Keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Windows 10 and 11 operating systems allow fast pace users to execute various functions without the use of the mouse. Users that are actively working in documents and other user input intensive application have their fingers on the keyboard the majority of the time that they are working. Utilizing shortcuts allow us to continue to be productive without having to take our fingers off of the keyboard; for the most part. I have included a decent list below. Although this is not a complete exhaustive list there are functions for popular executions.
Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
- Windows logo key alone opens and closes the start menu
- Windows logo key + A opens the action center
- Windows logo key + B sets focus in the notification area
- Windows logo key + C opens Cortana in listening mode. (This shortcut is turned off by default. To turn it on, go to start > Settings > Cortana, and turn on the toggle under “Let Cortana listen for my commands when I press the Windows logo key + C)
- Windows logo key + shift + C opens the charms menu
- Windows logo key + D displays and hides the desktop
- Windows logo key + Alt + D displays and hides the data and time on the desktop
- Windows logo key + E opens the File Explorer
- Windows logo key + F opens the Feedback Hub and take a screenshot
- Windows logo key + H starts dictation
- Windows logo key + I opens settings
- Windows logo key + J sets focus to a Windows tip when one is available
- Windows logo key + M minimizes all windows
- Windows logo key + O locks the device orientation
- Windows logo key + P allows you to choose a presentation display mode
- Windows logo key + Ctrl + Q opens Quick Assist
- Windows logo key + R opens the Run dialog box
- Windows logo key + S opens the search tool
- Windows logo key + Shift + S takes a screenshot of part of your screen
- Windows logo key + T allows you to cycle through apps on the taskbar
- Windows logo + tab opens Task view
- Windows logo + Home key minimizes all windows except the active desktop window
- Windows logo + Spacebar switches input language and keyboard layout
- Windows logo + ctrl + Enter turns on Narrator
- Windows logo + Plus Sign (+) opens magnifier