Introduction

Windows keyboard shortcuts are essential tools for boosting productivity and simplifying tasks. By mastering these shortcuts, you can navigate your computer more efficiently, saving time and effort. In this article, we’ll highlight key shortcuts to help you enhance your workflow. Plus, don’t miss the handy PDF download at the end of the guide for quick reference.

What is Windows?

Windows is a user-friendly operating system from Microsoft that runs on computers and tablets. It helps you open apps, browse the internet, play games, and manage files easily, making everyday tasks simple and efficient.

Why do shortcuts exist?

Keyboard shortcuts are usually used to speed up everyday actions or operations by reducing the number of mouse presses or keystrokes. To ensure the shortcut was intended, the user is required to press and hold several keys at once or follow a sequence one after the other.

Keyboard shortcuts

Windows navigation

• Win + D: Show/Hide Desktop
• Win + L: Lock Computer
• Win + E: Open File Explorer
• Win + I: Open Settings
• Alt + Tab: Switch Windows
• Win + Tab: Task View
• Win + Arrow: Snap Windows
• Win + M: Minimise All Windows
• Win + Shift + S: Screenshot Tool

Text editing

• Ctrl + C: Copy
• Ctrl + V: Paste
• Ctrl + X: Cut
• Ctrl + Z: Undo
• Ctrl + Y: Redo
• Ctrl + B: Bold Text
• Ctrl + A: Select All
• Shift + Home: Select to Start of Line
• Shift + End: Select to End of Line

Web browser

• Ctrl + T: New Tab
• Ctrl + W: Close Tab
• Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen Closed Tab
• Ctrl + L: Focus Address Bar
• Ctrl + R: Refresh Page
• Ctrl + D: Bookmark Page
• Ctrl + Tab: Switch Between Tabs
• Alt + Left Arrow: Go Back
• Ctrl + F5: Hard Refresh

Productivity Boosters

• Ctrl + F: Find
• Ctrl + S: Save
• Ctrl + P: Print
• F5: Refresh
• Ctrl + W: Close Window
• Alf + F4: Close Application
• Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Task Manager
• Win + G: Screen Recording
• Ctrl + H: Replace

External Resources

If you would like more information about Windows keyboard shortcuts, take a look at the resources below. Please note that these websites were available at the time of publishing but may have since moved. Please let us know if any of the links do not work.

• Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows from Microsoft
  • This page provides further Windows keyboard shortcuts for navigating Windows, including taskbar and command prompt shortcuts.
• Keyboard Shortcuts by Use The Keyboard
  • A website dedicated to providing a collection of shortcuts for various applications, including Windows keyboard shortcuts.

Download

Use the link below to download a handy PDF you can print for your desk.

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts: Quick Reference Guide