🪟 Windows System Shortcuts
Essential Windows keyboard shortcuts — navigate, manage windows, and work faster.
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54 shortcuts
System
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| ⊞ Win | Open the Start menu |
| ⊞ Win+S | Open Search |
| ⊞ Win+R | Open the Run dialog |
| ⊞ Win+L | Lock your PC |
| ⊞ Win+I | Open Settings |
| ⊞ Win+E | Open File Explorer |
| ⊞ Win+D | Show / hide the desktop |
| ⊞ Win+X | Open the Quick Link (power user) menu |
| ⊞ Win+A | Open Quick Settings (Action Center on Windows 10) |
| ⊞ Win+N | Open notifications |
| ⊞ Win+V | Open clipboard history |
| ⊞ Win+. | Open the emoji panel |
| ⊞ Win+H | Start voice typing |
| ⊞ Win+P | Choose a display / projection mode |
| ⊞ Win+G | Open Xbox Game Bar |
| ⊞ Win+Shift+S | Snip part of the screen |
| ⊞ Win+PrtScn | Save a full-screen screenshot to Pictures › Screenshots |
| Ctrl+Shift+Esc | Open Task Manager |
| Ctrl+Alt+Delete | Security options (lock, sign out, Task Manager) |
| Alt+Tab | Switch between open windows |
| ⊞ Win+Tab | Task view (windows and desktops) |
Window Management
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Alt+F4 | Close the active window |
| ⊞ Win+↑ | Maximise the window |
| ⊞ Win+↓ | Restore / minimise the window |
| ⊞ Win+← | Snap the window left |
| ⊞ Win+→ | Snap the window right |
| ⊞ Win+Z | Open snap layouts (Windows 11) |
| ⊞ Win+Home | Minimise all except the active window |
| ⊞ Win+M | Minimise all windows |
| ⊞ Win+Shift+M | Restore minimised windows |
| ⊞ Win+Shift+← | Move the window to the monitor on the left |
| ⊞ Win+Shift+→ | Move the window to the monitor on the right |
| ⊞ Win+1–9 | Open the app pinned at that taskbar position |
File Explorer
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Alt+DorCtrl+L | Focus the address bar |
| Ctrl+EorCtrl+F | Focus the search box |
| Ctrl+N | Open a new window |
| Ctrl+T | Open a new tab (Windows 11) |
| Ctrl+W | Close the window or tab |
| Ctrl+Shift+N | Create a new folder |
| F2 | Rename the selected item |
| Ctrl+Z | Undo |
| Ctrl+Y | Redo |
| Delete | Delete to the Recycle Bin |
| Shift+Delete | Delete permanently (skip the Recycle Bin) |
| Alt+Enter | Open Properties |
| Alt+← | Go back |
| Alt+→ | Go forward |
| Alt+↑ | Go up one folder |
| Alt+P | Show / hide the preview pane |
| Alt+Shift+P | Show / hide the details pane |
Virtual Desktops
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| ⊞ Win+Ctrl+D | Add a new virtual desktop |
| ⊞ Win+Ctrl+← | Switch to the desktop on the left |
| ⊞ Win+Ctrl+→ | Switch to the desktop on the right |
| ⊞ Win+Ctrl+F4 | Close the current virtual desktop |
No shortcuts match that search.
What Is This?
- Searchable reference for Windows system shortcuts
- Covers desktop, File Explorer, taskbar, and virtual desktops
- Win key combinations for system features
- Includes accessibility and screenshot shortcuts
- Essential for Windows productivity
How to Use
- Search for specific Windows actions or shortcuts
- Browse shortcuts organized by function area
- Review Win key combinations for system features
- Practice shortcuts to improve workflow speed
- Reference this page during daily Windows use
Use Cases
- Managing windows and virtual desktops efficiently
- Navigating File Explorer and system settings quickly
- Taking screenshots and screen recordings with shortcuts
- Learning Windows shortcuts after switching from macOS
- Maximizing productivity with desktop keyboard commands