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On Windows 10, keyboard shortcuts are quick ways to move around and do things that would take a lot more clicks and time to do with the mouse. You can use one or more key combinations to do things that would take a lot more time and clicks to do with the mouse.
There are a lot of keyboard shortcuts on Windows 10, but you don’t have to learn them all. You only need to remember the ones that make your life easy or help you get more done. There are so many keyboard options in Windows 10 that it would be hard to remember all of them.
Importance Of Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 10
In Windows 10, keyboard shortcuts give you a variety of perks that make it easier to use your computer and make it easier to get around. Here’s why Windows 10 users need keyboard shortcuts:
- Quick Access to Features: Shortcuts on the keyboard let you use different functions and features right away, without having to look through menus. This is helpful for advanced users who want to get around the system quickly.
- Navigating Windows and Applications: Shortcuts on the keyboard make it easy to move between open windows and applications and to keep track of tasks. This is especially helpful when switching between tasks or dealing with more than one program at once.
- Accessibility and Mobility: Keyboard shortcuts are a better way for people who have trouble moving around or who can’t use a mouse to connect with a computer. They offer a different way to control things.
Best Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 10
It is common practice to use modifier keys like Ctrl, Alt, and Shift in conjunction with other keys in order to generate keyboard shortcuts. Determine which of your keyboard’s modifier keys you wish to make use of in your shortcuts. Combinations such as Ctrl + [Key] and Alt + [Key] are utilized quite frequently, for instance.
General Shortcuts:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Win key | Open Start menu |
Win + A | Open Action Center |
Win + D | Show Desktop |
Win + E | Open File Explorer |
Win + I | Open Settings |
Win + L | Lock the computer |
Win + M | Minimize all windows |
Win + Shift + M | Restore minimized windows |
Win + R | Open Run dialog box |
Win + S | Open Search |
Win + X | Open Power User Menu |
Alt + F4 | Close active window |
Taskbar Shortcuts:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Win + 1, 2, 3, … | Open or switch to a program on the taskbar |
Win + T | Cycle through apps on the taskbar |
Win + B | Select the system tray |
Win + Alt + D | Show/hide the date and time on the taskbar |
Win + Shift + S | Open the Snipping Tool (or Snip & Sketch) |
Win + Shift + 1, 2, 3, … | Open or switch to an app in the taskbar based on its position |
Window Management Shortcuts:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Win + Left Arrow | Snap current window to the left |
Win + Right Arrow | Snap current window to the right |
Win + Up Arrow | Maximize current window |
Win + Down Arrow | Minimize/restore current window |
Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow | Move window to the left or right monitor |
Win + Home | Minimize/restore all windows except the active window |
Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps |
Alt + F4 | Close the active app/window |
Virtual Desktop Shortcuts:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Win + Ctrl + D | Add a new virtual desktop |
Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow | Switch between virtual desktops |
Win + Ctrl + F4 | Close the current virtual desktop |
System Shortcuts:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
Win + Pause/Break | Open System Information |
Win + Print Screen | Capture a screenshot and save it as an image |
Win + Ctrl + F | Open Feedback Hub |
Win + U | Open Ease of Access Center |
Win + . (period) | Open emoji picker |
How to Choose Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 10
When choosing keyboard shortcuts for Windows 10, you need to think carefully about how they will fit into your process, how easy they will be to remember, and how they will work with other shortcuts. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you choose good keyboard shortcuts:
- Identify Tasks You Do Often: To start, make a list of the tasks you do most often on your computer. These could be things like opening programs, moving between windows, handling files, and more.
- Set priorities: Figure out which jobs are the most important and need to be done quickly. Focus on making fast cuts for things you do every day or more than once a day.
- Research Existing Shortcuts: Before making new shortcuts, check to see if Windows 10 or the apps you use already have shortcuts for the jobs you’re interested in. You don’t want to make shortcuts that are the same as or clash with shortcuts that are already there.
Question and Answers
A: Yes, you can use the keyboard shortcut Win + Shift + S to save a certain part of the screen to the clipboard.
A: Press Win+E to open the File Explorer window and look through your files and folders.
A: Press the Win + L shortcut to lock your Windows 10 computer instantly.