Keyboard Shortcuts in 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

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.

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.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

• This powerful shortcut directly opens the Task Manager, providing a quick way to monitor and manage running processes.

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

1. Win + D Show desktop
2. Win + E Open File Explorer
3. Alt + Tab Switch between open applications
4. Ctrl + Shift + Esc Open Task Manager
5. Win + L Lock your computer
6. Win + A Open Action Center
7. Win + S Open Search
8. Win + I Open Settings
9. Win + X Open Quick Link menu
10. Ctrl + Alt + Del Open security options menu
11. Alt + F4 Close active window

File and Folder Management

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.

Win + E

• This shortcut opens File Explorer, giving users instant access to their files and folders.

Ctrl + Z / Ctrl + Y

• These shortcuts undo and redo actions, providing a safety net while working on files.

Shift + Delete

• While deleting a file using this combination, it bypasses the Recycle Bin, permanently removing the file from the system.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Description

1. Ctrl + C Copy selected item
2. Ctrl + X Cut selected item
3. Ctrl + V Paste copied/cut item
4. Ctrl + Z Undo action
5. Shift + Delete Permanently delete item
6. Ctrl + A Select all items in a folder
7. F2 Rename selected item
8. Alt + Enter View properties of the selected item
9. Ctrl + Shift + N Create a new folder
10. Ctrl + Shift + arrow keys Select multiple items in a list

Window Management

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.

Alt + F4

• Pressing this combination closes the active window promptly.

Win + M / Win + Shift + M

• These shortcuts minimize all open windows, and the latter restores them to their previous state.

Alt + Left / Right Arrow

• When browsing the web or navigating through folders, these shortcuts act as “back” and “forward” commands, respectively.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Description

1. Alt + F4 Close active window
2. Win + Left/Right Arrow Snap window to side
3. Win + Up Arrow Maximize window
4. Win + Down Arrow Minimize/Restore window
5. Alt + Space Open window menu
6. Win + Home Minimize all but the active window
7. Win + Shift + Up Arrow Maximize vertically
8. Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow Move window to another monitor
9. Win + Ctrl + F4 Close group of windows in Task View
10. Win + / Initiate Input Indicator (for certain languages)

Virtual Desktops

Win + Ctrl + D

• This shortcut creates a new virtual desktop, which is useful for organizing workspaces and segregating tasks.

Win + Ctrl + Left / Right

• These combinations help switch between virtual desktops quickly.

Win + Ctrl + F4

• This shortcut closes the current virtual desktop.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Description

1. Win + Ctrl + D Add new virtual desktop
2. Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow Switch desktops
3. Win + Ctrl + F4 Close current virtual desktop
4. Win + Tab Open Task View
5. Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow Move window between monitors
6. Win + Ctrl + F Search for a computer on a network
7. Win + Ctrl + Shift + B Reset graphics driver
8. Win + Ctrl + N Open Narrator
9. Win + Ctrl + O Lock the orientation of your screen
10. Win + Ctrl + F1 Open Windows Help and Support

Taskbar Shortcuts

Win + Number (1-9)

• Using this shortcut opens or switches to the application pinned to the taskbar in the respective position.

Win + T

• Pressing this combination highlights the icons on the taskbar, and users can cycle through them using the arrow keys.

Win + B

• This shortcut focuses on the system tray, allowing users to interact with hidden icons using the keyboard.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Description

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

Text Editing and Navigation

Ctrl + A / Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys

• These shortcuts enable users to select text quickly, making editing and formatting efficient.

Ctrl + Backspace / Ctrl + Delete

• These combinations delete entire words instead of individual characters, streamlining the editing process.

Ctrl + Home / Ctrl + End

• These shortcuts quickly navigate to the beginning or end of a document, saving time when working with lengthy texts.

Ctrl + F

• This essential shortcut opens the “Find” dialog, helping users search for specific text within a document or webpage.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Description

1. Ctrl + A Select all text
2. Ctrl + X Cut selected text
3. Ctrl + C Copy selected text
4. Ctrl + V Paste text
5. Ctrl + Z Undo action
6. Ctrl + Y Redo action
7. Ctrl + Home Go to the beginning of the document
8. Ctrl + End Go to the end of the document
9. Ctrl + Arrow Left/Right Move the cursor to the beginning/end of a word
10. Ctrl + Arrow Up/Down Scroll the document without moving the cursor

Screenshots

Win + Print Screen

• Pressing this combination captures a screenshot of the entire screen and saves it automatically in the Screenshots folder.

Win + Shift + S

• This combination opens the snipping tool, allowing users to capture a custom screenshot area.

Win + Alt + Print Screen

• This shortcut captures a screenshot of the active window only.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Description

1. Win + PrtScn Capture full screen screenshot
2. Alt + PrtScn Capture active window screenshot
3. Win + Shift + S Capture custom screenshot using Snip & Sketch
4. Ctrl + PrtScn Copy screenshot to clipboard
5. Win + H Share screenshot (if supported)
6. Win + Alt + PrtScn Capture game screenshot (if supported)
7. Win + Alt + R Start/Stop game recording (if supported)
8. Win + Alt + G Record last 30 seconds in a game (if supported)
9. Win + Alt + M Turn microphone on/off during game recording (if supported)
10. Win + G Open Xbox Game Bar

Accessibility Shortcuts

Win + U

• This combination opens the Ease of Access Center, providing accessibility options and settings.

Win + Ctrl + C

• Enabling this shortcut allows users to apply color filters to enhance visual experiences.

Ctrl + Alt + Arrow Keys

• These combinations rotate the screen orientation, which is helpful when using devices with motion sensors.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Description

1. Win + U Open Ease of Access Center
2. Win + + Zoom in
3. Win + – Zoom out
4. Win + Ctrl + C Enable color filters
5. Win + Ctrl + N Open narrator
6. Win + Ctrl + S Enable/Disable Sticky Keys
7. Win + Ctrl + Shift + S Enable/Disable High Contrast
8. Win + Ctrl + W Enable/Disable Magnifier
9. Win + Enter Open Narrator (Legacy)
10. Win + Esc Exit Magnifier

Task View and Timeline

Win + Tab

• This shortcut opens the Task View, displaying all open applications and virtual desktops.

Win + Ctrl + D

• Similar to the previous one, this shortcut opens the Task View, but it also creates a new virtual desktop.

Win + Ctrl + Right Arrow

• Using this combination, users can switch between the current desktop and the one on its right.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Description

1. Win + Tab Open Task View
2. Win + Ctrl + D Add new desktop
3. Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow Switch desktops
4. Win + Left Arrow Snap window to the left
5. Win + Right Arrow Snap window to the right
6. Win + Ctrl + F4 Close current virtual desktop
7. Win + H Share content from apps with integrated sharing (if supported)
8. Win + , (comma) Peek at the desktop
9. Win + . (period) Open emoji panel
10. Win + V Open Clipboard history (if enabled)

Cortana Shortcuts

Win + C

• This shortcut opens Cortana in listening mode, ready to take voice commands.

Win + S

• Pressing these keys opens Cortana in text mode, allowing users to type their queries.

Win + Shift + C

• This combination enables users to interact with Cortana in hands-free mode, even when the device is locked.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Description

1. Win + C Activate Cortana
2. Win + S Open Cortana search
3. Win + Q Search for apps
4. Win + Shift + C Open Cortana in listening mode
5. Win + E Open Cortana for typing
6. Win + Ctrl + D Add a reminder with Cortana
7. Win + Ctrl + F Open Feedback Hub with Cortana feedback
8. Win + Alt + T Show/hide the Cortana sidebar
9. Win + Alt + C Show/hide Cortana’s conversation history
10. Win + Alt + R Show/hide Cortana’s response area

Gaming Shortcuts

Win + G

• This shortcut opens the Game Bar, where gamers can capture screenshots, record gameplay, and access gaming features.

Win + Alt + R / Win + Alt + G

• These shortcuts allow users to start or stop recording their gaming sessions.

Win + Alt + Print Screen

• Similar to the previous section, this combination captures a screenshot of the active game window.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Description

1. Win + G Open Xbox Game Bar
2. Win + Alt + PrtScn Capture game screenshot (if supported)
3. Win + Alt + R Start/Stop game recording (if supported)
4. Win + Alt + G Record last 30 seconds in a game (if supported)
5. Win + Alt + M Turn microphone on/off during game recording (if supported)
6. Win + Alt + Print Screen Take a screenshot of the game bar
7. Win + Alt + G Show/hide recording timer
8. Win + Alt + B Start/Stop broadcast (if supported)
9. Win + Alt + Win + G Show/hide recording indicator (if supported)
10. Win + Alt + Win + R Start/Stop broadcast recording (if supported)

System Shortcuts

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

• As mentioned earlier, this combination opens the Task Manager, helping users monitor and manage system processes efficiently.

Win + X

• This shortcut opens the Quick Link menu, providing access to various system utilities and settings.

Win + I

• Pressing these keys opens the Settings app, making it easy to customize and configure various system options.

Keyboard Shortcuts & Description

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

FAQs

How do I create a new virtual desktop?

To create a new virtual desktop, press Win + Ctrl + D. This action will open a fresh desktop where you can open and organize your applications.

What is the quickest way to close a window?

The quickest way to close an active window is by pressing Alt + F4. This combination instantly closes the window and frees up your workspace.

Can I customize the keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10?

Yes, Windows 10 allows limited customization of keyboard shortcuts. You can modify some shortcuts by accessing the Settings app and navigating to the Keyboard section.

How do I take a screenshot of a specific area?

You can capture a specific area by pressing Win + Shift + S. This shortcut opens the snipping tool, enabling you to select the desired area to capture.

How can I use Cortana to open applications?

To open applications using Cortana, press Win + C to activate listening mode, then say, “Open [application name].” Cortana will search for and launch the specified app.

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.

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