In the journey from novice to expert in Windows 11, mastering keyboard shortcuts is essential. While the operating system offers a user-friendly interface that allows for easy navigation with a mouse, the true power lies in harnessing the keyboard’s capabilities. For those eager to elevate their Windows experience, a comprehensive understanding of these shortcuts can transform everyday tasks into seamless operations.
Windows 11 basic shortcuts
To begin, here are some fundamental keyboard shortcuts that will enhance your efficiency:
- Ctrl + A: Select all items in a window.
- Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy selected or highlighted items.
- Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste selected or highlighted items.
- Ctrl + X: Cut selected or highlighted items.
- Ctrl + Z: Undo the previous action.
- Ctrl + Y: Redo the last action.
- Ctrl + N: Open a new File Explorer window with the same folder path.
- Windows key + F1: Open a help search in your default browser.
- Alt + F4: Close the current app or window.
- Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps or windows.
- Shift + Delete: Permanently delete the selected item.
Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar shortcuts
Control the Start menu and taskbar with these convenient shortcuts:
- Windows key or Ctrl + Esc: Open the Start menu.
- Windows key + X: Access the secret Start menu.
- Windows key + T: Cycle through pinned apps on the taskbar.
- Windows key + [Number]: Open the app pinned in the corresponding taskbar position.
- Windows key + Alt + [Number]: Open the right-click menu for the pinned app.
- Windows key + D: Show or hide the desktop.
Windows 11 screenshots shortcuts
Taking screenshots is a breeze with these shortcuts:
- PrtScn: Capture the entire screen and save it to your clipboard.
- Windows key + PrtScn: Save a screenshot of your entire desktop to a folder.
- Windows key + Shift + S: Open the Snipping Tool to capture a specific area of your screen.
Windows 11 desktop shortcuts: Snap Assist and virtual desktops
Manage your desktop windows and virtual desktops with these shortcuts:
- Windows key + M: Minimize all open windows.
- Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows.
- Windows key + Home: Minimize all windows except the active one.
- Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize the selected window.
- Windows key + Shift + Up arrow: Maximize the active window vertically.
- Windows key + Down arrow: Minimize the selected window.
- Windows key + Left arrow: Snap the selected window to the left half of the screen.
- Windows key + Right arrow: Snap the selected window to the right half of the screen.
- Windows key + Tab: Open Task view to manage virtual desktops.
- Windows key + Ctrl + D: Add a new virtual desktop.
- Windows key + Ctrl + Right arrow: Move to the next virtual desktop.
- Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow: Move to the previous virtual desktop.
- Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Close the current virtual desktop.
All the Windows 11 shortcuts using the Windows key
Utilize the Windows key for various tasks:
- Windows key + A: Open the Action Center.
- Windows key + S: Open Cortana in text mode.
- Windows key + E: Open File Explorer.
- Windows key + I: Open the Settings menu.
- Windows key + L: Lock your computer.
- Windows key + R: Open the Run window.
Windows 11 shortcuts using the F keys
The F keys can also enhance your productivity:
- F2: Rename a selected item.
- F3: Search for files in File Explorer.
- F4: Highlight the address bar in File Explorer.
- F5: Refresh the active window.
- F6: Cycle through elements in a window.
Windows 11 shortcuts for the Windows Command Prompt
For those who navigate the Command Prompt, these shortcuts are invaluable:
- Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy selected text.
- Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste copied text.
- Ctrl + A: Select all text on the current line.
- Ctrl + Up or Down: Move the screen one line up or down.
- Ctrl + F: Search Command Prompt via the Find window.
