Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts

Summary

A keyboard shortcut combines two or more keys pressed simultaneously on a computer keyboard to perform a specific task or function. Keyboard shortcuts are used to save time and increase efficiency by allowing users to quickly access frequently used features or commands without navigating through menus or using a mouse.

Examples of commonly used keyboard shortcuts include Ctrl+C to copy, Ctrl+V to paste, Ctrl+Z to undo, Ctrl+X to cut, and Ctrl+A to select all. Different operating systems and software applications may have their own set of keyboard shortcuts, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with the ones you use most often.

Benefits of keyboard shortcuts

1. Increased efficiency: Keyboard shortcuts can make your computer use more efficient by allowing you to quickly perform tasks without having to rely on your mouse or navigate through menus. By using a single keystroke or a combination of keystrokes, you can execute commands and complete tasks in a fraction of the time it would take using other methods.

2. Reduced strain: Using keyboard shortcuts can help reduce strain on your hands, arms, and neck resulting from excessive mouse use. This is because you can keep your hands on the keyboard instead of constantly moving them between the keyboard and mouse.

3. Improved accuracy: Keyboard shortcuts provide a convenient and efficient way to access specific commands or features on your computer. Instead of clicking through menus or using a mouse to navigate, you can simply press a single key or a combination of keys to execute a command. This not only saves time but also reduces the chances of making errors or mistakes that can occur when navigating through menus or using a mouse.

4. Consistency: Keyboard shortcuts are consistent across different software applications and operating systems, making it easier to remember and use them consistently.

5. Accessibility: Keyboard shortcuts can be a crucial tool for individuals with physical disabilities who may have difficulty using a mouse or other input devices. By using keyboard shortcuts, users can perform tasks and access features on their computer without relying on fine motor skills or dexterity. This can greatly enhance accessibility and usability for individuals with disabilities, allowing them to fully participate in digital activities and workflows.

Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts

Copy, paste, and other general keyboard shortcuts

1. Ctrl + Alt + Del: Opens the security options screen to lock the computer, switch users, log off, change password, or open Task Manager.
2. Windows key: Opens the Start menu.
3. Windows key + L: Locks the computer.
4. Windows key + P: Opens the Project screen, allowing you to choose a projection mode.
5. Windows key + S: Opens the search bar to search for files, settings, and apps.
6. Windows key + X: Opens the Quick Link menu.
7. Windows key + E: Opens File Explorer.
8. Windows key + Tab: Opens the Task View screen, allowing you to switch between virtual desktops.
9. Windows key + Ctrl + D: Creates a new virtual desktop.
10. Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Closes the current virtual desktop.
11. Alt + F4: Closes the active window or app.
12. Alt + Tab: Switches between open windows.
13. Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Opens Task Manager.
14. Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopens the last closed tab in a web browser.

There are a plethora of keyboard shortcuts available on Windows 10 that can help you streamline your computer use. For a more comprehensive list of Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts, you can head over to the Microsoft support website. By mastering these keyboard shortcuts, you can work more efficiently and save time on tasks that might otherwise be tedious or time-consuming.

Keyboard shortcuts of Windows logo key 

1. Windows key: Opens the Start menu.
2. Windows key + A: Opens the Action Center.
3. Windows key + D: Shows or hides the desktop.
4. Windows key + E: Opens File Explorer.
5. Windows key + I: Opens the Settings app.
6. Windows key + L: Locks the computer.
7. Windows key + M: Minimizes all open windows.
8. Windows key + R: Opens the Run dialog box.
9. Windows key + S: Opens the search bar to search for files, settings, and apps.
10. Windows key + U: Opens the Ease of Access Center.
11. Windows key + X: Opens the Quick Link menu.
12. Windows key + Left arrow: Snaps the active window to the left side of the screen.
13. Windows key + Right arrow: Snaps the active window to the right side of the screen.
14. Windows key + Up arrow: Maximizes the active window.
15. Windows key + Down arrow: Minimizes the active window.

Command prompt keyboard shortcuts

1. Ctrl + C: Breaks the currently running command or operation.
2. Ctrl + V: Pastes text from the clipboard into the Command Prompt window.
3. Ctrl + A: Select all the text in the Command Prompt window.
4. Ctrl + Up arrow: Scroll through previously executed commands.
5. Ctrl + Down arrow: Scroll back to more recent commands.
6. Tab: Auto-completes commands, directories, and filenames.
7. F7: Displays a list of previously executed commands. Use the up and down arrow keys to select a command and press Enter to execute it again.
8. F1: Copies the character at the current cursor position to the command line.
9. F2: Edits the command line.
10. F3: Copies the last executed command to the command line.
11. F4: Deletes characters from the command line.
12. F5: Displays a list of previously executed commands. Use the up and down arrow keys to select a command and press Enter to execute it again.
13. F6: Moves the cursor to the next pane in a split window.
14. F8: Searches the command history for commands that match the characters entered so far.

Dialog box keyboard shortcuts

1. Tab: Moves the focus to the next control in the dialog box.
2. Shift + Tab: Moves the focus to the previous control in the dialog box.
3. Alt + underlined letter: Activates the control with the underlined letter (e.g., Alt + F activates the File menu).
4. Spacebar: Selects or clears a check box or radio button.
5. Enter: Activates the default button in the dialog box (usually the one with a bold outline).
6. Esc: Closes the dialog box without taking any action.
7. Arrow keys: Navigate options in drop-down lists or combo boxes.
8. Ctrl + Tab: Moves between tabs in a dialog box with multiple tabs.
9. Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Moves back between tabs in a dialog box with multiple tabs.
10. F1: Opens the help documentation for the dialog box.

Files Explorer keyboard shortcuts

1. Ctrl + E: Select the search box in File Explorer.
2. Alt + Left arrow: Goes back to the previous folder.
3. Alt + Right arrow: Goes forward to the next folder (if available).
4. Alt + Up arrow: Goes up one level to the parent folder.
5. Ctrl + N: Opens a new File Explorer window.
6. Ctrl + W: Closes the current File Explorer window.
7. Ctrl + Shift + N: Creates a new folder in the current location.
8. Ctrl + Shift + E: Shows all folders and subfolders under the current location.
9. Ctrl + F: Opens the search bar to search for files and folders.
10. F2: Renames the selected file or folder.
11. F3: Opens the search bar to search for files and folders.
12. F4: Shows the address bar drop-down list.
13. F5: Refreshes the current window.
14. F6: Switches focus between the address bar, search bar, and main window.
15. Ctrl + D: Deletes the selected item(s) to the Recycle Bin.

Virtual desktops keyboard shortcuts

1. Windows key + Tab: Opens the Task View interface to view and manage virtual desktops.
2. Windows key + Ctrl + D: Creates a new virtual desktop.
3. Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Closes the current virtual desktop.
4. Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow: Switches to the virtual desktop on the left.
5. Windows key + Ctrl + Right arrow: Switches to the virtual desktop on the right.
6. Windows key + Ctrl + Number: Switches to the virtual desktop with the corresponding number (e.g., Windows key + Ctrl + 1 switches to the first virtual desktop).
7. Windows key + Ctrl + F: Opens the Find dialog box to search for virtual desktops.
8. Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + Left arrow: Moves the current window to the virtual desktop on the left.
9. Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + Right arrow: Moves the current window to the virtual desktop on the right.
10. Windows key + Tab + Alt: Shows the list of virtual desktops and allows you to drag windows between them.

Taskbar keyboard shortcuts

1. Windows key + T: Highlights the first app on the taskbar. Pressing this again will cycle through all open apps.
2. Windows key + number (1-9): Launches the app pinned to the taskbar in the corresponding position. For example, Windows key + 1 launches the app in the first position on the taskbar.
3. Windows key + Shift + number (1-9): Launches a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the corresponding position.
4. Windows key + Ctrl + number (1-9): Switches to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the corresponding position.
5. Windows key + Alt + number (1-9): Opens the jump list for the app pinned to the taskbar in the corresponding position.
6. Windows key + B: Highlights the notification area on the taskbar.
7. Windows key + E: Opens File Explorer.
8. Windows key + P: Opens the Project panel to change display settings.
9. Windows key + X: Opens the Quick Link menu, which includes shortcuts to various system settings and tools.
10. Windows key + S: Opens Windows Search.

Setting Up Keyboard Shortcuts

1. Open the Settings app by clicking on the Start menu and selecting “Settings” (the gear icon).
2. Click on “Ease of Access.”
3. Click on “Keyboard” in the left-hand menu.
4. Scroll down to the “Use the keyboard to navigate” section and turn on the toggle switch for “Use a shortcut.”
5. Click on “Add a new shortcut.”
6. Enter a name for the shortcut in the “Name” field.
7. Enter the command you want the shortcut to execute in the “Command” field. For example, you can enter “msconfig” to open the System Configuration utility.
8. Click in the “Shortcut key” field and press the key combination you want to use for the shortcut. For example, you can press Ctrl + Shift + M.
9. Click “OK” to save the new shortcut.

Conclusion

Using keyboard shortcuts can be a game-changer for working efficiently on your computer. Learning the most commonly used ones for your operating system and software applications can save you time and help you accomplish tasks more quickly.