Windows Shortcuts and Keyboard Tricks for Power Users

October 27, 2023

Efficiency and productivity go hand in hand when it comes to using your Windows computer. Windows offers a plethora of keyboard shortcuts and tricks that can help power users navigate and control their operating system with speed and precision. In this guide, we’ll explore essential Windows shortcuts and keyboard tricks to supercharge your computing experience.

Mastering Basic Shortcuts

Windows Key (Win)

Win: Opens or closes the Start menu.
Win + D: Minimizes or restores all open windows and shows the desktop.
Win + L: Locks your computer, requiring a password to unlock.

Alt + Tab

Switches between open applications. Hold Alt and press Tab to cycle through the apps.

Ctrl + C, Ctrl + X, Ctrl + V

Copy, cut, and paste, respectively. Select text or files and use these shortcuts to perform these actions.

Ctrl + Z, Ctrl + Y

Undo and redo actions. Helpful in applications like Word or Excel.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Opens the Task Manager directly, allowing you to manage running processes.

Windows Key Shortcuts

Win + E

Opens File Explorer for quick access to files and folders.

Win + R

Opens the Run dialog, handy for launching applications or accessing system utilities.

Win + number (1-9)

Opens or switches to applications on the Taskbar based on their position.

Win + Tab

Activates Task View, a feature in Windows 10 and 11 that allows you to switch between open applications.

Advanced Keyboard Tricks

Alt + F4

Closes the active window. Hold Alt and press F4 to quit applications or shut down your computer.

Ctrl + Shift + N

In File Explorer, creates a new folder.

Alt + Spacebar

Opens the window menu (Restore, Minimize, Maximize, Close), allowing you to perform these actions without using the mouse.

Shift + Delete

Permanently deletes files without moving them to the Recycle Bin.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Opens Task Manager directly, bypassing the Ctrl + Alt + Delete menu.

Special Characters and Symbols

Alt Codes

You can type special characters and symbols by holding the Alt key and entering a numeric code using the numpad. For example, Alt + 0169 gives you the copyright symbol (©).

Emoji Keyboard

In Windows 10 and 11, you can bring up the Emoji keyboard by pressing Win + . or Win + ; to insert emojis in your text.

Multiple Desktops

Ctrl + Win + D

Creates a new virtual desktop. Use this to organize your work into different desktops.

Ctrl + Win + Left/Right Arrow

Switches between virtual desktops.

Conclusion

Mastering Windows shortcuts and keyboard tricks is a game-changer for power users. These time-saving techniques can make your daily tasks more efficient and enjoyable. Experiment with these shortcuts, and you’ll soon find yourself navigating your Windows computer with finesse.

Stay tuned to our blog for more Windows insights and tips.