Windows Keyboard Shortcuts A to Z with PDF (All Windows Versions)
Last Updated :
19 Dec, 2024
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 PDFGeneral Keyboard Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)
The Windows key provides quick access to system tools, settings, and applications.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Win + I | Open the Settings menu |
Win + X | Open the Power User menu |
Win + U | Open Ease of Access settings |
Win + P | Open display settings (switch between monitors) |
Win + H | Open dictation for voice typing |
Win + Shift + S | Open the Snipping Tool for screen captures |
Win + V | Open Clipboard history |
Win + G | Open the Xbox Game Bar |
Win + A | Open Action Center (Quick Settings on Windows 11) |
Win + N | Open Notification Center (Windows 11) |
Win + Ctrl + Enter | Activate Narrator |
Win + B | Focus on the system tray |
Win + Space | Switch input language and keyboard layout |
Task Management Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)
Manage running applications and processes effortlessly with these shortcuts.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Open the Security Options screen |
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager directly |
Alt + Esc | Cycle through open windows in the order they were opened |
Win + Tab | Open Task View for managing open windows |
Alt + Tab | Quickly 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.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Ctrl + N | Open a new File Explorer window |
Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder |
F2 | Rename the selected file or folder |
Ctrl + Shift + E | Expand all folders in the current path |
Ctrl + D | Delete the selected file or folder and move to Recycle Bin |
Shift + Delete | Permanently delete the selected file or folder |
Alt + Enter | Open the properties of the selected item |
Alt + Left/Right Arrow | Navigate backward or forward in File Explorer |
Ctrl + E | Focus 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.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Ctrl + B | Bold the selected text |
Ctrl + I | Italicize the selected text |
Ctrl + U | Underline the selected text |
Ctrl + K | Insert a hyperlink |
Ctrl + F | Open Find dialog to search within the document |
Ctrl + H | Open the Replace dialog |
Ctrl + Shift + >/< | Increase or decrease font size |
Ctrl + L | Align text to the left |
Ctrl + R | Align text to the right |
Ctrl + E | Center-align text |
Virtual Desktop Shortcuts (Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11)
Manage multiple virtual desktops in Windows for efficient multitasking.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Win + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow | Switch between virtual desktops |
Win + Ctrl + F4 | Close the current virtual desktop |
Win + Tab | Open 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.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
PrtScn | Copy a full-screen screenshot to the clipboard |
Alt + PrtScn | Capture a screenshot of the active window |
Win + PrtScn | Save a full-screen screenshot to the Screenshots folder |
Win + Shift + S | Open the Snipping Tool for custom screen captures |
Win + G | Open 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.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Win + Plus (+) | Zoom in with the Magnifier |
Win + Minus (-) | Zoom out with the Magnifier |
Ctrl + Alt + Up Arrow | Rotate the screen to normal orientation |
Ctrl + Alt + Left/Right/Down Arrow | Rotate the screen in different directions |
Ctrl + Win + C | Toggle 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.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Ctrl + T | Open a new tab |
Ctrl + W | Close the current tab |
Ctrl + Shift + T | Reopen the last closed tab |
Ctrl + Tab | Switch to the next tab |
Ctrl + Shift + Tab | Switch to the previous tab |
Ctrl + R | Refresh the current page |
Ctrl + D | Bookmark 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.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Win + G | Open Xbox Game Bar |
Win + Alt + R | Start or stop recording gameplay |
Win + Alt + G | Record the last 30 seconds of gameplay |
Win + Alt + M | Toggle 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
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Win + Home | Minimize all windows except the active one |
Win + Space | Peek at the desktop (transparent windows) |
Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps (classic behavior) |
Win + P | Open display options (extend, duplicate display) |
Win + R | Open the Run dialog box |
Windows 8/8.1 Shortcuts Keys
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Win + C | Open the Charms Bar |
Win + X | Open the Quick Link menu |
Win + Q | Search for apps |
Win + Z | Open app commands in Modern UI apps |
Windows 10 Shortcuts Keys
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Win + I | Open Settings |
Win + A | Open Action Center (Quick Settings) |
Win + S | Open Search bar |
Win + V | Open Clipboard history |
Win + D | Show desktop (minimize all windows) |
Win + Shift + S | Open Snipping Tool for screenshots |
Win + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow | Switch between virtual desktops |
Win + P | Open display options (project to second screen) |
Win + L | Lock your PC |
Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Win + Z | Open Snap Layouts (arrange open windows) |
Win + W | Open Widgets (news, weather, calendar) |
Win + N | Open Notification Center |
Win + A | Open Quick Settings |
Win + T | Cycle through pinned taskbar apps |
Win + Shift + S | Open Snipping Tool for screenshots |
Win + Ctrl + T | Open Windows Terminal |
Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow | Move 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.
Shortcut | Function |
Ctrl + Alt + A | Open Copilot Assistant |
Ctrl + Alt + F | Focus Copilot Search Box |
Ctrl + Alt + C | Copy Current Copilot Answer |
Ctrl + Alt + V | Paste Copilot Answer into Current Document |
Ctrl + Alt + T | Open Copilot Toolbox |
Ctrl + Alt + S | Show Copilot Settings |
Ctrl + Alt + D | Open Copilot Dashboard |
Alt + F1 | Access Help and Support within Copilot |
Ctrl + Shift + M | Toggle Copilot Mic On/Off |
Ctrl + Shift + L | Lock Copilot Settings from Edits |
Ctrl + Alt + X | Export Copilot Response to File |
Ctrl + Alt + R | Refresh Copilot Page |
Ctrl + Alt + P | Open Copilot Profile Settings |
Ctrl + Shift + P | Open Copilot Preferences Menu |
Alt + F4 | Close 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.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Alt + F4 | Close the current window (use on desktop to shut down) |
Alt + Enter | Open Properties for selected item |
Alt + Space | Open the system menu for the current window |
Ctrl + Esc | Open the Start Menu |
Alt + Left Arrow | Back (in browsers, File Explorer, etc.) |
Alt + Right Arrow | Forward (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.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Ctrl + C | Copy selected text in Command Prompt |
Ctrl + V | Paste copied text in Command Prompt |
Ctrl + A | Select all text in Command Prompt |
F7 | View Command History |
Up Arrow | Cycle through previous commands |
Ctrl + L | Clear 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.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Win + I | Open Settings |
Win + R | Open Run dialog box |
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager directly |
Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Open Security Options screen |
Ctrl + Shift + Power | Restart 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.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Win + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow | Switch between virtual desktops |
Win + Tab | Open Task View to manage windows and desktops |
Win + F4 | Close 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.
Shortcut | Action |
---|
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
Win + X | Open the Quick Link menu (Power User Menu) |
Win + Pause/Break | Open System Properties |
Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Open the Security Options screen |
Win + P | Open Project options (for multiple displays) |
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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