Every time you take your hand off the keyboard to reach for your mouse or touchpad, you waste valuable time because you aren’t using the keyboard tools that are right there at your fingertips. Not only are key combos easier to use, but they are also more accurate than even the best mouse when it comes to doing things like highlighting text or choosing cells in a spreadsheet.
You may already use simple computer shortcuts like CTRL+X to cut and CTRL+V to paste, but some of the best hotkeys can save you a lot more time. Using computer shortcuts can help you get a lot more done, avoid repetitive strain, and stay on task. For example, you can copy text by highlighting it and using the Ctrl+C keyboard function. The shortcut is faster than taking your hands off the keyboard, marking with the mouse, right-clicking, choosing “copy,” and then putting them back on the keyboard.
The best Windows keyboard methods save time because they let you do simple things without having to use the mouse or look through a menu. Here is a list of all the important Windows keyboard shortcuts you should use, as well as a few others that can be helpful in certain scenarios.
| Action | Windows Shortcut | Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Cut | Ctrl + X | Command + X |
| Copy | Ctrl + C | Command + C |
| Paste | Ctrl + V | Command + V |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z | Command + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y | Command + Shift + Z |
| Save | Ctrl + S | Command + S |
| Find | Ctrl + F | Command + F |
| Select all | Ctrl + A | Command + A |
| Switch between open windows | Alt + Tab | Command + Tab |
| Lock computer | Windows key + L | Control + Command + Q |
| Open Task Manager | Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Command + Option + Esc |
| Take a screenshot | Windows key + PrtScn | Command + Shift + 3 or Command + Shift + 4 |
| Zoom in | Ctrl + Plus sign (+) | Command + Plus sign (+) |
| Zoom out | Ctrl + Minus sign (-) | Command + Minus sign (-) |
| Open File Explorer/Finder | Windows key + E | Command + Shift + F |
| Open new tab | Ctrl + T | Command + T |
| Close current tab | Ctrl + W | Command + W |
| Switch tabs | Ctrl + Tab | Command + Option + Right or Left Arrow |
| Maximize window | Windows key + Up arrow | Command + Control + F |
| Minimize window | Windows key + Down arrow | Command + M |
| Open Start menu | Windows key | Command + Spacebar |
| Open Action Center | Windows key + A | Control + Center or Option + Center |
| Show desktop | Windows key + D | F11 |
| Open Run dialog box | Windows key + R | Command + Spacebar, then type “Terminal” and press Enter |
| Log out | Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then click “Sign out” | Command + Shift + Q, then click “Log out” |
FAQs
Shortcuts on the keyboard are groups of keys that work together to do a certain action or function in an app or operating system. They are made so that you don’t have to use a mouse or keyboard as much. This makes you more productive and efficient.
By using computer shortcuts, you can save time and get more done. They let you do things faster and better without having to switch back and forth between the keyboard and mouse. Using keyboard shortcuts can also help lower the chance of getting repetitive stress injuries from using a mouse for long periods of time.
Most programs and operating systems have a list of keyboard shortcuts that you can find in the help menu or by looking online. In some apps, you can also make your own keyboard shortcuts for specific tasks.