • These shortcuts minimize all open windows, and the latter restores them to their previous state.
4. Alt + Left / Right Arrow
   • When browsing the web or navigating through folders, these shortcuts act as “back” and “forward” commands, respectively.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Alt + F4	Close active window
Win + Left/Right Arrow	Snap window to side
Win + Up Arrow	Maximize window
Win + Down Arrow	Minimize/Restore window
Alt + Space	Open window menu
Win + Home	Minimize all but the active window
Win + Shift + Up Arrow	Maximize vertically
Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow	Move window to another monitor
Win + Ctrl + F4	Close group of windows in Task View
Win + /	Initiate Input Indicator (for certain languages)

Virtual Desktops

1. Win + Ctrl + D
   • This shortcut creates a new virtual desktop, which is useful for organizing workspaces and segregating tasks.
2. Win + Ctrl + Left / Right
   • These combinations help switch between virtual desktops quickly.
3. Win + Ctrl + F4
   • This shortcut closes the current virtual desktop.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Win + Ctrl + D	Add new virtual desktop
Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow	Switch desktops
Win + Ctrl + F4	Close current virtual desktop
Win + Tab	Open Task View
Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow	Move window between monitors
Win + Ctrl + F	Search for a computer on a network
Win + Ctrl + Shift + B	Reset graphics driver
Win + Ctrl + N	Open Narrator
Win + Ctrl + O	Lock the orientation of your screen
Win + Ctrl + F1	Open Windows Help and Support

Taskbar Shortcuts

1. Win + Number (1-9)
   • Using this shortcut opens or switches to the application pinned to the taskbar in the respective position.
2. Win + T
   • Pressing this combination highlights the icons on the taskbar, and users can cycle through them using the arrow keys.
3. Win + B
   • This shortcut focuses on the system tray, allowing users to interact with hidden icons using the keyboard.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Win + Number (1-9)	Open corresponding app
Win + T	Cycle through taskbar apps
Win + B	Highlight system tray
Win + Alt + Number (1-9)	Open Jump List for corresponding app
Shift + Click on app	Open a new instance of the app
Win + Semicolon (;)	Open emoji panel
Win + Shift + S	Open Snip & Sketch for screenshot
Win + Ctrl + Shift + B	Show hidden icons in the system tray
Win + Alt + D	Show/hide the date and time on the taskbar
Win + Alt + Esc	Cycle through apps in the order they were opened

Text Editing and Navigation

1. Ctrl + A / Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys
   • These shortcuts enable users to select text quickly, making editing and formatting efficient.
2. Ctrl + Backspace / Ctrl + Delete
   • These combinations delete entire words instead of individual characters, streamlining the editing process.
3. Ctrl + Home / Ctrl + End
   • These shortcuts quickly navigate to the beginning or end of a document, saving time when working with lengthy texts.
4. Ctrl + F
   • This essential shortcut opens the “Find” dialog, helping users search for specific text within a document or webpage.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Ctrl + A	Select all text
Ctrl + X	Cut selected text
Ctrl + C	Copy selected text
Ctrl + V	Paste text
Ctrl + Z	Undo action
Ctrl + Y	Redo action
Ctrl + Home	Go to the beginning of the document
Ctrl + End	Go to the end of the document
Ctrl + Arrow Left/Right	Move the cursor to the beginning/end of a word
Ctrl + Arrow Up/Down	Scroll the document without moving the cursor

Screenshots

1. Win + Print Screen
   • Pressing this combination captures a screenshot of the entire screen and saves it automatically in the Screenshots folder.
2. Win + Shift + S
   • This combination opens the snipping tool, allowing users to capture a custom screenshot area.
3. Win + Alt + Print Screen
   • This shortcut captures a screenshot of the active window only.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Win + PrtScn	Capture full screen screenshot
Alt + PrtScn	Capture active window screenshot
Win + Shift + S	Capture custom screenshot using Snip & Sketch
Ctrl + PrtScn	Copy screenshot to clipboard
Win + H	Share screenshot (if supported)
Win + Alt + PrtScn	Capture game screenshot (if supported)
Win + Alt + R	Start/Stop game recording (if supported)
Win + Alt + G	Record last 30 seconds in a game (if supported)
Win + Alt + M	Turn microphone on/off during game recording (if supported)
Win + G	Open Xbox Game Bar

Accessibility Shortcuts

1. Win + U
   • This combination opens the Ease of Access Center, providing accessibility options and settings.
2. Win + Ctrl + C
   • Enabling this shortcut allows users to apply color filters to enhance visual experiences.
3. Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Keys
   • These combinations rotate the screen orientation, which is helpful when using devices with motion sensors.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Win + U	Open Ease of Access Center
Win + +	Zoom in
Win + –	Zoom out
Win + Ctrl + C	Enable color filters
Win + Ctrl + N	Open narrator
Win + Ctrl + S	Enable/Disable Sticky Keys
Win + Ctrl + Shift + S	Enable/Disable High Contrast
Win + Ctrl + W	Enable/Disable Magnifier
Win + Enter	Open Narrator (Legacy)
Win + Esc	Exit Magnifier

Task View and Timeline

1. Win + Tab
   • This shortcut opens the Task View, displaying all open applications and virtual desktops.
2. Win + Ctrl + D
   • Similar to the previous one, this shortcut opens the Task View, but it also creates a new virtual desktop.
3. Win + Ctrl + Right Arrow
   • Using this combination, users can switch between the current desktop and the one on its right.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Win + Tab	Open Task View
Win + Ctrl + D	Add new desktop
Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow	Switch desktops
Win + Left Arrow	Snap window to the left
Win + Right Arrow	Snap window to the right
Win + Ctrl + F4	Close current virtual desktop
Win + H	Share content from apps with integrated sharing (if supported)
Win + , (comma)	Peek at the desktop
Win + . (period)	Open emoji panel
Win + V	Open Clipboard history (if enabled)

Cortana Shortcuts

1. Win + C
   • This shortcut opens Cortana in listening mode, ready to take voice commands.
2. Win + S
   • Pressing these keys opens Cortana in text mode, allowing users to type their queries.
3. Win + Shift + C
   • This combination enables users to interact with Cortana in hands-free mode, even when the device is locked.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Win + C	Activate Cortana
Win + S	Open Cortana search
Win + Q	Search for apps
Win + Shift + C	Open Cortana in listening mode
Win + E	Open Cortana for typing
Win + Ctrl + D	Add a reminder with Cortana
Win + Ctrl + F	Open Feedback Hub with Cortana feedback
Win + Alt + T	Show/hide the Cortana sidebar
Win + Alt + C	Show/hide Cortana’s conversation history
Win + Alt + R	Show/hide Cortana’s response area

Gaming Shortcuts

1. Win + G
   • This shortcut opens the Game Bar, where gamers can capture screenshots, record gameplay, and access gaming features.
2. Win + Alt + R / Win + Alt + G
   • These shortcuts allow users to start or stop recording their gaming sessions.
3. Win + Alt + Print Screen
   • Similar to the previous section, this combination captures a screenshot of the active game window.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Win + G	Open Xbox Game Bar
Win + Alt + PrtScn	Capture game screenshot (if supported)
Win + Alt + R	Start/Stop game recording (if supported)
Win + Alt + G	Record last 30 seconds in a game (if supported)
Win + Alt + M	Turn microphone on/off during game recording (if supported)
Win + Alt + Print Screen	Take a screenshot of the game bar
Win + Alt + G	Show/hide recording timer
Win + Alt + B	Start/Stop broadcast (if supported)
Win + Alt + Win + G	Show/hide recording indicator (if supported)
Win + Alt + Win + R	Start/Stop broadcast recording (if supported)

System Shortcuts

1. Ctrl + Shift + Esc
   • As mentioned earlier, this combination opens the Task Manager, helping users monitor and manage system processes efficiently.
2. Win + X
   • This shortcut opens the Quick Link menu, providing access to various system utilities and settings.
3. Win + I
   • Pressing these keys opens the Settings app, making it easy to customize and configure various system options.

Keyboard Shortcuts	Description
Win + I	Open Settings
Win + P	Choose presentation mode
Win + R	Open Run dialog
Win + X	Open Quick Link menu
Win + Pause/Break	Open System properties
Win + K	Open Connect
Win + Print Screen	Capture screenshot and save to Screenshots folder
Win + Ctrl + F	Search for PCs (if supported)
Win + Ctrl + Shift + Enter	Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Win + Shift + . (period)	Cycle through supported languages (if enabled)

FAQs

Conclusion

Mastering keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10 can significantly improve your computing experience. These time-saving combinations allow you to perform tasks more efficiently, navigate seamlessly between applications, and enhance your overall productivity. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you’ll become a more proficient and savvy Windows 10 user.