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Windows Keyboard Shortcuts A to Z with PDF (All Windows Versions)

Last Updated : 19 Dec, 2024
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Are you searching for the complete A to Z list of Windows hotkeys? Windows keyboard shortcuts are essential for improving productivity, saving time, and performing various tasks more efficiently. Instead of relying solely on a mouse, Windows Keyboard Shortcut Cheat Sheet provides faster ways to navigate through applications, manage Windows, and execute commands.

Whether you're using Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11, these shortcut keys mostly stay the same, with a few updates and new additions in the latest versions. Here’s the complete list A to Z list of all essential keyboard shortcuts for Windows, divided by categories for ease of use.

Complete-List-of-Windows-Shortcut-Keys-with-PDF
Complete List of Windows Shortcut Keys with PDF

General Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)

The Windows key provides quick access to system tools, settings, and applications.

ShortcutAction
Win + IOpen the Settings menu
Win + XOpen the Power User menu
Win + UOpen Ease of Access settings
Win + POpen display settings (switch between monitors)
Win + HOpen dictation for voice typing
Win + Shift + SOpen the Snipping Tool for screen captures
Win + VOpen Clipboard history
Win + GOpen the Xbox Game Bar
Win + AOpen Action Center (Quick Settings on Windows 11)
Win + NOpen Notification Center (Windows 11)
Win + Ctrl + EnterActivate Narrator
Win + BFocus on the system tray
Win + SpaceSwitch input language and keyboard layout

Task Management Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)

Manage running applications and processes effortlessly with these shortcuts.

ShortcutAction
Ctrl + Alt + DeleteOpen the Security Options screen
Ctrl + Shift + EscOpen Task Manager directly
Alt + EscCycle through open windows in the order they were opened
Win + TabOpen Task View for managing open windows
Alt + TabQuickly switch between open applications

File Management Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)

These shortcuts are crucial for working with files and folders in File Explorer.

ShortcutAction
Ctrl + NOpen a new File Explorer window
Ctrl + Shift + NCreate a new folder
F2Rename the selected file or folder
Ctrl + Shift + EExpand all folders in the current path
Ctrl + DDelete the selected file or folder and move to Recycle Bin
Shift + DeletePermanently delete the selected file or folder
Alt + EnterOpen the properties of the selected item
Alt + Left/Right ArrowNavigate backward or forward in File Explorer
Ctrl + EFocus on the search bar in File Explorer

Text Editing and Formatting Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)

For users working on documents or editing text, these shortcuts enhance productivity.

ShortcutAction
Ctrl + BBold the selected text
Ctrl + IItalicize the selected text
Ctrl + UUnderline the selected text
Ctrl + KInsert a hyperlink
Ctrl + FOpen Find dialog to search within the document
Ctrl + HOpen the Replace dialog
Ctrl + Shift + >/<Increase or decrease font size
Ctrl + LAlign text to the left
Ctrl + RAlign text to the right
Ctrl + ECenter-align text

Virtual Desktop Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)

Manage multiple virtual desktops in Windows for efficient multitasking.

ShortcutAction
Win + Ctrl + DCreate a new virtual desktop
Win + Ctrl + Left/Right ArrowSwitch between virtual desktops
Win + Ctrl + F4Close the current virtual desktop
Win + TabOpen Task View to manage desktops

Screenshot and Screen Capture Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)

Capture your screen or specific areas with these versatile shortcuts.

ShortcutAction
PrtScnCopy a full-screen screenshot to the clipboard
Alt + PrtScnCapture a screenshot of the active window
Win + PrtScnSave a full-screen screenshot to the Screenshots folder
Win + Shift + SOpen the Snipping Tool for custom screen captures
Win + GOpen Xbox Game Bar for screenshots and recordings

Display and Accessibility Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)

Adjust display settings and enable accessibility features with these shortcuts.

ShortcutAction
Win + Plus (+)Zoom in with the Magnifier
Win + Minus (-)Zoom out with the Magnifier
Ctrl + Alt + Up ArrowRotate the screen to normal orientation
Ctrl + Alt + Left/Right/Down ArrowRotate the screen in different directions
Ctrl + Win + CToggle color filters (e.g., grayscale or inverted colors)

Browser-Specific Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)

Optimize your browsing experience with these shortcuts, applicable across major browsers.

ShortcutAction
Ctrl + TOpen a new tab
Ctrl + WClose the current tab
Ctrl + Shift + TReopen the last closed tab
Ctrl + TabSwitch to the next tab
Ctrl + Shift + TabSwitch to the previous tab
Ctrl + RRefresh the current page
Ctrl + DBookmark the current page

Gaming and Xbox Game Bar Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)

If you use your Windows PC for gaming, these shortcuts are incredibly useful.

ShortcutAction
Win + GOpen Xbox Game Bar
Win + Alt + RStart or stop recording gameplay
Win + Alt + GRecord the last 30 seconds of gameplay
Win + Alt + MToggle microphone during recording

Advanced Windows Shortcuts (Version-Specific)

Here is the Latest list of all the Windows Shortcut key based on the Windows versions like Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11:

Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutAction
Win + HomeMinimize all windows except the active one
Win + SpacePeek at the desktop (transparent windows)
Alt + TabSwitch between open apps (classic behavior)
Win + POpen display options (extend, duplicate display)
Win + ROpen the Run dialog box

Windows 8/8.1 Shortcuts Keys

ShortcutAction
Win + COpen the Charms Bar
Win + XOpen the Quick Link menu
Win + QSearch for apps
Win + ZOpen app commands in Modern UI apps

Windows 10 Shortcuts Keys

ShortcutAction
Win + IOpen Settings
Win + AOpen Action Center (Quick Settings)
Win + SOpen Search bar
Win + VOpen Clipboard history
Win + DShow desktop (minimize all windows)
Win + Shift + SOpen Snipping Tool for screenshots
Win + Ctrl + DCreate a new virtual desktop
Win + Ctrl + Left/Right ArrowSwitch between virtual desktops
Win + POpen display options (project to second screen)
Win + LLock your PC

Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts

ShortcutAction
Win + ZOpen Snap Layouts (arrange open windows)
Win + WOpen Widgets (news, weather, calendar)
Win + NOpen Notification Center
Win + AOpen Quick Settings
Win + TCycle through pinned taskbar apps
Win + Shift + SOpen Snipping Tool for screenshots
Win + Ctrl + TOpen Windows Terminal
Win + Shift + Left/Right ArrowMove window between monitors

Copilot Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11

Copilot is a powerful feature integrated into Windows, providing users with a virtual assistant to help them complete tasks quickly, access information, and perform actions more efficiently. Using keyboard shortcuts to interact with Copilot enhances productivity and streamlines workflows.

ShortcutFunction
Ctrl + Alt + AOpen Copilot Assistant
Ctrl + Alt + FFocus Copilot Search Box
Ctrl + Alt + CCopy Current Copilot Answer
Ctrl + Alt + VPaste Copilot Answer into Current Document
Ctrl + Alt + TOpen Copilot Toolbox
Ctrl + Alt + SShow Copilot Settings
Ctrl + Alt + DOpen Copilot Dashboard
Alt + F1Access Help and Support within Copilot
Ctrl + Shift + MToggle Copilot Mic On/Off
Ctrl + Shift + LLock Copilot Settings from Edits
Ctrl + Alt + XExport Copilot Response to File
Ctrl + Alt + RRefresh Copilot Page
Ctrl + Alt + POpen Copilot Profile Settings
Ctrl + Shift + POpen Copilot Preferences Menu
Alt + F4Close Copilot Tool

Dialog Box and System Navigation Shortcuts in Windows

Navigating through dialog boxes and the Windows system interface becomes much easier when you know the right keyboard shortcuts, these shortcuts help users navigate Windows' complex system features without taking their hands off the keyboard.

ShortcutAction
Alt + F4Close the current window (use on desktop to shut down)
Alt + EnterOpen Properties for selected item
Alt + SpaceOpen the system menu for the current window
Ctrl + EscOpen the Start Menu
Alt + Left ArrowBack (in browsers, File Explorer, etc.)
Alt + Right ArrowForward (in browsers, File Explorer, etc.)

Command Prompt and PowerShell Shortcuts in Windows

For advanced users, Command Prompt and PowerShell are powerful tools for system management, troubleshooting, and automation. Power users who frequently interact with the command line will find shortcuts incredibly useful for maintaining workflow without the need to retype commands.

ShortcutAction
Ctrl + CCopy selected text in Command Prompt
Ctrl + VPaste copied text in Command Prompt
Ctrl + ASelect all text in Command Prompt
F7View Command History
Up ArrowCycle through previous commands
Ctrl + LClear the screen (PowerShell only)

System Settings Shortcuts in Windows

Windows Settings play a critical role in managing the functionality of your computer, from personalization to system configurations. With Settings shortcuts, users can quickly access important sections like System Settings, the Task Manager, and even the Power User Menu. These shortcuts ensure that adjusting your system’s settings or diagnosing issues is faster and more efficient, allowing you to spend less time navigating through menus and more time working on your tasks.

ShortcutAction
Win + IOpen Settings
Win + ROpen Run dialog box
Ctrl + Shift + EscOpen Task Manager directly
Ctrl + Alt + DeleteOpen Security Options screen
Ctrl + Shift + PowerRestart PC in safe mode (for Windows 10 and 11)

Virtual Desktop and Multitasking Shortcuts in Windows

Virtual desktops in Windows allow users to create multiple workspaces, making multitasking more efficient and organized. Whether you’re working with multiple apps, projects, or research, knowing virtual desktop shortcuts to switch between desktops can help you stay focused and improve your productivity. These shortcuts are especially useful for those who work with a lot of open windows and need a way to stay organized.

ShortcutAction
Win + Ctrl + DCreate a new virtual desktop
Win + Ctrl + Left/Right ArrowSwitch between virtual desktops
Win + TabOpen Task View to manage windows and desktops
Win + F4Close a virtual desktop (when in Task View)

Advanced Power User Shortcuts in Windows

Advanced power user shortcuts are essential for those who want to harness the full potential of Windows. Power users and IT professionals will find these shortcuts invaluable for performing tasks efficiently without leaving the keyboard.

ShortcutAction
Ctrl + Shift + EscOpen Task Manager
Win + XOpen the Quick Link menu (Power User Menu)
Win + Pause/BreakOpen System Properties
Ctrl + Alt + DeleteOpen the Security Options screen
Win + POpen Project options (for multiple displays)

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts: Download PDF Cheat Sheet

Conclusion

Windows keyboard shortcuts are indispensable for streamlining your workflow, improving efficiency, and saving time on everyday tasks. Whether you're navigating between multiple open windows, managing files, or customizing your system settings, these shortcuts allow you to get the job done faster. From basic shortcuts like copy-paste to advanced tools such as virtual desktop management and command prompt shortcuts, mastering them is a game-changer for users at any level.

By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you’ll notice faster navigation, fewer distractions, and more efficient multitasking. Make sure to bookmark this guide and reference it as you familiarize yourself with the full range of Windows keyboard shortcuts.


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