Microsoft’s OS is full of shortcuts that allow you to quickly perform tasks with simple keystrokes.
Keyboard or mouse? In Windows, the keyboard is generally used for data entry while the mouse handles operations such as moving the cursor, launching programs, moving windows, etc. But it is possible to perform certain keyboard operations using key sequences (keep the first key pressed, then press the second key, or even a third while also keeping the previous one pressed) which sometimes turn out to be faster. than the mouse. Some sequences are really essential while others are much less known but can be very useful. Here is the list of the most useful shortcuts.
The essential shortcuts
These keystrokes are the basics of Windows and you won’t be able to do without them.
: To switch quickly from one program to another. F4: To close the active window. F4: To close a tab, for example in a web browser. C, X and V: To copy, cut and paste text. These sequences also work with files in File Explorer, as well as images and other programs. A: To select all. S: To save, for example an image in Paint or a file in Notepad. F: To start a search, for example text in the notepad. H is similar but suggests replacing the searched text with another text. N: To create a new element. For example a new document in Word, a new image in Paint, or a new window in File Explorer. Z and To undo and redo the last operation just performed. : To launch the Start menu. This key to the left of the space bar bears the Windows logo. : Takes a screenshot of the screen and stores it in the clipboard. : Takes a capture of the active window and stores it in the clipboard. : Permanently deletes a file in the file explorer, without going through the recycle bin.
, the miracle key
The key with the Windows logo can do you a lot of service by being associated with other keys.
E: Directly launch the file explorer, from any application and from anywhere on the desktop.
L: Locks the Windows session if you need to be away temporarily. To unlock the session, all you have to do is enter your password. A: Open the Run Programs window from the Start menu. Then all you have to do is type in the name of the program to start.
: Execute this keystroke to temporarily display the contents of the desktop and then return to your current program. Convenient to avoid reducing all windows. D: The D sequence is used to quickly switch to the desktop. It is therefore a more permanent version of . Repeat the sequence again to return to your active window. : Equivalent to the sequence to switch from one program to another, but with a superb 3D effect as a bonus.
T: Allows you to move through the minimized programs in the taskbar, by executing the command several times. If more than one thumbnail corresponds to the same program (for example, File Explorer), use the left and right cursor keys. Then press Enter to validate.
number: Launches the program whose icon is in the taskbar. The number corresponds to the position of the icon in the bar. Use the numbers at the top of the alphabetic keypad, not the numeric keypad. The number sequence opens a new window of the relevant app, for example a new window in the web browser. : To minimize all windows in miniature, except the active window. Perform the key sequence again to cancel the operation. The key sometimes appears with the logo of a diagonal arrow. : To quickly modify the size and position of the active window, use the key associated with one of the four cursor displacement keys (up, down, left or right). You then have the choice between the left half of the screen, the right half, the full screen and the minimization in the taskbar.
I: In Windows 10, this command opens the Windows settings window. A: In Windows 10, this command opens the action center. G: In Windows 10, this command displays the game bar. S or Q: Open the search box near the Start menu in Windows 10.
Shortcuts for experts
These shortcuts will not be useful to you every day but will be useful for you to quickly access certain advanced functions of Windows.
: Directly displays the system parameters, for example the version of Windows, the processor and the amount of RAM, without going through the control panel. <+>: Launches the magnifying glass to magnify elements of the display.
: A very useful sequence if you have two screens. It sends the active window to the left screen or to the right screen depending on the cursor key you have chosen. P: The sequence to know when your computer is connected to a video projector. Gives the choice between several modes: computer only, projector only, image on both devices and projector as an extension of the computer display. X: In Windows 8 and 10, this sequence displays the Start Menu links menu and gives quick access to things like Device Manager or Command Prompt. : Displays the properties of an element in the file explorer. : Use this sequence to display the Windows task manager. This program is found to be used to kill blocked software and to see which ones are consuming the most processor or memory resources.