Here are some useful Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts

General Windows Functions:

• Ctrl + X: Cut the selected item.
• Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy the selected item.
• Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste the selected item.
• Ctrl + Z: Undo an action.
• Ctrl + Y: Redo an action.
• Ctrl + A: Select all items in a document or window.
• F2: Rename the selected item.
• Alt + F4: Close the active item, or quit the active program.
• Alt + Enter: Display properties for the selected item.
• Alt + Spacebar: Open the shortcut menu for the active window.
• Alt + Tab: Switch between open items.
• Alt + Esc: Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened.
• Windows key + L: Lock the computer.
• Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder.
• Shift + Delete: Delete the selected item permanently without moving the item to the Recycle Bin.
• Windows key + E: Open File Explorer.

Taskbar:

• Windows key + T: Cycle through program icons on the taskbar.
• Windows key + Number: Start the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
• Windows key + B: Set focus in the notification area.
• Windows key + Alt + Number: Open the right-click menu for the app pinned in the number position on the taskbar.

Windows Explorer:

• Alt + D: Select the address bar.
• Ctrl + E: Select the search box.
• Ctrl + F: Select the search box.
• Ctrl + N: Open a new window.
• Ctrl + W: Close the active window.
• Ctrl + Shift + E: Display all folders above the selected folder.
• Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel: Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons.
• Alt + P: Display the preview panel.
• Shift + F10: Display the context menu for the selected item.

Desktop:

• Windows key + D: Display the desktop.
• Windows key + M: Minimize all windows.
• Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows to the desktop.
• Windows key + Home: Minimize all but the active window.
• Windows key + Spacebar: Preview the desktop.
• Windows key + Arrow Keys: Snap an app to the sides of your screen.
• Windows key + Shift + Arrow Key: Move an app from one monitor to another.
• Windows key + Tab: Open Task view.
• Windows key + G: Open Game bar when a game is open.
• Windows key + I: Open Settings.
• Windows key + K: Open the Connect quick action.
• Windows key + P: Choose a presentation display mode.

Dialog Box:

• Ctrl + Tab: Move forward through tabs.
• Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Move back through tabs.
• Tab: Move forward through options.
• Shift + Tab: Move back through options.
• Enter: Perform the command for the active option or button.
• Spacebar: Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box.
• Alt + S: Select the button for Save or the button for Don’t Save in a dialog that contains these options, like a Save As dialog.

Accessibility:

• Windows key + U: Open Accessibility Center.
• Windows key + +: Zoom in.
• Windows key + -: Zoom out.
• Windows key + Esc: Exit Magnifier.
• Windows key + Ctrl + N: Open Narrator settings.
• Windows key + + or -: Open Magnifier and zoom in or out.

Other Windows Functions:

• Windows key + E: Open Computer.
• Windows key + I: Open Settings.
• Windows key + K: Open the Cast action.
• Windows key + P: Choose a presentation display mode – extend, duplicate screen
• Windows key + R: Open the Run dialog box.
• Windows key + S: Open search.
• Windows key + X: Open the Quick Link menu.
• Windows key + H: Open the Share charm.
• Windows key + C: Open Teams Chat.
• Windows key + Q: Search.

Power Users Shortcuts:

• Windows key + X, then M: Opens Device Manager.
• Windows key + X, then U, then U: Shuts down PC.
• Windows key + X, then U, then R: Restarts PC.
• Windows key + X, then U, then S: Puts PC to sleep.
• Windows key + X, then U, then I: Signs out of PC.
• Windows key + X, then U, then H: Hibernate PC (if hibernation is enabled).
• Windows key + X, then F: Open Programs and Features in the Control Panel.

Further Reading