Turning multiple mouse clicks into a simple press of a key or two may not seem like a lot, but if you are an avid user of keyboard shortcuts you've likely noticed just how helpful they can be. Although memorizing which shortcuts do which functions can be a little daunting at first, it's important to remember not everyone needs to know every shortcut. Learning and using the ones that are most important to you is a great way to enhance your Windows 10experience.
Keyboard shortcut | Action |
---|---|
Windows key | Open or close Start Menu. |
Windows key + A | Open Action center. |
Windows key + C | Open Cortana in listening mode. |
Windows key + D | Display and hide the desktop. |
Windows key + E | Open File Explorer. |
Windows key + G | Open Game bar when a game is open. |
Windows key + H | Open the Share charm. |
Windows key + I | Open Settings. |
Windows key + K | Open the Connect quick action. |
Windows key + L | Lock your PC or switch accounts. |
Windows key + M | Minimize all windows. |
Windows key + R | Open Run dialog box. |
Windows key + S | Open Search. |
Windows key + U | Open Ease of Access Center. |
Windows key + X | Open Quick Link menu. |
Windows key + Number | Open the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. |
Windows key + Left arrow key | Snap app windows left. |
Windows key + Right arrow key | Snap app windows right. |
Windows key + Up arrow key | Maximize app windows. |
Windows key + Down arrow key | Minimize app windows. |
Windows key + Comma | Temporarily peek at the desktop. |
Windows key + Ctrl +D | Add a virtual desktop. |
Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Right arrow | Switch between virtual desktops. |
Windows key + Ctrl + F4 | Close current virtual desktop. |
Windows key + Enter | Open Narrator. |
Windows key + Home | Minimize all but the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke). |
Windows key + PrtScn | Capture a screenshot and save in Screenshots folder. |
Windows key + Shift + Up arrow | Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen. |
Windows key + Tab | Open Task view. |
Windows key + "+" key | Zoom in using the magnifier. |
Windows key + "-" key | Zoom out using the magnifier. |
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager. |
Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps. |
Alt + Left arrow key | Go back. |
Alt + Right arrow key | Go foward. |
Alt + Page Up | Move up one screen. |
Alt + Page down | Move down one screen. |
Ctrl + Alt +Tab | View open apps |
Ctrl + C | Copy selected items to clipboard. |
Ctrl + X | Cut selected items. |
Ctrl + V | Paste content from clipboard. |
Ctrl + A | Select all content. |
Ctrl + Z | Undo an action. |
Ctrl + Y | Redo an action. |
Ctrl + D | Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin. |
Ctrl + Esc | Open the Start Menu. |
Ctrl + Shift | Switch the keyboard layout. |
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager. |
Ctrl + F4 | Close the active window. |