Mastering Computer Shortcut Keys
Why Are Keyboard Shortcuts Important?
In today's fast-paced digital world, efficiency is key. Keyboard shortcuts allow users to execute commands instantly, saving precious time and effort. Whether it's copying text, switching applications, or managing windows, mastering shortcuts provides seamless control and significantly boosts productivity.
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| CTRL + A | Select all content. |
| CTRL + C | Copy selected item. |
| CTRL + X | Cut selected item. |
| CTRL + V | Paste content. |
| CTRL + SHIFT + V | Paste without formatting. |
| SHIFT + INSERT | Paste content (alternative). |
| CTRL + Z | Undo last action. |
| CTRL + Y | Redo last undone action. |
| CTRL + B | Apply/remove bold formatting. |
| CTRL + U | Apply/remove underline formatting. |
| CTRL + I | Apply/remove italic formatting. |
| CTRL + S | Save current file. |
| CTRL + P | Print current document. |
| CTRL + F | Open find dialog. |
| CTRL + H | Open find and replace dialog. |
| CTRL + N | Create new document/window. |
| CTRL + O | Open existing file. |
| CTRL + W | Close current document/tab. |
| ALT + F4 | Close active application or window. |
| ALT + TAB | Switch between open applications. |
| ALT + SHIFT + TAB | Switch backward between open applications. |
| CTRL + Left/Right Arrow | Move cursor one word left/right. |
| CTRL + Up/Down Arrow | Move cursor one paragraph up/down. |
| CTRL + SHIFT + Left/Right Arrow | Select text one word at a time. |
| HOME | Move cursor to beginning of line. |
| END | Move cursor to end of line. |
| CTRL + HOME | Move cursor to beginning of document. |
| CTRL + END | Move cursor to end of document. |
| SHIFT + Arrow Keys | Select text character by character or line by line. |
| SHIFT + HOME/END | Select text from cursor to beginning/end of line. |
| CTRL + SHIFT + HOME/END | Select text from cursor to beginning/end of document. |
| CTRL + BACKSPACE | Delete previous word. |
| CTRL + DELETE | Delete next word. |
| F2 | Rename selected file/folder. |
| F5 | Refresh active window (also reloads browser page). |
| F11 | Enter/exit full-screen mode. |
| WIN Key | Open/close Start Menu. |
| WIN + D | Show/hide Desktop. |
| WIN + E | Open File Explorer. |
| WIN + L | Lock computer. |
| WIN + R | Open Run dialog. |
| WIN + S or WIN + Q | Open Search. |
| WIN + I | Open Windows Settings. |
| WIN + X | Open Quick Link menu (Power User menu). |
| WIN + TAB | Open Task View. |
| WIN + P | Open Project (display switch) settings. |
| WIN + A | Open Action Center (Notifications). |
| WIN + V | Open Clipboard History. |
| WIN + G | Open Xbox Game Bar. |
| WIN + . (Period) or WIN + ; | Open Emoji panel. |
| WIN + SHIFT + S | Open Snipping Tool (screenshot selection). |
| WIN + PrintScreen | Take screenshot and save to Pictures > Screenshots folder. |
| ALT + PrintScreen | Take screenshot of active window (copy to clipboard). |
| CTRL + SHIFT + ESC | Open Task Manager. |
| CTRL + ALT + DELETE | Open Security Options screen. |
| CTRL + SHIFT + N | Create a new folder (in File Explorer). |
| WIN + Left/Right Arrow | Snap window to left/right half of screen. |
| WIN + Up Arrow | Maximize window. |
| WIN + Down Arrow | Minimize/Restore window. |
| WIN + SHIFT + Left/Right Arrow | Move window to another monitor. |
| WIN + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop. |
| WIN + Ctrl + F4 | Close the current virtual desktop. |
| WIN + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow | Switch between virtual desktops. |
| WIN + Plus (+) / Minus (-) | Zoom in/out with Magnifier. |
| WIN + ESC | Close Magnifier. |
| CTRL + T | Open new tab. |
| CTRL + W | Close current tab. |
| CTRL + SHIFT + T | Reopen last closed tab. |
| CTRL + TAB | Switch to next tab. |
| CTRL + SHIFT + TAB | Switch to previous tab. |
| CTRL + 1-8 | Switch to specific tab number. |
| CTRL + 9 | Switch to the last tab. |
| CTRL + L or ALT + D or F6 | Focus address bar. |
| CTRL + R or F5 | Reload current page. |
| CTRL + SHIFT + R or SHIFT + F5 | Reload page ignoring cache (hard refresh). |
| ESC | Stop loading page. |
| CTRL + D | Bookmark current page. |
| CTRL + SHIFT + B | Show/hide bookmarks bar. |
| CTRL + H | Open history page. |
| CTRL + J | Open downloads page. |
| CTRL + SHIFT + N | Open new incognito/private window. |
| CTRL + SHIFT + DELETE | Open clear browsing data window. |
| CTRL + + (Plus) | Zoom in. |
| CTRL + - (Minus) | Zoom out. |
| CTRL + 0 | Reset zoom level. |
| ALT + Left Arrow or BACKSPACE | Go back one page. |
| ALT + Right Arrow or SHIFT + BACKSPACE | Go forward one page. |
| SPACEBAR | Scroll down page. |
| SHIFT + SPACEBAR | Scroll up page. |
| HOME | Go to top of page. |
| END | Go to bottom of page. |
Maximizing Productivity
Developing the habit of using keyboard shortcuts significantly enhances workflow. Professionals working with software like Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite, code editors, or even just browsing the web benefit greatly from mastering these key combinations. The fewer clicks, the faster the execution!
Keep Learning!
This list covers many common shortcuts, but there are countless more specific to different applications. Explore the menus and help sections of your favorite software to discover even more ways to optimize your work. Happy shortcutting!