Windows offers a vast array of keyboard shortcuts that boost productivity, improve navigation, and unlock hidden functionalities. Whether you’re a power user or just looking to streamline everyday tasks, mastering these shortcuts can revolutionize your workflow. Below is an extensive list of Windows keyboard shortcuts, including well-known, advanced, and lesser-known ones.
General Windows Shortcuts
- Ctrl + C – Copy
- Ctrl + X – Cut
- Ctrl + V – Paste
- Ctrl + Z – Undo
- Ctrl + Y – Redo
- Ctrl + A – Select all
- Ctrl + S – Save
- Ctrl + P – Print
- Alt + Tab – Switch between open applications
- Alt + Shift + Tab – Cycle backward through open applications
- Windows + D – Show desktop
- Windows + L – Lock screen
- Windows + E – Open File Explorer
File Explorer Shortcuts
- Ctrl + N – Open new File Explorer window
- Ctrl + W – Close current File Explorer window
- Alt + Enter – Open properties for selected item
- Ctrl + Shift + N – Create new folder
- Ctrl + T – Open a new tab in File Explorer (Windows 11)
Taskbar and Window Management
- Windows + 1, 2, 3… – Open pinned programs in order
- Windows + Alt + D – Show Date & Time on taskbar
- Windows + M – Minimize all windows
- Windows + Shift + M – Restore minimized windows
- Windows + Up Arrow – Maximize window
- Windows + Down Arrow – Minimize window or restore down
- Windows + Left/Right Arrow – Snap window to left/right half of screen
- Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow – Move window between monitors
- Alt + F4 – Close active window
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Open Task Manager
- Windows + X – Open quick links menu (Power User Menu)
- Windows + Space – Switch keyboard input language
Advanced & Hidden Windows Shortcuts
- Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B – Restart graphics driver
- Windows + Ctrl + D – Create new virtual desktop
- Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow – Switch between virtual desktops
- Windows + Ctrl + F4 – Close current virtual desktop
- Windows + K – Open Connect pane for wireless displays
- Windows + Shift + S – Open Snipping Tool for screen capture
- Windows + Alt + PrtScn – Screenshot active window (Xbox Game Bar)
- Ctrl + Shift + N – Create an Incognito/Private Window in some browsers
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Open Task Manager instantly
- Ctrl + Alt + Del – Open security screen (Lock, Switch User, Task Manager)
- Shift + Delete – Permanently delete file without moving to Recycle Bin
- Alt + Left/Right Arrow – Navigate back and forward in File Explorer
- Windows + V – Open clipboard history (if enabled)
- Windows + G – Open Xbox Game Bar for screen recording
Command Prompt & PowerShell Shortcuts
- Ctrl + C – Stop running command
- Ctrl + V – Paste into Command Prompt (Windows 10+)
- Tab – Auto-complete commands
- Arrow Up/Down – Scroll through previous commands
- Ctrl + Shift + Enter – Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Windows + R – Open Run dialog
Accessibility & Utility Shortcuts
- Windows + Plus (+) / Minus (-) – Open Magnifier and zoom in/out
- Windows + Esc – Close Magnifier
- Windows + Ctrl + Enter – Open Narrator
- Windows + H – Open voice typing in Windows 11
- Windows + F – Open Feedback Hub
- Windows + I – Open Settings
- Windows + B – Move focus to system tray icons
- Alt + Shift + Num Lock – Enable Mouse Keys (control pointer using numpad)
- Ctrl + Alt + Up/Down Arrow – Rotate screen (may require graphics driver support)
Microsoft Edge Shortcuts
- Ctrl + Shift + P – Open print preview
- Ctrl + Tab – Switch between browser tabs
- Ctrl + Shift + T – Reopen last closed tab
- Ctrl + L – Highlight address bar
- Ctrl + D – Bookmark current page
- Alt + D – Move cursor to address bar
Miscellaneous Hidden Shortcuts
- Windows + Shift + V – Cycle through notifications
- Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow – Move active window across screens
- Windows + Shift + Enter – Make application fullscreen in tablet mode
- Ctrl + Shift + K – Duplicate tab in browsers
- Windows + Shift + C – Open Cortana (Windows 10)
- Windows + Shift + Space – Cycle through keyboard layouts
Mastering Windows shortcuts can save time and improve efficiency.