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.

Popular posts from this blog

Connect To a Wireless Display Using a Desktop Shortcut

Image
For connecting to external devices, you can use the Win + K shortcut to open the "Connect" pane. However, if you often forget this key combination, you can create a more accessible shortcut to open the device discovery settings directly. 1) Create a New Shortcut Right-click on your Desktop. Select New > Shortcut . 2) Type the location of the item      % windir%\explorer.exe ms-settings-connectabledevices:devicediscovery 3) Name the Shortcut 4) Customize the Shortcut Icon (Optional) Right-click on the newly created shortcut and choose Properties. Click on the Shortcut tab and then click Change Icon. Select an icon that suits your preference or browse for a custom one. Now, you can double-click the shortcut on your desktop to quickly access the "Connect to a Wireless Display" feature.
Read more

IT Asset Management System

Image
Managing IT assets efficiently is a critical task for any organization, ensuring accountability, transparency, and streamlined operations. To address this need, I developed an IT Asset Management System using Power Apps. This system is designed to simplify IT asset tracking and create a seamless experience for both administrators and users.   Key Features of the IT Asset Management System   1. Role-Based Access Control Login Page : The system begins with a login page where users are assigned one of two roles: Admin : Full access to manage and track all IT assets and accessories. Normal User : Limited access to view only the assets issued to them by the IT department. This role-based access ensures security and provides tailored functionalities based on the user’s role. 2. Comprehensive Dashboard Admin Dashboard : Displays an overview of all IT assets, including issued items and current stock levels. Admins can monitor real-time updates and maintain inventory efficiently. User...
Read more

Field Mobile App: Simplifying On-Site Project Updates

Image
Built with Microsoft Power Apps Managing construction and engineering projects efficiently requires timely updates and seamless collaboration. To address this need, the Field Mobile App was developed using Microsoft Power Apps. This app empowers site engineers to update project statuses on the go while ensuring accuracy and accountability. Why the Field Mobile App? The app streamlines the process of tracking project progress and managing site activity photos, which are automatically stored in SharePoint folders. It is designed to keep information up-to-date in real time while minimizing manual errors. 1. Login Screen The app automatically recognizes users logged into their company account on Power Apps, eliminating the need for a separate login process. 2. View Active Sites The second screen displays a list of today’s active sites, with data sourced from Excel files on OneDrive. On-Site Updates Only: Engineers can only edit sites within a 5 km radius of their curren...
Read more