I discovered a dead‑simple way to remember Windows 11 shortcuts, and it changed how I use the OS
June 18, 2026
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Credit: Mauro Huculak
On Windows 11, keyboard shortcuts serve as a vital tool for efficient navigation, yet many users are familiar with only a select few. While commands like “Windows key + E” for File Explorer and “Ctrl + C” and “Ctrl + V” for copying and pasting are widely recognized, a wealth of shortcuts remains undiscovered. In response, the Microsoft team behind PowerToys has introduced a revamped Shortcut Guide in version 0.100.
A smarter shortcut reference for Windows 11
The Shortcut Guide has long been a feature of PowerToys, but the latest iteration enhances its practicality. Rather than presenting a static reference page filled with generic commands, the guide now manifests as a flyout that adapts to the application currently in use. This evolution results in a more focused experience, illuminating shortcuts pertinent to the task at hand. Whether navigating through File Explorer, browsing the web, or editing documents, users can access relevant keyboard commands seamlessly, without interrupting their workflow.
Why keyboard shortcuts still matter
Despite the advancements in the Windows 11 interface, keyboard shortcuts continue to be the quickest means of executing numerous actions. From switching applications and managing windows to accessing system features and navigating File Explorer, keyboard commands often outperform mouse interactions in speed. However, the challenge lies in discovering and retaining these shortcuts. Most users are acquainted with only a limited selection of commands, while many productivity-enhancing shortcuts remain underutilized due to their obscurity. The new Shortcut Guide addresses this issue by presenting relevant shortcuts precisely when users need them.
Learning shortcuts without leaving your workflow
A significant advantage of the redesigned Shortcut Guide is its ability to educate users as they work. Instead of requiring memorization of an extensive list of commands, the guide offers shortcuts applicable to the current application or feature. Over time, users will naturally become familiar with the keyboard commands they utilize most frequently. To access the Shortcuts Guide, users must install PowerToys, which can be done via the “winget install –id Microsoft.PowerToys” command in Command Prompt or PowerShell (admin). Alternatively, the tool is available for download from the official GitHub page or Microsoft Store. Once installed, users can enable the Shortcut Guide through PowerToys > System Tools > Shortcut Guide by toggling the switch.
Credit: Mauro Huculak
From this same page, users can customize the color theme and flyout position, as well as exclude specific applications from the experience. After configuration, the Shortcut Guide can be accessed using the “Windows key + Shift + /” keyboard shortcut, though this can be modified in the “Activation shortcut” settings. Additionally, the guide can be accessed through the PowerToys flyout in the Taskbar’s System Tray.
By default, the Shortcut Guide displays shortcuts across different tabs. If no applications are in focus, users will see a list of keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11, with a second tab dedicated to PowerToys shortcuts. During the testing of this guide, shortcuts appeared for applications such as Notepad, Microsoft Edge, and File Explorer. While the tool does not encompass shortcuts for every application, the development team has provided guidelines for developers to integrate their apps into the list.
Windows Central’s Take
The operating system is replete with useful keyboard shortcuts, yet many users remain unaware of their existence. The redesigned Shortcut Guide from PowerToys effectively tackles this issue by placing relevant shortcuts in front of users when they need them most. The context-aware experience is particularly noteworthy; rather than overwhelming users with an exhaustive list of commands, the guide hones in on shortcuts pertinent to the application in use, creating a more practical learning environment.
Do you regularly use keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11, or do you still rely mostly on the mouse for everyday tasks? Let me know in the comments.
More resources
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
Click to join us on r/WindowsCentral
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.
I discovered a dead‑simple way to remember Windows 11 shortcuts, and it changed how I use the OS
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission.
On Windows 11, keyboard shortcuts serve as a vital tool for efficient navigation, yet many users are familiar with only a select few. While commands like “Windows key + E” for File Explorer and “Ctrl + C” and “Ctrl + V” for copying and pasting are widely recognized, a wealth of shortcuts remains undiscovered. In response, the Microsoft team behind PowerToys has introduced a revamped Shortcut Guide in version 0.100.
A smarter shortcut reference for Windows 11
The Shortcut Guide has long been a feature of PowerToys, but the latest iteration enhances its practicality. Rather than presenting a static reference page filled with generic commands, the guide now manifests as a flyout that adapts to the application currently in use. This evolution results in a more focused experience, illuminating shortcuts pertinent to the task at hand. Whether navigating through File Explorer, browsing the web, or editing documents, users can access relevant keyboard commands seamlessly, without interrupting their workflow.
Why keyboard shortcuts still matter
Despite the advancements in the Windows 11 interface, keyboard shortcuts continue to be the quickest means of executing numerous actions. From switching applications and managing windows to accessing system features and navigating File Explorer, keyboard commands often outperform mouse interactions in speed. However, the challenge lies in discovering and retaining these shortcuts. Most users are acquainted with only a limited selection of commands, while many productivity-enhancing shortcuts remain underutilized due to their obscurity. The new Shortcut Guide addresses this issue by presenting relevant shortcuts precisely when users need them.
Learning shortcuts without leaving your workflow
A significant advantage of the redesigned Shortcut Guide is its ability to educate users as they work. Instead of requiring memorization of an extensive list of commands, the guide offers shortcuts applicable to the current application or feature. Over time, users will naturally become familiar with the keyboard commands they utilize most frequently. To access the Shortcuts Guide, users must install PowerToys, which can be done via the “winget install –id Microsoft.PowerToys” command in Command Prompt or PowerShell (admin). Alternatively, the tool is available for download from the official GitHub page or Microsoft Store. Once installed, users can enable the Shortcut Guide through PowerToys > System Tools > Shortcut Guide by toggling the switch.
From this same page, users can customize the color theme and flyout position, as well as exclude specific applications from the experience. After configuration, the Shortcut Guide can be accessed using the “Windows key + Shift + /” keyboard shortcut, though this can be modified in the “Activation shortcut” settings. Additionally, the guide can be accessed through the PowerToys flyout in the Taskbar’s System Tray.
By default, the Shortcut Guide displays shortcuts across different tabs. If no applications are in focus, users will see a list of keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11, with a second tab dedicated to PowerToys shortcuts. During the testing of this guide, shortcuts appeared for applications such as Notepad, Microsoft Edge, and File Explorer. While the tool does not encompass shortcuts for every application, the development team has provided guidelines for developers to integrate their apps into the list.
Windows Central’s Take
The operating system is replete with useful keyboard shortcuts, yet many users remain unaware of their existence. The redesigned Shortcut Guide from PowerToys effectively tackles this issue by placing relevant shortcuts in front of users when they need them most. The context-aware experience is particularly noteworthy; rather than overwhelming users with an exhaustive list of commands, the guide hones in on shortcuts pertinent to the application in use, creating a more practical learning environment.
Do you regularly use keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11, or do you still rely mostly on the mouse for everyday tasks? Let me know in the comments.
More resources
Explore more in-depth how-to guides, troubleshooting advice, and essential tips to get the most out of Windows 11 and 10. Start browsing here:
Join us on Reddit at r/WindowsCentral to share your insights and discuss our latest news, reviews, and more.