What are Windows shortcut keys?
Windows shortcut keys are keys on your keyboard that you can press to make things happen. Sometimes you might have to press one key on the keyboard, however usually it will be a combination of keys together. For example you can press the WINKEY and the letter D on your keyboard to minimize all open applications and show your computers desktop.
When will you need to use Windows Shortcut keys?
A perfect example when you will need to know a few Windows shortcut keys is when your mouse decides to not work. The rest of the time, Windows Shortcut keys are just there to make life easier and help you get your tasks done quicker.
I have some favorite shortcut keys that I like to use almost every day. These include:
CTRL and A to select all.
This is if you want to select all the text on the page. For example if you are on a Microsoft word page you can click on the page, and then press CTRL and the letter A on the keyboard to select all of the text and make it blue.
CTRL and Z to undo.
This is one of those Windows shortcut keys that is very important, especially if you cannot find an undo button. Pressing the CTRL key and the Z key on the keyboard has saved me many a time.
| Short keys | What they do |
| Alt + F | File menu options in current program. |
| Alt + E | Edit options in current program |
| F1 | Universal Help in almost every Windows program. |
| Ctrl + A | Select all text. |
| Ctrl + X | Cut selected item. |
| Shift + Del | Cut selected item. |
| Ctrl + C | Copy selected item. |
| Ctrl + Ins | Copy selected item |
| Ctrl + V | Paste |
| Shift + Ins | Paste |
| Home | Goes to beginning of current line. |
| Ctrl + Home | Goes to beginning of document. |
| End | Goes to end of current line. |
| Ctrl + End | Goes to end of document. |
| Shift + Home | Highlights from current position to beginning of line. |
| Shift + End | Highlights from current position to end of line. |
| Ctrl + Left arrow | Moves one word to the left at a time. |
| Ctrl + Right arrow | Moves one word to the right at a time. |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open applications. |
| Alt + Shift + Tab | Switch backwards between open applications. |
| Alt + Print Screen | Create a screen shot only for the program you are currently in. |
| Ctrl + Alt + Del | Bring up the Windows Task Manager. |
| Ctrl + Esc | Bring Up start menu. |
| Alt + Esc | Switch Between open application on taskbar. |
| F2 | Renames selected Icon. |
| F3 | Starts find from desktop. |
| F4 | Opens the drive selection when browsing. |
| F5 | Refresh Contents. |
| Alt + F4 | Closes Current open program. |
| Ctrl + F4 | Closes Window in Program. |
| Ctrl + (the ‘+’ key on the keypad) | Automatically adjust the widths of all the columns in Windows explorer |
| Alt + Enter | Opens properties window of selected icon or program. |
| Shift + F10 | Simulates right-click on selected item. |
| Shift + Del | Delete programs/files without throwing into the recycle bin. |
| Holding Shift | Boot safe mode or by pass system files. |
| Holding Shift | When putting in an audio CD, will prevent CD Player from playing. |
| Windows key Shortcuts | These are my favourites |
| Windows + D | Brings the desktop to the top of all other windows. |
| Windows + M | Minimizes all windows. |
| Windows + SHIFT + M | Undo the minimize done the above 2 |
| Windows + E | Open Microsoft Explorer. |
| Windows + Tab | Cycle through open programs through the taskbar |
| Windows + F | Display the Windows Search / Find feature. |
| Windows + CTRL + F | Display the search for computers window. |
| Windows + F1 | Display the Microsoft Windows help. |
| Windows + R | Open the run window. |
| Windows + Pause / Break key | Open the system properties window. |
| Windows + L | Lock the computer (Windows XP and above only). |
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This post was written by...
Mitz – who has written 760 posts on Computer Tips.
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh wow I did not know about windows+D That is super useful.
Most useful thing I’ve learned today
Thanks Mitz!
Danny recently posted..Gamo Varmint Hunter Air Rifle
its very helpful……thanks….thanks a lot.