Essential
- Windows key + A: Open the Action Center.
- Windows key + D: Show or hide the desktop.
- Windows key + E: Open File Explorer.
- Windows key + I: Open Settings.
- Windows key + L: Lock your computer.
Application windows
- Windows key + M: Minimize all windows.
- Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows.
- Windows key + Tab: Open Task View to switch between open apps.
- Windows key + Left arrow or Right arrow: Snap the current window to the left or right half of the screen.
- Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize the current window.
- Windows key + Down arrow: Minimize the current window or restore it if it’s maximized.
- Windows key + Comma (,): Peek at the desktop.
Virtual Desktops
- Windows key + Ctrl + D: Add a new virtual desktop.
- Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow or Right arrow: Switch between virtual desktops.
- Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Close the current virtual desktop.
Utility
- Windows key + Print Screen: Take a screenshot and save it to the Screenshots folder.
- Windows key + Shift + S: Open the Snip & Sketch tool for screen capture.
- Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B: Reset graphics driver if the screen is black.
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager.
- Windows key + X: Open the Quick Link menu.
- Windows key + Plus (+) or Minus (-): Open the Magnifier and zoom in or out.
- Windows key + Period (.) or Semicolon (;): Open the Emoji Picker or special characters menu.
Windows 11 –only– short-keys
- Windows key + Z: Open the app-specific menu (context menu) for the currently open app or window.
- Windows key + W: Open the Widgets panel, which provides a personalized view of news, weather, calendar events, and more.
- Windows key + Shift + L: Open the Language bar, allowing you to switch between input methods and keyboards.
- Windows key + N: Open a new Note in the Sticky Notes app.
- Windows key + K: Open the Connect pane to quickly connect to wireless displays and audio devices.
- Windows key + Print Screen: Capture and save a screenshot directly to the Screenshots folder, without the need for the Snipping Tool.
- Windows key + R: Open the Run dialog with a rounded design.
- Windows key + C: Open the Chat from Microsoft Teams.
Keyboard shortcuts simplify life by offering swift and direct ways to navigate and operate devices. They bypass menus and clicks, letting us swiftly switch apps, perform actions, and access features. With shortcuts, tasks become more efficient, productivity increases, and we can focus on what truly counts.
