There are numerous shortcuts that can make your Windows experience more smooth. We’ve compiled a list of some that will be the most useful for your use.
Key Combination | What it Does | Explanation |
---|---|---|
Ctrl + A | Select All | Highlight and select the full contents of a text box, document, web page, etc instead of clicking and dragging your mouse. |
Ctrl + C | Copy | Copy the selected contents. |
Ctrl + P | Paste | Paste the selected contents. |
Ctrl + Z | Undo | Undo your most recent action, whether you accidentally deleted an entire paragraph in Word or deleted a file you didn’t mean to. |
Ctrl + Esc | Open Start Menu | Open the full Windows Start Menu. |
Win + L | Lock your computer | Lock your computer and take it to the login screen. Always lock your computer when walking away from your desk. |
Win + S | Search your computer | Open the search function to search your PC for files, programs, etc. |
Ctrl + W | Close window | Close the window you’re currently active in. If you have multiple windows open, make sure the window you want to close is the active window on your screen. |
Win + D | Minimize all open windows | Minimize all of your open windows to show your desktop. Repeat the key command to maximize your windows again. |
Win + Left Arrow / Win + Right Arrow | Snap your window to one side of the screen | Snap windows to the left and/or right side of your screen for efficient multi-tasking. |
Alt + Tab | Switch multiple applications / Use the arrow keys to navigate through | Show all open programs and windows. Hold the keys and use the arrow keys to navigate through your open items. |