30+ Essential Shortcut Keys for Daily Use in Windows

Shortcut Reference

Getting things done quickly on your computer is important, and using Windows shortcuts can help a lot. This post shows over 30 useful shortcuts that can make work faster and easier.

1. Window Management: Navigating with Precision
Shortcut Function Description
Windows + Left/Right Arrow Snap Window Left/Right Snaps the active window to the left or right half of the screen, ideal for multitasking with two apps side by side.
Windows + Up Arrow Maximize Window Maximizes the active window to fill the entire screen.
Windows + Down Arrow Minimize/Restore Window Minimizes the active window or restores it if it’s maximized.
Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow Move Window Between Monitors Moves the active window to the next monitor, useful when working with multiple screens.
Windows + D Show/Hide Desktop Minimizes all windows to show the desktop. Press again to restore the windows.
Alt + Tab Switch Between Open Applications Cycles through your open applications, allowing quick switching without using the mouse.
Windows + P Project Screen/Change Display Mode Opens the display mode options for projecting your screen to another monitor or projector (Duplicate, Extend, etc.).
Windows + M Minimize All Windows Instantly minimizes all open windows to the taskbar.
Windows + Home Minimize All But Active Window Minimizes all windows except the one currently active.
Alt + Space Open Window Menu Opens the window control menu of the active window (e.g., move, resize, minimize).
2. File Explorer: Speed Up Your File Management
Shortcut Function Description
Ctrl + Shift + N Create New Folder Instantly creates a new folder in the current directory.
F2 Rename Selected File/Folder Allows you to rename the selected file or folder.
Alt + D Select Address Bar Focuses on the address bar, enabling quick path editing or searches within File Explorer.
Ctrl + N Open New Window Opens a new File Explorer window in the same directory.
Ctrl + Shift + E Expand Navigation Pane Expands the current folder's parent directory in the navigation pane.
Ctrl + E Focus on Search Bar Moves the focus to the search bar in File Explorer, making it easy to search within the current directory.
Alt + Enter Open Properties Dialog Opens the properties dialog box for the selected file or folder, showing details like size, location, and more.
Ctrl + W Close Active File Explorer Window Closes the currently active File Explorer window.
Shift + Delete Permanently Delete Selected Item Deletes the selected item without sending it to the Recycle Bin.
3. Task Management: Control at Your Fingertips
Shortcut Function Description
Ctrl + Shift + Esc Open Task Manager Opens Task Manager directly, letting you manage running applications and processes.
Windows + X Open Quick Link Menu Opens a menu with quick access to system tools like Device Manager, Disk Management, and more.
Windows + L Lock Computer Locks your PC, requiring a password or PIN to unlock, useful when stepping away from your desk.
Alt + F4 Close Application Closes the currently active window or application.
Windows + Tab Open Task View Opens Task View, showing all open windows and virtual desktops, enabling you to switch between tasks easily.
Windows + R Open Run Dialog Box Opens the Run dialog box, where you can quickly launch programs, folders, or documents by typing their path or name.
Ctrl + Alt + Delete Open Security Options Opens a security screen where you can lock your computer, switch users, or access Task Manager.
4. Accessibility & System Tools: Enhancing Your Workflow
Shortcut Function Description
Windows + (+/-) Open Magnifier and Zoom In/Out Activates the Magnifier tool, allowing you to zoom in or out on your screen for better visibility.
Windows + Ctrl + D Create New Virtual Desktop Creates a new virtual desktop, helping you organize your workspace for different tasks or projects.
Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow Switch Between Virtual Desktops Moves you between virtual desktops, useful for separating workspaces without cluttering your main screen.
Windows + PrtScn Capture Full Screenshot Takes a screenshot of the entire screen and automatically saves it to the Screenshots folder.
Windows + Shift + S Capture Part of the Screen (Snip & Sketch) Opens Snip & Sketch, allowing you to select and capture a portion of the screen.
Windows + K Connect to Wireless Display/Devices Opens the Connect pane, allowing you to connect to wireless displays or audio devices like Bluetooth speakers or headphones.
Windows + I Open Settings Quickly opens the Windows Settings app, where you can adjust system settings, manage devices, and personalize your PC.
Windows + H Start Dictation Activates Windows dictation, allowing you to use voice-to-text in any text field.
Windows + U Open Ease of Access Settings Opens the Ease of Access settings menu for quick access to accessibility features.
Windows + B Focus on System Tray Sets the focus to the system tray, allowing you to navigate through system icons with the arrow keys.

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