Keyboard shortcuts are powerful tools that can significantly enhance your productivity and workflow on Windows 10.
By mastering keyboard shortcuts, you can perform common tasks more quickly and efficiently, navigate your system with ease, and take full advantage of the features and capabilities of Windows 10.
In this complete guide, we’ll explore a wide range of keyboard shortcuts for Windows 10, organized by category, to help you streamline your computing experience and become a more proficient user.
General Shortcuts
- Windows key: Open or close the Start menu.
- Windows key + D: Show or hide the desktop.
- Windows key + E: Open File Explorer.
- Windows key + L: Lock your PC or switch accounts.
- Windows key + Tab: Open Task View.
- Alt + Tab: Switch between open windows.
- Alt + F4: Close the active window or exit the program.
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager.
Navigation Shortcuts
- Windows key + Left Arrow/Right Arrow: Snap the active window to the left or right side of the screen.
- Windows key + Up Arrow: Maximize the active window.
- Windows key + Down Arrow: Minimize the active window or restore it if it’s maximized.
- Alt + F4: Close the active app.
Taskbar Shortcuts
- Windows key + T: Cycle through apps on the taskbar.
- Windows key + number (1-9): Open the corresponding app on the taskbar.
- Windows key + Shift + number (1-9): Open a new instance of the corresponding app on the taskbar.
- Windows key + Alt + number (1-9): Open the jump list for the corresponding app on the taskbar.
Virtual Desktop Shortcuts
- Windows key + Ctrl + D: Create a new virtual desktop.
- Windows key + Ctrl + Left Arrow/Right Arrow: Switch between virtual desktops.
- Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Close the current virtual desktop.
Text Editing Shortcuts
- Ctrl + X: Cut selected text.
- Ctrl + C: Copy selected text.
- Ctrl + V: Paste copied or cut text.
- Ctrl + A: Select all text.
- Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
- Ctrl + Y: Redo the last undone action.
File Explorer Shortcuts
- Alt + D: Select the address bar.
- Ctrl + E: Select the search box.
- Ctrl + N: Open a new File Explorer window.
- Ctrl + W: Close the current File Explorer window.
- Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder.
- F2: Rename selected item.
Accessibility Shortcuts
- Windows key + Ctrl + Enter: Open Narrator.
- Windows key + Plus (+) or Minus (-): Zoom in or out using Magnifier.
- Windows key + Esc: Exit Magnifier.
System Shortcuts
- Windows key + I: Open Settings.
- Windows key + R: Open the Run dialog box.
- Windows key + Pause/Break: Open System Properties.
- Windows key + Shift + S: Take a screenshot using Snip & Sketch.
Browser Shortcuts (in supported browsers)
- Ctrl + T: Open a new tab.
- Ctrl + W: Close the current tab.
- Ctrl + Tab: Switch between open tabs.
- Ctrl + Shift + T: Reopen the last closed tab.
Conclusion
Keyboard shortcuts are invaluable tools for maximizing efficiency and productivity on Windows 10. By memorizing and incorporating these shortcuts into your daily workflow, you can save time, reduce repetitive tasks, and navigate your system with ease.
Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, mastering keyboard shortcuts will help you become a more proficient and efficient Windows 10 user.
So take the time to practice and familiarize yourself with these shortcuts, and watch as your productivity soars to new heights.
