20 Must-Know Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Using a keyboard shortcut is faster than reaching for your mouse or navigating menus. It may seem small, but the saved seconds add up over days and weeks - making your workflow more efficient and productive!

Here’s a comprehensive guide to 20 indispensable Windows keyboard shortcuts that every user should know.

Basic Windows Shortcuts​

• Ctrl + Z - Undo
  Undo your last action in any program. Perfect for recovering accidentally deleted text or files.
• Ctrl + W - Close
  Closes the current window, tab, or document without using the mouse.
• Ctrl + A - Select All
  Highlights all text in a document or selects all files in a folder. Great for batch actions!
• Alt + Tab - Switch Apps
  Quickly flip between open applications-ideal for multitasking.
• Alt + F4 - Close Apps
  Shuts down active apps. Windows will prompt to save work before closing.

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Windows Navigation Shortcuts​

• Win + D - Show/Hide Desktop
  Minimizes all windows to show the desktop instantly.
• Win + Left/Right Arrow - Snap Windows
  Snap windows side-by-side for multitasking or comparing files.
• Win + Tab - Task View
  Opens an updated app switcher with thumbnails of all open programs.
• Tab / Shift + Tab - Navigate Options
  Move forward or backward through dialog boxes and menus.
• Ctrl + Esc - Open Start Menu
  Use this if your keyboard lacks a Windows key. Navigate entirely with the keyboard.

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Advanced Windows Shortcuts​

• F2 - Rename
  Rename files or edit cells in Excel instantly.
• F5 - Refresh
  Refreshes pages in File Explorer or web browsers.
• Win + L - Lock Computer
  Secures your system when stepping away.
• Win + I - Open Settings
  Quick access to system settings and configurations.
• Win + S - Search Windows
  Jump directly to the search bar to find files, apps, or use Cortana.
• Win + PrtScn - Screenshot
  Capture the whole screen as a PNG saved in Pictures/Screenshots.
• Alt + PrtScn - Active Window Screenshot
  Copies the active window to the clipboard (requires pasting into an image editor).
• Ctrl + Shift + Esc - Task Manager
  Open Task Manager directly to monitor apps, processes, and system performance.
• Win + C - Talk to Cortana
  Activate Cortana with your keyboard (must be enabled in settings).
• Win + Ctrl + D - Add Virtual Desktop
  Create a new virtual desktop for more workspace.
• Win + Ctrl + Arrow - Switch Desktops
• Win + Ctrl + F4 - Close Current Desktop
• Win + X - Hidden Quick Link Menu
  Access Device Manager, PowerShell, and other key system tools.

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Pro Tips for Mastery​

• Memorize a few shortcuts at a time and practice daily.
• Combine shortcuts with multitasking workflows to save hours per week.
• Use virtual desktops to organize projects, keeping your workspace clean and efficient.

Mastering these 20 Windows shortcuts transforms your workflow, boosting productivity and efficiency. From navigation to screenshots, virtual desktops, and system commands, these shortcuts save time and make you a Windows power user!