Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
I’ve always said that Microsoft Windows has at least three ways of doing any action — and it’s up to you to decide which works best. One of the most efficient methods is the keyboard. Learning even a handful of these shortcuts will save you time every day.
The Windows key is the key on your keyboard with the Microsoft Windows logo on it — usually found in the bottom-left corner between Ctrl and Alt. 🪟
| Keyboard Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows key | Open or close the Start Menu |
| Windows key + A | Open Quick Settings (replaces Action Centre) |
| Windows key + D | Show or hide the Desktop |
| Windows key + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows key + G | Open Xbox Game Bar |
| Windows key + H | Open Voice Typing |
| Windows key + I | Open Settings |
| Windows key + K | Open Cast (connect to display or speaker) |
| Windows key + L | Lock your PC or switch accounts |
| Windows key + M | Minimise all windows |
| Windows key + N | Open Notification Centre and Calendar |
| Windows key + R | Open the Run dialog box |
| Windows key + S | Open Search |
| Windows key + T | Cycle through apps on the Taskbar |
| Windows key + U | Open Accessibility settings |
| Windows key + V | Open Clipboard history |
| Windows key + W | Open Widgets |
| Windows key + X | Open the Quick Link menu |
| Windows key + Z | Open Snap Layouts |
| Windows key + Number | Open the app pinned to the taskbar at that position |
| Windows key + Left/Right arrow | Snap window to left or right half |
| Windows key + Up arrow | Maximise window |
| Windows key + Down arrow | Minimise window |
| Windows key + Shift + S | Take a screenshot (opens Snipping Tool) |
| Windows key + PrtScn | Capture full screenshot, saves to Screenshots folder |
| Windows key + Ctrl + D | Add a virtual desktop |
| Windows key + Ctrl + Left/Right arrow | Switch between virtual desktops |
| Windows key + Ctrl + F4 | Close current virtual desktop |
| Windows key + Tab | Open Task View |
| Windows key + Enter | Open Narrator |
| Windows key + “+” | Zoom in with Magnifier |
| Windows key + “−” | Zoom out with Magnifier |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps |
| Alt + F4 | Close the active window |
| Alt + Left arrow | Go back |
| Alt + Right arrow | Go forward |
| Ctrl + C | Copy |
| Ctrl + X | Cut |
| Ctrl + V | Paste |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo |
| Ctrl + A | Select all |
| Ctrl + F | Find (in most apps and browsers) |
| Ctrl + S | Save |
| Ctrl + P |
Essential Shortcuts
If you only learn a few shortcuts, make them these 5:
- Windows key + I — opens Settings instantly, no hunting through menus
- Windows key + Shift + S — takes a screenshot of any part of your screen, perfect for capturing error messages to show your IT support person
- Windows + L — Immediately locks your computer screen. It is the fastest way to secure your privacy and protect your data when you are moving away from the PC. Also gives you access to swap to another user account.
- Windows key + X — opens the “Power User Menu” (AKA Quick Link menu). A hidden menu for power features, settings, and diagnostic tools.
- Windows key + Z — opens Snap Layouts, the best way to organise two or more windows side by side