Mastering Windows 11: A Guide to Essential Keyboard Shortcuts

Essential Shortcuts For Everyday Use

Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide an alternative way to do something that you’d typically do with a mouse. Here is a comprehensive list of keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 and what they are used for.

Basic Navigation Shortcuts

Windows key – Opens or closes the Start menu.
Windows key + A – Opens the Action Center for quick access to notifications and system settings.
Windows key + D – Minimizes or restores all open windows, showing the desktop.
Alt + Tab – Switches between open applications.
Windows key + Tab – Opens Task View for a visual overview of open windows and virtual desktops.

Window Management

Windows key + Left/Right arrow – Snaps the active window to the left or right half of the screen.
Windows key + Up arrow – Maximizes the active window.
Windows key + Down arrow – Minimizes or restores the active window.
Windows key + Shift + Left/Right arrow – Moves the active window to the next monitor.
Windows key + number (1-9) – Opens or switches to the application on the taskbar at the corresponding position.

Taskbar and Start Menu

Windows key + B – Selects the system tray icons on the taskbar.
Windows key + E – Opens File Explorer.
Windows key + L – Locks your computer.
Windows key + M – Minimizes all open windows.
Windows key + Shift + M – Restores minimized windows.
Windows key + number (0-9) – Opens or switches to the application on the taskbar at the corresponding position.
Windows key + T – Cycles through the apps on the taskbar.

Virtual Desktops

Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow – Switches between virtual desktops.
Windows key + Ctrl + D – Creates a new virtual desktop.
Windows key + Ctrl + F4 – Closes the current virtual desktop.

File Explorer

Alt + Enter – Opens the properties of a selected file or folder.
Ctrl + F – Opens the search bar in File Explorer.
Alt + P – Shows or hides the preview pane in File Explorer.
Alt + Up arrow – Moves up one level in File Explorer.
Alt + Left/Right arrow – Navigates backward or forward in File Explorer.

System and Accessibility

Windows key + I – Opens the Settings app.
Windows key + U – Opens the Ease of Access Center.
Windows key + Print Screen – Takes a screenshot and saves it to your Pictures library.
Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Opens Task Manager directly.
Windows key + Pause/Break – Opens System Properties.

Text Editing

Ctrl + A – Selects all text in the current document or field.
Ctrl + C – Copies the selected text.
Ctrl + X – Cuts the selected text.
Ctrl + V – Pastes copied or cut text.
Ctrl + Z – Undoes the last action.
Ctrl + Y – Redoes the last undone action.
Ctrl + S – Saves the current document.
Ctrl + P – Opens the Print dialog.

Accessibility

Windows key + + – Magnifies the screen using the Magnifier tool.
Windows key + – – Zooms out using the Magnifier tool.

Advanced Shortcuts

Alt + F4 – Closes the active window or application.
Windows key + H – Activates the dictation feature for speech-to-text input.
Windows key + G – Opens the Xbox Game Bar for gaming-related features.
Windows key + K – Opens the Connect panel to connect to wireless displays and audio devices.
Windows key + R – Opens the Run dialog to launch programs and commands.

There are more!

These are just some of the many keyboard shortcuts available in Windows 11. Learning and using these shortcuts can significantly boost your productivity and make your Windows 11 experience more efficient. Whether you’re managing windows, navigating File Explorer, or simply searching for files, these keyboard shortcuts will help you get things done faster and with less effort.

So, take some time to practice and incorporate them into your daily computing routine, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a Windows 11 power user.

WRITTEN PIXEL