Windows 11, the latest version of Microsoft’s operating system, offers a bunch of new and improved keyboard shortcuts that help users accomplish tasks more quickly and efficiently. These shortcuts are particularly helpful for power users who spend significant amounts of time on their computers, and can save a lot of time and boost productivity.
How to open Task Manager in Windows with a keyboard shortcut
Task Manager: Quickly and easily manage your computer’s performance and running applications with the Task Manager. To open it, press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together. You’ll then see a list of all running applications and processes, along with important performance statistics and startup programs. Use the Task Manager to close any unresponsive applications or programs and improve your computer’s speed and efficiency.
How to take a screenshot in Windows with a keyboard shortcut
Screenshots: Taking screenshots in Windows 11 is easy with the keyboard shortcut Windows key + Shift + S. This will open the Snipping Tool, allowing you to take a screenshot of a specific area on your screen. You can also use the traditional keyboard shortcut Windows key + Print Screen to take a screenshot of the entire screen.
How to open Windows Settings with a keyboard shortcut
Settings: Windows 11 has a new and improved Settings app, which you can access quickly with the keyboard shortcut Windows key + I. From here, you can easily change system settings such as display, sound, and network, as well as manage user accounts and privacy settings.
How to open File Explorer with keyboard shortcut
File Explorer: If you’re looking to quickly access your files and folders on a Windows 11 computer, then you’ll definitely want to learn the keyboard shortcut for opening File Explorer. By simply pressing the Windows key and E at the same time, you can instantly launch a new File Explorer window and start managing your files and folders with ease.
New keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 compared to Windows 10
Windows 11 includes several new keyboard shortcuts that were not available in Windows 10. Here are some of the new keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11:
1.Snap Layouts: Windows key + Z – this opens the Snap Layouts menu that allows you to choose how you want to organize your windows on the screen.
2.Snap Groups: Windows key + / – this opens the Snap Groups menu that allows you to see all your open windows and switch between them or create new Snap Layouts.
3.Virtual Desktops: Windows key + Tab – this opens the Task View that allows you to see all your open windows and virtual desktops.
4.Switch between Virtual Desktops: Windows key + Ctrl + Left or Right arrow – this allows you to switch between virtual desktops quickly.
5.Snap Assist: Windows key + Comma (,) – this allows you to see all your open windows and choose which one to snap to the side of the screen.
6.Power User menu: Windows key + X – this opens the Power User menu that includes quick access to important settings and features.
7.Quick Settings: Windows key + A – this opens the Quick Settings menu that allows you to quickly access common settings such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and volume controls.
8.Widgets: Windows key + W – this opens the Widgets panel that displays widgets such as news, weather, and sports scores.
9.Clipboard: Windows key + V – this opens the Clipboard history that allows you to see your recent copied items and paste them into your documents.
10.Snipping Tool: Windows key + Shift + S – this opens the Snipping Tool that allows you to take a screenshot of a specific area on the screen.
List of other keyboard shortcuts
Start menu: Windows key – this opens the Start menu that allows you to quickly launch apps, search for files, and access settings.
Search: Windows key + S – this opens the Search bar that allows you to search for files, apps, settings, and more.
Task View: Windows key + Ctrl + D – this creates a new virtual desktop in Task View.
File Explorer: Windows key + E – this opens File Explorer, which allows you to browse and manage files and folders on your computer.
Settings: Windows key + I – this opens the Settings app, which allows you to customize and configure various settings on your computer.
Action Center: Windows key + A – this opens the Action Center, which displays notifications and quick actions such as screen brightness and airplane mode.
Emoji picker: Windows key + . (period) – this opens the Emoji picker, which allows you to select and insert emojis into your documents and messages.
Display settings: Windows key + P – this opens the Display settings, which allows you to configure multiple display options such as resolution and projection mode.
Settings search: Windows key + Q – this opens the search bar in the Settings app, which allows you to quickly find specific settings options.
Windows Terminal: Windows key + Shift + T – this opens a new tab in Windows Terminal, which is a new command-line app in Windows 11 that allows you to run multiple command-line environments and shells.
Focus assist: Windows key + F – this opens the Focus assist settings, which allows you to customize how notifications are displayed on your computer when you need to focus on your work.
Keyboard settings: Windows key + K – this opens the Keyboard settings, which allows you to customize your keyboard layout and other keyboard-related settings.
Project to screen: Windows key + P – this opens the Project settings, which allows you to project your computer screen to another screen or device.
Snap to corner: Windows key + Left or Right arrow – this allows you to snap the active window to the left or right corner of the screen.
Open Action Center: Windows key + A – this opens the Action Center, which allows you to access notifications and quick settings.
Open Quick Settings: Windows key + A – this opens the Quick Settings panel, which allows you to access common settings like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and volume controls.
Open Widgets panel: Windows key + W – this opens the Widgets panel, which displays widgets like weather, news, and sports scores.
Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts for accessibility
Windows 11 offers a variety of keyboard shortcuts that can make it easier for people with disabilities to navigate and use their computer. Here are some of the most commonly used accessibility keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11:
1. To turn on/off Narrator (a screen-reading app): Press Windows key + Ctrl + Enter
2. To magnify the screen: Press Windows key + Plus (+) or Windows key + Minus (-)
3. To open the Accessibility features: Press Windows key + U
4. To turn on/off high contrast mode: Press Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen
5. To switch on/off Sticky Keys: Press Shift key five times
6. To switch on/off Toggle Keys: Press Num Lock key for five seconds
7. To open the On-Screen Keyboard: Press Windows key + Ctrl + O
8. To move between apps on the taskbar: Press Windows key + T
9. To minimize all open windows: Press Windows key + M
10. To restore all minimized windows: Press Windows key + Shift + M
Please keep in mind that the keyboard shortcuts may differ depending on the version of Windows you’re using and the language settings you have. Some of the shortcuts may also need further configuration or settings to function correctly. Fortunately, you can personalize some of these shortcuts in the Windows settings to better suit your needs.