Ultimate Guide To All Keyboard Shortcuts For Windows 11/10

Keyboard shortcuts allow you to perform tasks by pressing a single or more than one key simultaneously. The Windows operating system has a plethora of keyboard shortcuts that can be used to increase your productivity.

These keyboard shortcuts can be used daily, to perform even the basic tasks, like remaining an item, selecting all items inside a folder, etc. Of course, there are so many shortcuts, we do not expect you to remember all of them by heart. However, once you start using the ones you need, they will just be another muscle memory.

Below you will find different keyboard shortcuts and details on where they can be used and for what purpose.

Note: Some of these keyboard shortcuts are only specific to Windows 11 and may not work on Windows 10.

Most Useful Keyboard Shortcuts

This section lists the most useful keyboard shortcuts one should know to make their life easier and perform tasks that otherwise would take several mouse clicks to achieve.

Note: Some of these shortcuts may be repeated in other categories listed below since this section is written for users who only want to know the keyboard shortcuts that are commonly used.

ITT Important Keyboard Shortcuts Opt
Important Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcutAction
Ctrl + ASelect all content.
Ctrl + C/Ctrl + InsertCopy selected items to the clipboard.
Ctrl + XCut selected items to the clipboard.
Ctrl + V/Shift + InsertPaste content from the clipboard.
Ctrl + ZUndo an action, including undelete files (limited).
Ctrl + YRedo an action.
Ctrl + SSave work in the selected window to overwrite the original.
Ctrl + Shift + S“Save as” work in the selected window.
Ctrl + BBolds highlighted text or switches to bold text input.
Ctrl + IItalicizes highlighted text or switches to italic text input.
Ctrl + UUnderlines highlighted text or switches to underlined text input.
Ctrl + Shift + EnterRun selected the program with administrative privileges.
Ctrl + Shift + NCreate a new folder on the desktop or File Explorer or open the Private Mode window in a browser.
Ctrl + Shift + EscOpen the Task Manager
Alt + F4Close the active window or open the shutdown window if there is no active window present.
Shift + DeletePermanently delete the selected item.
F2Rename the selected item.
Alt + TabSwitch between open apps.
PrtScnTake a screenshot and stores it in the clipboard.
Windows key + ROpen the Run Command box.
Windows key + IOpen the Settings app.
Windows key + EOpen File Explorer.
Windows key + DDisplay or hide the desktop.
Windows key + LLock the computer.
Windows key + VOpen the Clipboard bin.
Windows key + . (Period)/ Windows Key + ; (Semicolon)Open the emoji panel.
Windows key + PrtScnCapture a full screenshot in the “Screenshots” folder.
Windows key + Left arrow keySnap the app or window to the left.
Windows key + Right arrow keySnap the app or window to the right.
Useful Windows 11/10 keyboard shortcuts

These shortcuts can be used to perform your daily tasks, minimizing the use of the mouse and saving time.

General Keyboard Shortcuts

The table below lists all of the general keyboard shortcuts that can be used around the Windows operating system.

ITT General Keyboard Shortcuts Opt
General Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcutAction
Ctrl + XCut the selected item.
Ctrl + C/Ctrl + InsertCopy the selected item.
Ctrl + V/Shift + InsertPaste the selected item.
Ctrl + ZUndo an action.
Alt + TabSwitch between open apps.
Alt + F4Close the active window or open the shutdown window if there is no active window present.
Windows key  + LLock your PC.
Windows key  + DDisplay and hide the desktop.
F1Display help
F2Rename the selected item.
F3/ Ctrl + FSearch for a file or folder in File Explorer.
F4Display the address bar list in File Explorer.
F5/Ctrl + RRefresh the active window.
F6Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop.
F10Activate the Menu bar in the active app.
Alt + ASet focus to the first icon in the Suggested actions menu.
Alt + F8Show your password on the sign-in screen.
Alt + EscCycle through items in the order in which they were opened.
Alt + EnterDisplay properties for the selected item.
Alt + SpacebarOpen the shortcut menu for the active window.
Alt + Left arrowGo back.
Alt + Right arrowGo forward.
Alt + Page UpMove up one screen.
Alt + Page DownMove down one screen.
Ctrl + F4Close the active document (in apps that are full-screen and let you have multiple documents open at the same time).
Ctrl + ASelect all items in a document or window.
Ctrl + D/DeleteDelete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin.
Ctrl + EOpen Search (in most apps).
Ctrl + YRedo an action.
Ctrl + Right arrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the next word.
Ctrl + Left arrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the previous word.
Ctrl + Down arrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph.
Ctrl + Up arrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph.
Ctrl + Alt + TabUse the arrow keys to switch between all open apps.
Alt + Shift + arrow keysWhen a group or tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it in the direction specified.
Ctrl + Shift + arrow keysWhen a tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it into another tile to create a folder.
Ctrl + arrow keysResize the Start menu when it’s open.
Ctrl + arrow key + SpacebarSelect multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop.
Ctrl + Shift + arrow keySelect a block of text.
Ctrl + Esc/Windows keyOpen Start.
Ctrl + Shift + EscOpen Task Manager.
Ctrl + ShiftSwitch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are available.
Ctrl + SpacebarTurn the Chinese input method editor (IME) on or off.
Shift + F10Display the shortcut menu for the selected item.
Shift + arrow keySelect more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document.
Shift + DeleteDelete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first.
Right arrowOpen the next menu to the right, or open a submenu.
Left arrowOpen the next menu to the left, or close a submenu.
EscStop or leave the current task.
PrtScnTake a screenshot of your whole screen and copy it to the clipboard.
General Windows keyboard shortcuts

Windows Key Keyboard Shortcuts

The table below lists all of the shortcut key combinations that are possible with the use of the Windows key. These shortcuts mostly perform tasks associated with the Windows operating system.

ITT Windows Keys Keyboard Shortcuts Opt
Windows Key Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcutAction
Windows key Open or close Start.
Windows key  + AOpen Quick Settings.
Windows key  + BSet focus to the first icon in the Tt1skbar corner.
Windows key  + COpen Chat from Microsoft Teams.
Windows key  + Shift + COpen the charms menu.
Windows key  + Ctrl + CTurn on color filters (enable this shortcut in Color Filter settings).
Windows key + DDisplay or hide the desktop.
Windows key + EOpen File Explorer.
Windows key + FOpen Feedback Hub and take a screenshot.
Windows key + GOpen Xbox Game Bar when a game is open.
Windows key + Alt + BTurn HDR on or off.
Windows key + HLaunch voice typing.
Windows key + IOpen the Settings app.
Windows key + JSet focus to a Windows tip when one is available.
Windows key + KOpen Cast from Quick Settings.
Windows key + Alt + K (Windows 11 22H2 only)Toggle microphone mute in apps that support Call Mute.
Windows key + LLock your PC.
Windows key + MMinimize all windows.
Windows key + Shift + MRestore minimized windows on the desktop.
Windows key + NOpen the notification center and calendar.
Windows key + OLock device orientation.
Windows key + PChoose a presentation display mode.
Windows key + Ctrl + QOpen Quick Assist.
Windows key + ROpen the Run dialog box.
Windows key + Alt + RRecord video of a game window in focus (using Xbox Game Bar).
Windows key + SOpen search.
Windows key + Shift + STake a screenshot of part of your screen.
Windows key + TCycle through apps on the taskbar.
Windows key + UOpen Accessibility Settings.
Windows key + VOpen the clipboard history.
Note: Turn on Clipboard history first from Settings app >> System >> Clipboard.
Windows key + Shift + VSet focus to a notification.
Windows key + WOpen Widgets.
Windows key + XOpen the Quick Link menu.
Windows key + YSwitch input between Windows Mixed Reality and your desktop.
Windows key + ZOpen the snap layouts.
Windows key + . (Period)/ Windows key + ; (semicolon)Open the emoji panel.
Windows key + , (comma)Temporarily peek at the desktop.
Windows key + PauseOpens About Setting page.
Windows key + Ctrl + FSearch for PCs (if you’re on a network).
Windows key + numberOpen the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app.
Windows key + Shift + numberOpen the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Windows key + Ctrl + numberOpen the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Windows key + Alt + numberOpen the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + numberOpen the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator.
Windows key + TabOpen Task view.
Windows key + Up arrowMaximize the window.
Windows key + Alt + Up arrowSnap the window in focus to the top half of the screen.
Windows key + Down arrowRemove the current app from the screen or minimize the desktop window.
Windows key + Alt + Down arrowSnap the window in focus to the bottom half of the screen.
Windows key + Left arrowMaximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen.
Windows key + Right arrowMaximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen.
Windows key + HomeMinimize all windows except the active desktop window (restores all windows on the second stroke).
Windows key + Shift + Up arrowStretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen.
Windows key + Shift + Down arrowRestore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width.
Windows key + Shift + Left or arrowMove an app or window on the desktop from one monitor to another.
Windows key + Shift + SpacebarCycle backward through language and keyboard layout.
Windows key + SpacebarSwitch input language and keyboard layout.
Windows key + Ctrl + SpacebarChange to a previously selected input.
Windows key + Ctrl + EnterTurn on the Narrator.
Windows key + + (Plus)Open Magnifier and zoom in.
Windows key + – (Minus)Zoom out in Magnifier.
Windows key + EscClose Magnifier.
Windows key + / (forward slash)Begin IME reconversion.
Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + BWake the PC from a blank or black screen.
Windows key + PrtScnSave full screen screenshot to file.
Windows key + Alt + PrtScnSave a screenshot of the game window in focus to a file (using Xbox Game Bar).
Windows key + Alt + Enter (on taskbar item focus)Open taskbar settings.
All Windows key keyboard shortcuts

File Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts

File Explorer, also known as Windows Explorer, is a file browser in every Windows version.  It is the user interface through which a user connects to all the applications and the services Windows is hosting.

If you are performing your routine tasks or using the computer only once a week, you’ll likely be using File Explorer. Below you’ll find some very useful keyboard shortcuts for File Explorer, especially since Microsoft introduced tabs in File Explorer .

ITT Files Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts Opt
File Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcutAction
Alt + DSelect the address bar.
Ctrl + E/ Ctrl + FSelect the search box.
Ctrl + NOpen a new window.
Ctrl + TOpen a new tab and switch to it. 
Ctrl + WCloses the active tab. Closes the window if there’s only one tab open.
Ctrl + TabMove to the next tab.
Ctrl + Shift + TabMove to the previous tab. 
Ctrl + numberMove to that tab number. 
Ctrl + mouse scrollChange the size and appearance of file and folder icons.
Ctrl + Shift + EDisplay all folders above the selected folder.
Ctrl + Shift + NCreate a new folder.
Num Lock + * (asterisk)Display all subfolders under the selected folder.
Num Lock + + (plus)Display the contents of the selected folder.
Num Lock + – (minus)Collapse the selected folder.
Alt + PDisplay the preview panel.
Alt + EnterOpen the Properties dialog box for the selected item.
Alt + Right arrowView the next folder.
Alt + Up arrowView the folder that the folder was in.
Alt + Left arrow/BackspaceView the previous folder.
Right arrowDisplay the current selection (if it’s collapsed), or select the first subfolder.
Left arrowCollapse the current selection (if it’s expanded), or select the folder that the folder was in.
EndDisplay the bottom of the active window.
HomeDisplay the top of the active window.
F11Maximize or minimize the active window.
Explorer keyboard shortcuts

Command Prompt Keyboard Shortcuts

If you use the Command Prompt often, then you would advantage from the following list of keyboard shortcuts.

ITT CMD Keyboard Shortcuts Opt
Command Prompt Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcutAction
Ctrl + C/Ctrl + InsertCopy the selected text.
Ctrl + V/Shift + InsertPaste the selected text.
Ctrl + MEnter Mark mode.
Left/Right Arrow keysMove the cursor in the direction specified.
Up/Down Arrow keysMove through previous commands
Page upMove the cursor by one page up.
Page downMove the cursor by one page down.
Ctrl + Home (Mark mode)Move the cursor to the beginning of the buffer.
Ctrl + End (Mark mode)Move the cursor to the end of the buffer.
Ctrl + Up arrowMove up one line in the output history.
Ctrl + Down arrowMove down one line in the output history.
Ctrl + Home (History navigation)If the command line is empty, move the viewport to the top of the buffer. Otherwise, delete all the characters to the left of the cursor in the command line.
Ctrl + End (History navigation)If the command line is empty, move the viewport to the command line. Otherwise, delete all the characters to the right of the cursor in the command line.
Command Prompt keyboard shortcuts

Microsoft Edge (Web Browser) Shortcuts

The table below lists the keyboard shortcuts that can be used in Microsoft Edge for the Windows operating system. Most of these shortcuts can also be used on most other browsers, like Chrome and Firefox.

ITT MS Edge Keyboard Shortcuts Opt
Web Browser Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcutAction
Ctrl + Shift + BShow or hide the favorites bar.
Alt + Shift + BSet focus on the first item in the favorites bar.
Ctrl + DSave the current tab as a favorite.
Ctrl + Shift + DSave all open tabs as favorites in a new folder.
Ctrl + Shift + EOpen search in the sidebar.
Alt + DSelect the URL in the address bar to edit.
Ctrl + EOpen a search query in the address bar.
Alt + E/Alt + FOpen Settings and more menu.
Ctrl + FOpen “find on page.”
Ctrl + GJump to the next result for “find on page.”
Ctrl + Shift + GJump to the previous result for “find on page.”
Ctrl + HOpen browsing history.
Ctrl + Shift + I/F12Open Developer Tools.
Alt + Shift + IOpen the Send feedback dialog.
Ctrl + JOpen Downloads.
Ctrl + KOpen a search query in the address bar.
Ctrl + Shift + KDuplicate the current tab.
Ctrl + LSelect the URL in the address bar to edit.
Ctrl + Shift + LPaste and search or Paste and go (if it’s a URL).
Ctrl + MMute the current tab (toggle).
Ctrl + Shift + MSign in as a different user or browse as a Guest.
Ctrl + NOpen a new window.
Ctrl + Shift + NOpen a new InPrivate window.
Ctrl + OOpen a file from your computer in Edge.
Ctrl + Shift + OOpen Favorites.
Ctrl + PPrint the current page.
Ctrl + Shift + PPrint using the system dialog.
Ctrl + R/F5Reload the current page.
Ctrl + Shift + R/Shift + F5Reload the current page, ignoring cached content.
Ctrl + SSave the current page.
Ctrl + TOpen a new tab and switch to it.
Ctrl + Shift + TReopen the last closed tab, and switch to it.
Alt + Shift + TSet focus on the first item in the app bar toolbar.
Ctrl + UView source.
Ctrl + Shift + UStart or stop Read Aloud.
Ctrl + Shift + VPaste without formatting.
Ctrl + WClose the current tab.
Ctrl + Shift + WClose the current window.
Ctrl + Shift + YOpen Collections.
Ctrl + 0Reset page zoom level.
Ctrl + number (1 -8)Switch to a specific tab.
Ctrl + 9Switch to the last tab.
Ctrl + EnterAdd www. to the beginning and .com to the end of the text typed in the address bar.
Ctrl + TabSwitch to the next tab.
Ctrl + Shift + TabSwitch to the previous tab.
Ctrl + Plus (+)Zoom in.
Ctrl + Minus (-)Zoom out
Ctrl + \ (in a PDF)Toggle PDF between fit to page / fit to width.
Ctrl + [ (in a PDF)Rotate PDF counter-clockwise 90 degrees.
Ctrl + ] (in a PDF)Rotate PDF clockwise 90 degrees.
Ctrl + Shift + DeleteOpen clear browsing data options.
AltSet focus on the “Settings and more” button.
Alt + Left arrowGo back.
Alt + Right arrowGo forward.
Alt + HomeOpen your home page in the current tab.
Alt + F4Close the current window.
F1Open Help.
F3Find in the current tab.
F4Select the URL in the address bar.
Ctrl + F4Close the current tab.
F6Move focus to the next pane.
Shift + F6Move focus to the previous pane.
Ctrl + F6Move focus to the web content pane.
F7Turn caret browsing on or off.
F9Enter or exit Immersive Reader.
F10Set focus on the “Settings and more” button.
F10 + EnterOpen the “Setting and more” menu.
Shift + F10Open the context menu.
F11Enter full screen (toggle).
EscStop loading the page or close the dialog or pop-up.
Spacebar/PgDnScroll down the webpage, one screen at a time.
Shift + Spacebar/PgUpScroll up the webpage, one screen at a time.
Ctrl + PgDnSwitch to the next tab.
Ctrl + PgUpSwitch to the previous tab.
HomeGo to the top of the page or move the keyboard focus to the first item of the pane.
EndGo to the bottom of the page or move the keyboard focus to the last item of the pane.
Web browser keyboard shortcuts

Xbox Game Bar Keyboard Shortcuts

This section is for gamers. The table below lists the useful keyboard shortcuts that you can use in-game to manage the Game Bar.

ITT Xbox Game Bar Keyboard Shortcuts Opt
Xbox Game Bar Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcutAction
Windows key + GOpen the Game bar when a game is open.
Windows key + Alt + GRecord the last 30 seconds.
Windows key + Alt + RStart or stop recording.
Windows key + Alt + PrtScnTake a screenshot of your game.
Windows key + Alt + TShow or hide the recording timer.
Windows key + Alt + MTurn the microphone on or off.
Windows key + Alt + BStart or stop broadcasting.
Windows key + Alt + WShow the camera during a broadcast.
Xbox Game Bar keyboard shortcuts

Windows Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts

Windows comes with so many accessibility options for the differently-abled. The different settings also have associated keyboard shortcuts that you can use to make the Windows OS more accessible to you quickly.

ITT Windows Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts Opt
Windows Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts
Press this keyTo do this
Windows key + (plus)Turn the Magnifier on.
Windows key + EscTurn Magnifier off.
Windows key + + (plus)/Windows Key + – (minus)When Magnifier is on, zoom in or out.
Ctrl + Alt + mouse scrollZoom in and out using the mouse scroll wheel.
Windows key + Ctrl + MOpen Magnifier settings.
Ctrl + Alt + arrow keysPan in the direction of the arrow keys.
Ctrl + Alt + IInvert colors.
Ctrl + Alt + FSwitch to the full-screen view.
Ctrl + Alt + LSwitch to lens view.
Ctrl + Alt + DSwitch to docked view.
Ctrl + Alt + MCycle through views.
Ctrl + Alt + RResize the lens with the mouse.
Shift + Alt + arrow keysResize the lens with the keyboard.
Ctrl + Alt + SpacebarQuickly see the entire desktop when using full-screen view.
Modifier key + EnterStart, pause, and resume reading.
Any keyStop reading.
Narrator key + Left Mouse clickRead from the mouse pointer.
Narrator key + HRead the previous sentence.
Narrator key + KRead the next sentence.
Right Shift (for eight seconds)Turn the Filter Keys on and off.
Left Alt + left Shift + Print screenTurn High Contrast on or off.
Left Alt + left Shift + Num lockTurn Mouse Keys on or off.
Shift (five times)Turn the Sticky Keys on or off.
Num lock (for five seconds)Turn Toggle Keys on or off.
Ctrl + EOpen Search (in most apps).
Windows key + AOpens Quick Settings.
Windows key + Ctrl + CTurn color filters on or off.
Windows key + HOpens voice typing.
Windows key + Alt + HMove the keyboard focus to the voice typing dialogue.
Windows key + Ctrl + NOpen Narrator settings.
Windows key + Ctrl + STurn on Windows Speech Recognition.
Windows key + Ctrl + OTurn on the On-Screen Keyboard.
Windows key + UOpens Accessibility Settings.
Windows key + WOpens Widgets.
Windows Accessibility keyboard shortcuts

Closing Words

The shortcut keys and hotkeys given above are surely a lot to remember. However, if you are looking for something specific, you just use the Ctrl + F or the F3 function key to search for a keyword in this post, and you’ll surely find a shortcut for it if it exists.

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Subhan Zafar is an established IT professional with interests in Windows and Server infrastructure testing and research, and is currently working with Itechtics as a research consultant. He has studied Electrical Engineering and is also certified by Huawei (HCNA & HCNP Routing and Switching).

1 comment

  • ROBBI3 WHITSON
    ROBBI3 WHITSON

    I WOULD LIKE TO SAY YOU DID A AMAZING JOB PUTTING ALL THE SHORTCUTS TOGETHER. MORE OVER I LIKE THE WAY YOU PUT THE LIST TOGETHER AS IN TWO DIFFRENT TYPES AS WELL AS THE BLUE LIST HOW YOU CAN JUST CLICK ON IT AND IT TAKES YOU TO DIFFERENT SCREEN WHERE YOU CAN PRINT, COPY OR WHAT EVER YOU MIGHT NEED DONE…SO GREAT JOB

    CHEERS

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