Essential Shortcuts 18
Ctrl+C
Copy
Copy selected item to clipboard. Works with text, files, images, and more.
Ctrl+X
Cut
Cut selected item and store in clipboard. Original is removed.
Ctrl+V
Paste
Paste clipboard content at current location. Can paste multiple times.
Ctrl+Z
Undo
Undo last action. Press multiple times to undo previous actions.
Ctrl+Y
Redo
Redo undone action. Restores actions canceled with Ctrl+Z.
Ctrl+A
Select All
Select all items in current document or folder.
Ctrl+S
Save
Save current document. Press frequently to prevent data loss.
Ctrl+P
Print
Open print dialog. Preview before printing recommended.
Ctrl+F
Find
Open text search box. Quickly find words in documents.
Ctrl+H
Replace
Open find and replace dialog. Batch change text efficiently.
Ctrl+N
New Window/Doc
Open new window or document depending on app.
Ctrl+W
Close Window
Close current window or tab. Prompts to save if needed.
Alt+F4
Quit Program
Completely quit active program.
Ctrl+Shift+Esc
Task Manager
Open Task Manager directly. Best for frozen programs.
F2
Rename
Rename selected file or folder.
F5
Refresh
Refresh current page or folder.
Delete
Delete
Move selected item to Recycle Bin. Can restore later.
Shift+Delete
Permanent Delete
Permanently delete without Recycle Bin. Cannot restore.
Window & Display 18
Win+D
Show Desktop
Minimize all windows or restore them.
Win+E
File Explorer
Open File Explorer.
Win+L
Lock Screen
Lock computer for security.
Win+I
Settings
Open Windows Settings app.
Win+X
Quick Link Menu
Open system tools menu.
Win+Tab
Task View
View open windows and virtual desktops.
Win+Ctrl+D
New Desktop
Create new virtual desktop.
Win+Ctrl+Left/Right
Switch Desktop
Switch between virtual desktops.
Win+Ctrl+F4
Close Desktop
Close current virtual desktop.
Win+Left/Right
Snap Window
Snap window to left or right half of screen.
Win+Up/Down
Maximize/Minimize
Maximize or minimize window.
Win+Shift+Left/Right
Move to Monitor
Move window to another monitor.
Win+M
Minimize All
Minimize all windows.
Alt+Tab
Switch Windows
Quickly switch between open windows.
Alt+Shift+Tab
Reverse Switch
Switch windows in reverse order.
Ctrl+Alt+Tab
Persistent Switcher
Keep window switcher open for arrow key selection.
Ctrl+Tab
Switch Tabs
Switch between tabs in apps.
Win+Home
Minimize Others
Minimize all windows except active one.
Screenshot & Capture 6
Win+Shift+S
Snipping Tool
Capture part of screen. Best method in Windows 10/11.
PrtScn
Full Screen
Copy entire screen to clipboard.
Win+PrtScn
Save Screenshot
Save entire screen to Pictures\Screenshots folder.
Alt+PrtScn
Active Window
Capture only the active window.
Win+G
Game Bar
Open Game Bar for recording and screenshots.
Win+Alt+R
Start/Stop Recording
Start or stop screen recording.
System & Search 12
Win+S
Search
Open Windows Search for files, apps, and settings.
Win+R
Run Dialog
Open Run dialog for commands.
Win+A
Action Center
Open Action Center for notifications and quick settings.
Win+K
Connect Devices
Connect to wireless displays and audio.
Win+P
Project
Choose display projection mode.
Win+V
Clipboard History
View clipboard history and paste previous items.
Win+.
Emoji Panel
Open emoji, symbols, and GIF picker. 😊
Win+;
Emoji Panel
Same as Win+. - opens emoji panel.
Win+H
Voice Typing
Start voice dictation.
Win+U
Accessibility
Open Accessibility settings.
Win++/-
Magnifier
Zoom in or out with screen magnifier.
Win+Esc
Exit Magnifier
Exit screen magnifier.
No shortcuts found