Keyboard shortcuts can speed up even the most mundane of Windows 10 tasks. Learning the best of them can make your PC experience faster, more efficient, and, in some cases, even more enjoyable.
These are the essential Windows 10 shortcuts that can make you feel more like a PC wizard. A master of the keys, so to speak.
New Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts
Windows 10 opened up a world of new keyboard shortcuts to better navigate and utilize the operating system’s interface and features. Below, you’ll find nearly 20 keyboard functions added to Microsoft’s popular OS since 2015.
Remember that many commands require you to hold down the Windows key (⊞) located on the spacebar’s left before punching the appropriate letter or key. Also, don’t feel bad about referring back to this chart as needed — memorization will come in time.
| Keyboard shortcut | Function |
| ⊞ Win + C | Open Cortana for voice input |
| ⊞ Win + S | Open Search |
| ⊞ Win + I | Open Settings |
| ⊞ Win + A | Open Action Center |
| ⊞ Win + X | Open Quick Link menu |
| ⊞ Win + Left Arrow | Snap active window to the left |
| ⊞ Win + Right Arrow | Snap active window to the right |
| ⊞ Win + Up Arrow | Maximize the current window |
| ⊞ Win + Down Arrow | Minimize or hide current window |
| ⊞ Win + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
| ⊞ Win + Ctrl + Left Arrow | Cycle virtual desktops to the left |
| ⊞ Win + Ctrl + Right Arrow | Cycle virtual desktops to the right |
| ⊞ Win + Ctrl + F4 (some keyboards may require Win + Fn + Ctrl + F4) | Close current desktop |
| ⊞ Win + TAB | Access all desktops and apps in Task View |
| ⊞ Win + PrtSc | Take a screenshot and save it to Screenshots folder |
| ⊞ Win + G | Open Game bar |
| ⊞ Win + Alt + G | Record the last 30 seconds |
| ⊞ Win + Alt + R | Manually start and stop recording |
Command prompt shortcuts
The revised Windows 10 command prompt also includes updated shortcuts for easier use.
| Keyboard shortcut | Function |
| Shift + Left Arrow | Highlight text on the cursor’s left |
| Shift + Right Arrow | Highlight text to the cursor’s right |
| Ctrl + C | Copy selected text to clipboard |
| Ctrl + V | Paste text from clipboard |
| Ctrl + A | Select all text |
General Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts
There are plenty of returning keyboard shortcuts to go along with all the new Windows 10 shortcuts. The following are some of the most basic, general, and sought-after keyboard shortcuts for general day-to-day use in Windows.
| Keyboard shortcut | Function |
| ⊞ Win | Display or hide Start |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open the Task Manager |
| ⊞ Win + M | Minimize all windows |
| ⊞ Win + Shift + M | Restore all minimized windows |
| ⊞ Win + R | Open the Run dialogue box |
| ⊞ Win + F1 (some keyboards may require Win + Fn + F1) | Open Windows Help and Support |
| ⊞ Win + Plus (“+”) | Zoom in using Magnifier |
| ⊞ Win + Minus (“-“) | Zoom out using Magnifier |
| ⊞ Win + L | Lock your PC or switch accounts. |
| Alt + F4 | Close the active item or exit the active app |
| Alt + Enter | Display properties for the selected item |
| Alt + Spacebar | Open shortcut menu for an active window |
| Ctrl + X | Cut the selected item |
| Ctrl + V | Paste the selected item |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo an action |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo an action |
| F1 (some keyboards may require Fn + F1) | Display help (app-specific) |
| F2 | Rename the selected item |
| F3 | Search for a file or folder in File Explorer |
| F4 | Display the address bar list in File Explorer |
| F5 | Refresh the active window |
| F10 | Activate the menu bar in the active app |
| ⊞ Win+ D | Display and hide desktop |
You will capitalize on maximum efficiency with this list of shortcuts, and your keyboard will be your new favorite tool. Older keyboards may not possess the capacity for such optimization, so we recommend that you purchase a new keyboard to take full advantage of all these shortcuts. We can help you find the best new keyboard.
First, decide on the keyboard type you like. (Wireless keyboards are excellent for unconventional/mobile setups. Ergonomic keyboards are great for those prone to wrist problems.) Second, be sure to check out our roundup of the latest deals on wireless keyboards and our list of the best keyboards.
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