Ultimate Computer & Keyboard Shortcuts Guide

Mastering keyboard shortcuts is a must for anyone using a computer daily. Shortcuts save time, boost productivity, and make navigation faster whether you’re working in Windows, Microsoft Word, or Outlook. This guide covers the most important shortcuts, grouped by category, with tips and examples to help you work smarter.

General Windows Shortcuts ​

• CTRL + A = Select All
• CTRL + C = Copy
• CTRL + X = Cut
• CTRL + V = Paste
• CTRL + Z = Undo
• CTRL + Y = Redo
• CTRL + ESC = Open Start Menu
• ALT + TAB = Switch between open applications
• ALT + F4 = Close current window or program
• WINKEY + D = Show desktop
• WINKEY + M = Minimize all windows
• WINKEY + E = Open File Explorer
• CTRL + ALT + DEL = Open Task Manager or reboot computer

Tip: Using ALT + TAB repeatedly cycles through apps quickly without touching the mouse.

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Function Keys (F1–F12) ​

• F1 = Help (context-sensitive)
• F2 = Rename selected file or folder
• F3 = Find files or folders
• F4 = Open address bar or drop-down lists
• F5 = Refresh current window
• F6 = Move focus in Windows Explorer
• F10 = Activate menu bar

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Document Navigation & Editing Shortcuts ​

• HOME = Move cursor to beginning of line
• END = Move cursor to end of line
• CTRL + HOME = Jump to top of document
• CTRL + END = Jump to bottom of document
• PAGE UP / PAGE DOWN = Scroll one page up/down
• ARROW KEYS = Move cursor one space at a time
• CTRL + Arrow Key = Move cursor word by word
• CTRL + SHIFT + Arrow Key = Select text word by word

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File & Folder Management in Windows Explorer ​

• SHIFT + DELETE = Permanently delete file (bypass Recycle Bin)
• CTRL + SHIFT + DRAG = Create a shortcut
• CTRL + DRAG = Copy file
• SHIFT + DRAG = Move file
• BACKSPACE = Go to parent folder
• NUMERIC KEYPAD + = Expand current folder
• NUMERIC KEYPAD - = Collapse current folder

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Special Characters & Symbols ​

• Alt + 0149 = Bullet (•)
• Alt + 0174 = Registered (®)
• Alt + 0169 = Copyright (©)
• Alt + 0153 = Trademark (™)
• Alt + 0176 = Degree symbol (°)
• Alt + 0189 = ½
• Alt + 0190 = ¾

Pro Tip: Use ALT codes to quickly type symbols without opening the Character Map.

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Microsoft Word Shortcuts ​

• CTRL + B = Bold
• CTRL + I = Italic
• CTRL + U = Underline
• CTRL + L = Align left
• CTRL + E = Center text
• CTRL + R = Align right
• CTRL + J = Justify text
• CTRL + N = New document
• CTRL + O = Open document
• CTRL + P = Print document
• CTRL + F = Find text
• CTRL + H = Find and replace
• CTRL + K = Insert hyperlink

# Example: Automating text formatting in Python (Word doc)
from docx import Document
doc = Document()
p = doc.add_paragraph("Hello, World!")
p.bold = True
doc.save("example.docx")

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Microsoft Outlook Shortcuts ​

• ALT + S = Send email
• CTRL + N = New email
• CTRL + R = Reply
• CTRL + F = Forward
• CTRL + SHIFT + A = New calendar appointment
• CTRL + SHIFT + C = Create new contact
• CTRL + SHIFT + K = Add new task

Pro Tip: Memorizing a few key Outlook shortcuts can save hours weekly.

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WINKEY Shortcuts for Power Users ​

• WINKEY + Tab = Cycle through open apps
• WINKEY + F = Open Search/Find
• WINKEY + R = Open Run dialog
• WINKEY + L = Lock computer
• WINKEY + U = Open Utility Manager

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Boot & System Shortcuts ​

• Holding SHIFT during boot = Bypass auto-start programs or boot into Safe Mode
• ALT + SPACE = Open system menu for current window
• ALT + ENTER = Open properties dialog

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Quick Productivity Tips ​

1. Learn in categories: Windows, Word, Outlook, Explorer.
2. Practice daily: Apply shortcuts instead of mouse clicks.
3. Create cheat sheets: Keep them near your desk for reference.
4. Combine shortcuts: e.g., CTRL + SHIFT + Arrow for quick text selection.

Conclusion ​

Mastering keyboard shortcuts is essential for productivity, speed, and efficiency. From Windows navigation to Word formatting and Outlook management, knowing shortcuts saves time and reduces repetitive strain. Bookmark this guide and practice daily to become a keyboard power user!