Windows Keyboard Shortcut Keys
Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that you can use for performing many activities on your keyboard. Because you can keep both hands on the keyboard, using keyboard shortcuts is often more quickly than using a mouse. Keyboard shortcuts are also everywhere, which means you could use many of them in other programs. You can use shortcuts for copying and pasting text in a Word editor and a web browser, for example.
Windows Keyboard Shortcut Keys
Many keyboard shortcuts require multiple pressing of two or more keys in a specific order. To perform the shortcut Ctrl+X, for example, press and hold the Ctrl key, then press and release the X key.
Most keyboard shortcuts will be performed with the Ctrl (Control) or Alt key. These keys can be found toward the bottom-left corner of your keyboard.
Keys Working with Text
These keyboard shortcuts are handy for dealing with text in word processors, email clients, and other apps. They will help you with everyday tasks such as copying and pasting text.
- Ctrl+X: Cut the selected text.
- Ctrl+C: Copy the selected text.
- Ctrl+V: Paste the copied or cut text.
- Ctrl+A: Select all of the text on the page or in the active window.
- Ctrl+B: Bold the selected text.
- Ctrl+I: Italicize the selected text.
- Ctrl+U: Underline the selected text.
Keys Working with Files and Applications
Keyboard shortcuts can be used to open, close, and switch apps. Shortcuts can be used to create new files, search terms, and print when working with a file, such as a Microsoft Word document.
- Ctrl+Alt+Delete: Force a frozen or unresponsive program to exit. The Task Manager can be reached using this keyboard shortcut. You can then select and close the unresponsive program.
- Delete: Send a selected file or files to the Recycle Bin.
- Enter: Open a selected application or file.
- Ctrl+N: Create a new file.
- Ctrl+O: Open an existing file.
- Ctrl+S: Save the current file.
- Ctrl+Z: Undo the previous action. If you want to redo the action, press Ctrl+Y.
- Windows key: Open the Start menu (or the Start screen in Windows 8).
Internet Shortcuts
You may also use keyboard shortcuts when using your web browser. Many of the text shortcuts listed above, such as those for selecting, copying, and pasting text into your web browser’s address bar, are also useful online. It’s worth noting that some of these shortcuts may behave differently depending on the web browser you’re using.
- Ctrl+N: Open a new browser window.
- Ctrl+T: Open a new browser tab.
- Ctrl+D: Bookmark the current page.
- Ctrl+B: View bookmarks.
- Ctrl+J: View recently downloaded files.
When you hit the Alt key, you will have entry to all of the current application’s menus. This means you can complete practically any work with only your keyboard. To stop a program, for example, use Alt+F+X. You will not need to hold down the Alt key when performing these shortcuts.
