Useful keyboard shortcuts in Windows

Useful keyboard shortcuts in Windows

Shortcuts save time and effort. Press two or three keys at the same time and operate the computer without a mouse.


We list the most used and most useful key combinations below.

  • Alt+Tab
    Switch between open programs. This works in the following way:
    • Press the Alt and Tab keys simultaneously.
    • Release Tab but hold down Alt.
    • You will see all open programs. Use the Tab key (press once and release) to jump to the next program.
    • Repeat this until you have the program you want to use.
    • Release the Alt key.
  • Ctrl+Alt+Tab
    Switch between all open programs with the arrow keys. This option is a lot easier than the previous one.
    • Press Ctrl+Alt+Tab simultaneously and then release all keys.
    • All open programs are displayed. Move to the next program (right arrow key) or previous program (left arrow key).
    • When the desired program is selected, press the Enter key.
  • Ctrl+Esc
    Open the Start menu.
  • Ctrl+Shift+Esc
    Open Task Manager.
  • PrtScn
    Take a screenshot of the entire screen with this. This will be copied to the clipboard. You can then paste the screenshot into a photo editing program, into Word, or into an email. This is done with the shortcut Ctrl+V.
  • Windows key
    Open or close home screen.
  • Windows key+A
    Open Action Center.
  • Windows key +D
    Show and hide the Desktop.
  • Windows key+Alt+D
    Show and hide the date and time.
  • Windows key+E
    Open the Windows Explorer.
  • Windows key+I
    Open the Windows Settings.
  • Windows key+L
    Lock the PC or switch between accounts.
  • Windows key+M
    Minimize all windows to the Taskbar.
  • Windows key+S
    Opens the Search menu.
  • Windows key+U
    Open the Ease of Access Center.
  • Windows key+X
    Open the WinX menu.
  • Windows key + period (.) or semicolon (;)
    Open emoji window.
  • Windows key+up arrow
    Maximize the window.
  • Windows key+down arrow
    Remove current app from screen or minimize the Desktop window.
  • Windows key+left arrow
    Maximize the app or Desktop window on the left side of the screen.
  • Windows Key+Right Arrow
    Maximize the app or Desktop window on the right side of the screen.

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