All Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows (Category Wise)

Keyboard shortcuts are a powerful way to work faster and smarter on any Windows computer. Instead of relying solely on the mouse, keyboard shortcuts allow you to perform common tasks—like copying files, opening settings, managing windows, or switching between apps—in just seconds. With every new update to Windows, more shortcuts are added, covering everything from basic navigation to advanced multitasking.

Whether you’re a student, professional, gamer, or power user, learning these shortcuts can greatly improve your productivity. Windows 11, in particular, offers a wide range of useful hotkeys that streamline the way you interact with the operating system. In this article, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 200+ Windows keyboard shortcuts, neatly categorized by function, so you can easily find the ones you need. Bookmark this guide and start building your shortcut muscle memory—it’s a small change that delivers huge time-saving results.

1. Basic Keyboard Shortcuts

Basic keyboard shortcuts are the foundation of productivity in Windows. These are universal commands that work across nearly all applications—whether you’re browsing the web, writing a document, or managing files. Mastering these will save you countless clicks and time.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
Ctrl + CCopyCopies the selected text, image, or file to the clipboard.
Ctrl + XCutCuts (removes) the selected item and moves it to the clipboard.
Ctrl + VPastePastes the content from the clipboard to the current location.
Ctrl + ZUndoReverses the last action or change you made.
Ctrl + YRedoReapplies the last undone action.
Ctrl + ASelect AllSelects everything in the current document, window, or folder.
Ctrl + PPrintOpens the print dialog to print the current page or document.
Ctrl + SSaveSaves the current file or document.
Ctrl + NNewOpens a new window or document in most apps.
Ctrl + OOpenOpens a file from your computer.
Ctrl + WClose Tab/WindowCloses the current document, tab, or window.
Alt + F4Close AppExits the currently active application entirely.
Alt + TabSwitch AppsQuickly toggles between open apps or windows.
Windows + DShow DesktopMinimizes all windows to show the desktop.
F1HelpOpens the help menu or Microsoft Support in most apps.
EscCancelStops or cancels the current task or dialog box.
DeleteDeleteRemoves the selected item and sends it to Recycle Bin.
Shift + DeletePermanent DeleteDeletes selected items permanently without sending to Recycle Bin.
Ctrl + FFindOpens the search box to find words or phrases in a document or webpage.

These shortcuts are essential for day-to-day tasks. Once you get used to them, they become second nature and drastically reduce your reliance on mouse navigation.

2. File Explorer Shortcuts

File Explorer is the central hub for managing files and folders on your Windows PC. Learning these shortcuts can help you quickly navigate, organize, and manipulate your data without the constant need for a mouse.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
Windows + EOpen File ExplorerInstantly opens a new File Explorer window.
Alt + DSelect Address BarHighlights the address bar so you can type a new path or search location.
Ctrl + NNew WindowOpens a new File Explorer window of the current folder.
Ctrl + WClose WindowCloses the active File Explorer window.
Ctrl + Shift + NNew FolderCreates a new folder in the current directory.
F2RenameRenames the selected file or folder.
F3SearchPlaces the cursor in the search box to quickly find files or folders.
Alt + EnterPropertiesOpens the Properties window for the selected item, showing details like size and permissions.
Ctrl + Shift + EExpand AllExpands all folders in the navigation pane to show all subfolders.
Alt + PPreview PaneToggles the preview pane to show a preview of the selected file.
BackspaceGo Up One LevelGoes back to the parent folder.
Alt + Left ArrowBackNavigates back to the previous folder.
Alt + Right ArrowForwardNavigates forward after going back.
Ctrl + Mouse ScrollZoom In/OutChanges the size of icons or file previews in File Explorer.
Shift + Right Click (on file/folder)Open Extended Context MenuDisplays additional options in the right-click context menu.

By integrating these shortcuts into your workflow, browsing and managing files becomes faster, more intuitive, and less dependent on multiple clicks.

3. Desktop and Window Management

Windows offers powerful shortcuts to help you control your desktop environment and manage application windows efficiently. These shortcuts enable quick switching, resizing, and organizing of windows—perfect for multitasking and keeping your workspace tidy.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
Windows + DShow/Hide DesktopMinimizes all open windows to show the desktop or restores them if pressed again.
Windows + MMinimize All WindowsMinimizes all open windows to the taskbar.
Windows + Shift + MRestore Minimized WindowsRestores all minimized windows to their previous state.
Alt + TabSwitch Between Open AppsDisplays thumbnails of open apps; hold Alt and press Tab repeatedly to cycle through.
Windows + TabTask ViewOpens Task View to see all open windows and virtual desktops.
Windows + Left ArrowSnap Window LeftSnaps the active window to the left half of the screen.
Windows + Right ArrowSnap Window RightSnaps the active window to the right half of the screen.
Windows + Up ArrowMaximize WindowMaximizes the current window to full screen.
Windows + Down ArrowMinimize/Restore WindowMinimizes a window or restores it if already minimized.
Alt + F4Close Active WindowCloses the currently active window or application.
Windows + HomeMinimize All But ActiveMinimizes all windows except the currently active one.
Windows + Shift + Left/Right ArrowMove Window Between MonitorsMoves the active window to the next or previous monitor (multi-monitor setups).
Ctrl + Alt + TabOpen Alt+Tab InterfaceOpens the app switcher and keeps it open until you select an app.
Ctrl + Shift + EscOpen Task ManagerDirectly opens Task Manager for managing running processes and performance.
Windows + SpacebarSwitch Input LanguageQuickly switches keyboard input languages (if multiple are installed).

Mastering these shortcuts dramatically improves your window management skills, allowing you to organize your workspace quickly and switch between tasks without losing focus.

4. Taskbar and Start Menu Shortcuts

The taskbar and Start menu are essential components of Windows for launching apps and accessing system features. Using keyboard shortcuts here can make navigating and managing applications quicker and more fluid.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
WindowsOpen Start MenuOpens the Start menu to access apps, settings, and power options.
Ctrl + EscOpen Start Menu (Alternative)Opens the Start menu if the Windows key is not working.
Windows + Number (1-9)Open or Switch to Taskbar AppLaunches or switches to the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number key.
Shift + Click (Taskbar Icon)Open New InstanceOpens a new window or instance of the selected application.
Ctrl + Shift + Click (Taskbar Icon)Open as AdministratorLaunches the selected app with administrator privileges.
Windows + TCycle Through Taskbar AppsMoves focus through taskbar apps, allowing selection via Enter or Space.
Windows + BFocus Notification AreaMoves focus to the notification area (system tray) to access icons and notifications via keyboard.
Windows + XOpen Power User MenuOpens a menu with quick links to key system tools like Device Manager, Disk Management, and Task Manager.
Windows + IOpen SettingsOpens the Windows Settings app.
Windows + SOpen SearchOpens the search bar for quickly finding apps, files, or web results.

Using these shortcuts, you can launch applications, manage windows, and access system features without ever leaving the keyboard — saving time and keeping your workflow smooth.

5. Virtual Desktop Shortcuts

Virtual desktops allow you to create multiple separate workspaces on your Windows PC. This is especially useful for organizing different projects, keeping work and personal spaces separate, or simply reducing clutter. Windows provides handy keyboard shortcuts to manage these desktops efficiently.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
Windows + Ctrl + DCreate New Virtual DesktopInstantly creates a new virtual desktop and switches to it.
Windows + Ctrl + Left ArrowSwitch to Previous DesktopMoves to the virtual desktop on the left.
Windows + Ctrl + Right ArrowSwitch to Next DesktopMoves to the virtual desktop on the right.
Windows + Ctrl + F4Close Current Virtual DesktopCloses the active virtual desktop and moves open apps to the previous desktop.
Windows + TabOpen Task ViewDisplays all open windows and virtual desktops, allowing you to manage them visually.
Windows + Shift + Left/Right ArrowMove Active Window Between DesktopsMoves the active window from the current desktop to the adjacent one on the left or right.

Using these shortcuts can significantly improve your multitasking and workspace organization by allowing you to separate different workflows and easily navigate between them.

6. Command Prompt and Terminal Shortcuts

For users who frequently work with the Command Prompt, Windows Terminal, or PowerShell, knowing keyboard shortcuts can speed up command entry, editing, and navigation. These shortcuts help you work more efficiently in the text-based environment.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
Ctrl + CCopyCopies the selected text to the clipboard. (When no selection, it interrupts the running command.)
Ctrl + VPastePastes text from the clipboard into the command line.
Ctrl + ASelect AllSelects all text in the current command prompt window.
Ctrl + MMark ModeEnables text selection with arrow keys for copying.
Ctrl + Up/Down ArrowScroll Up/DownScrolls the terminal output one line up or down without moving the cursor.
Ctrl + HomeScroll to TopScrolls to the beginning of the buffer.
Ctrl + EndScroll to BottomScrolls to the end of the buffer.
TabAuto-completeCompletes file or folder names based on typed letters. Press multiple times to cycle options.
Up ArrowPrevious CommandScrolls back through command history.
Down ArrowNext CommandScrolls forward through command history.
Ctrl + Left/Right ArrowMove Cursor Word by WordMoves the cursor one word to the left or right.
EscClear LineClears the current command line.
F7Command History ListDisplays a popup of previous commands for selection.
Alt + F7Clear Command HistoryClears the command history buffer.
Ctrl + LClear ScreenClears the terminal screen (similar to the cls command).

Mastering these shortcuts can dramatically improve your efficiency when using Windows’ command-line tools, especially for developers, system admins, and power users.

7. Text Editing and Formatting Shortcuts

Text editing is one of the most common tasks on a Windows PC, whether you’re drafting emails, writing documents, or coding. These keyboard shortcuts help you navigate, select, and format text quickly without removing your hands from the keyboard.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
Ctrl + CCopyCopies the selected text to the clipboard.
Ctrl + XCutCuts the selected text and moves it to the clipboard.
Ctrl + VPastePastes the clipboard content at the cursor position.
Ctrl + ZUndoReverses the last text change or action.
Ctrl + YRedoReapplies the last undone change.
Ctrl + ASelect AllSelects all text in the current document or text field.
Ctrl + BBoldToggles bold formatting on selected text (works in most word processors).
Ctrl + IItalicToggles italic formatting on selected text.
Ctrl + UUnderlineToggles underline formatting on selected text.
Ctrl + Left/Right ArrowMove Cursor Word by WordMoves the cursor one word to the left or right, speeding navigation.
Shift + Left/Right ArrowSelect Text Character by CharacterSelects text one character at a time.
Ctrl + Shift + Left/Right ArrowSelect Text Word by WordSelects text one word at a time.
HomeMove to Beginning of LineMoves the cursor to the start of the current line.
EndMove to End of LineMoves the cursor to the end of the current line.
Ctrl + HomeMove to Beginning of DocumentMoves the cursor to the very start of the document.
Ctrl + EndMove to End of DocumentMoves the cursor to the very end of the document.
Ctrl + EnterInsert Page BreakInserts a page break (works in word processors like MS Word).
TabIndentMoves the cursor forward, often creating an indent in text editors.
Shift + TabOutdentMoves the cursor backward, removing an indent.

These shortcuts will help you work faster and more precisely when handling text, whether you are drafting emails, coding, or formatting documents.

8. Microsoft Edge and Browser Shortcuts

Web browsers like Microsoft Edge are essential tools for work, research, and entertainment. Using keyboard shortcuts in your browser can speed up navigation, tab management, and page control, making your online experience smoother and more productive.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
Ctrl + TOpen New TabOpens a new browser tab.
Ctrl + WClose Current TabCloses the active tab.
Ctrl + Shift + TReopen Closed TabReopens the last closed tab.
Ctrl + TabSwitch to Next TabMoves to the next tab on the right.
Ctrl + Shift + TabSwitch to Previous TabMoves to the previous tab on the left.
Ctrl + 1 to Ctrl + 8Switch to Specific TabJumps to the tab position number 1 to 8.
Ctrl + 9Switch to Last TabJumps to the last tab regardless of the number of tabs.
Ctrl + L or Alt + DFocus Address BarPlaces the cursor in the address bar for typing a URL or search.
Ctrl + R or F5Reload PageRefreshes the current webpage.
EscStop LoadingStops the page from loading.
Ctrl + DBookmark PageOpens the dialog to add the current page to favorites.
Ctrl + HOpen HistoryOpens the browsing history sidebar.
Ctrl + JOpen DownloadsOpens the downloads page.
Ctrl + Shift + DeleteClear Browsing DataOpens the Clear Browsing Data dialog.
F11Full ScreenToggles full-screen mode on or off.
Ctrl + +Zoom InIncreases the zoom level of the webpage.
Ctrl + –Zoom OutDecreases the zoom level of the webpage.
Ctrl + 0Reset ZoomResets zoom to default (100%).
Ctrl + PPrint PageOpens the print dialog for the current webpage.
Ctrl + FFind on PageOpens the find bar to search for text on the page.
Ctrl + Shift + BToggle Favorites BarShows or hides the favorites/bookmarks bar.

Mastering these browser shortcuts will help you navigate the web faster and manage your tabs and browsing history efficiently.

9. Accessibility Shortcuts

Windows includes a variety of accessibility features designed to assist users with different needs. Keyboard shortcuts make it easier to quickly enable or disable these features, improving usability for everyone.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
Windows + UOpen Accessibility SettingsOpens the Accessibility (Ease of Access) settings menu.
Windows + Plus (+)Magnifier Zoom InOpens Magnifier and zooms in on the screen.
Windows + Minus (-)Magnifier Zoom OutZooms out the Magnifier.
Windows + EscClose MagnifierCloses the Magnifier tool.
Windows + EnterNarratorLaunches or closes Narrator, the built-in screen reader.
Ctrl + Windows + EnterToggle NarratorTurns Narrator on or off quickly.
Shift (5 times)Toggle Sticky KeysEnables or disables Sticky Keys, which help press multiple keys sequentially.
Num Lock (for 5 seconds)Toggle Toggle KeysEnables or disables Toggle Keys, which provide sound alerts for Caps Lock, Num Lock, and Scroll Lock.
Alt + Left Shift + Print ScreenToggle High ContrastTurns High Contrast mode on or off for better visibility.
Windows + Ctrl + CToggle Color FiltersTurns color filters on or off to aid users with color blindness.
Windows + SpaceSwitch Input LanguageCycles through available keyboard input languages.
Windows + Ctrl + EnterStart NarratorStarts the Narrator feature to read screen content aloud.

These shortcuts help users quickly adapt Windows for accessibility, making the PC easier to use for everyone, regardless of ability.

10. Screenshot and Game Bar Shortcuts

Capturing your screen or recording gameplay can be done quickly with these handy Windows shortcuts. Whether you want to save a quick screenshot, record video clips, or access gaming features, these shortcuts will streamline the process.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
PrtScn (Print Screen)Capture Entire ScreenTakes a screenshot of the entire screen and copies it to the clipboard.
Windows + PrtScnCapture and Save ScreenshotCaptures the entire screen and automatically saves it to the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
Alt + PrtScnCapture Active WindowTakes a screenshot of the currently active window and copies it to the clipboard.
Windows + Shift + SSnip & Sketch ToolOpens the Snip & Sketch overlay to capture a portion of the screen (rectangle, freeform, window, or full screen).
Windows + GOpen Game BarOpens the Xbox Game Bar to access game capture, performance, and social features.
Windows + Alt + RStart/Stop RecordingStarts or stops recording the active window or game via the Game Bar.
Windows + Alt + PrtScnTake Screenshot (Game Bar)Takes a screenshot of the active game window using the Game Bar.
Windows + Alt + GRecord Last 30 SecondsSaves the last 30 seconds of gameplay (if enabled).
Windows + Alt + TShow/Hide Recording TimerToggles the recording timer overlay during game capture.
Windows + Alt + MMute/Unmute MicrophoneToggles microphone audio during game recording.

Using these shortcuts, you can easily capture and share your screen or gaming moments without interrupting your flow.

11. Dialog Box Shortcuts

Dialog boxes frequently appear in Windows when you need to make choices, enter information, or confirm actions. These keyboard shortcuts help you navigate and interact with dialog boxes swiftly, improving efficiency.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
TabMove ForwardMoves the focus forward to the next option or field in the dialog box.
Shift + TabMove BackwardMoves the focus backward to the previous option or field.
EnterSelectActivates the currently focused button, such as OK or Apply.
SpacebarSelect Checkbox/Radio ButtonToggles the selected checkbox or radio button.
EscCancel/CloseCloses the dialog box or cancels the operation.
Alt + Underlined LetterSelect Menu or OptionActivates the menu or option that corresponds to the underlined letter (mnemonic).
Arrow KeysNavigate OptionsMoves between options in a list or between radio buttons.
Ctrl + TabSwitch TabsMoves to the next tab in a tabbed dialog box.
Ctrl + Shift + TabSwitch Tabs BackwardMoves to the previous tab in a tabbed dialog box.
F4Open DropdownOpens the dropdown list in combo boxes.
Alt + F4Close DialogCloses the active dialog box or window.

These shortcuts allow you to quickly navigate dialog boxes without relying on a mouse, saving time and making your workflow smoother.

12. Run Command Shortcuts

The Run dialog in Windows is a powerful tool for quickly launching applications, system tools, and settings by typing simple commands. These shortcuts help you open the Run box fast and use it efficiently.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
Windows + ROpen Run DialogOpens the Run dialog box to type commands.
Alt + DFocus Address BarIn the Run dialog, moves the cursor to the input field (address bar).
Ctrl + Shift + EnterRun as AdministratorWhen the Run dialog is open, pressing this runs the entered command with administrator privileges.
TabCycle Through ButtonsMoves focus between the Run, Cancel, and Browse buttons in the dialog.
Up/Down ArrowCommand HistoryCycles through previous commands entered in the Run box.

Common useful commands to type in the Run box:

CommandFunction
cmdOpens Command Prompt
powershellOpens PowerShell
explorerOpens File Explorer
msconfigOpens System Configuration
regeditOpens Registry Editor
controlOpens Control Panel
taskmgrOpens Task Manager
notepadOpens Notepad
calcOpens Calculator
mspaintOpens Paint

Mastering Run dialog shortcuts can speed up launching essential tools and managing your PC more efficiently.

13. Power User and Admin Shortcuts

Power users and system administrators often need quick access to advanced tools and commands. Windows provides several keyboard shortcuts to open system utilities and perform administrative tasks swiftly.

ShortcutFunctionDescription
Windows + XOpen Power User MenuOpens a menu with quick access to Device Manager, Task Manager, Disk Management, and more.
Windows + Ctrl + Shift + BRestart Graphics DriverQuickly restarts the graphics driver to fix display issues without rebooting.
Windows + Pause/BreakOpen System PropertiesOpens the System Information window showing basic PC info.
Ctrl + Shift + EscOpen Task ManagerOpens Task Manager directly.
Windows + R, then type “cmd” + Ctrl + Shift + EnterOpen Command Prompt as AdminOpens Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Windows + R, then type “powershell” + Ctrl + Shift + EnterOpen PowerShell as AdminOpens PowerShell with administrative privileges.
Windows + LLock ComputerLocks your PC immediately.
Windows + DShow DesktopMinimizes all windows and shows the desktop.
Windows + EOpen File ExplorerOpens File Explorer quickly.
Windows + SOpen SearchOpens Windows Search to find files, apps, or settings.
Alt + EnterPropertiesOpens the Properties window for the selected item.
Shift + Right Click (File/Folder)Show Extended Context MenuShows additional options in the context menu, including “Open as Administrator.”

These shortcuts empower power users and administrators to perform tasks efficiently, troubleshoot, and maintain their systems with ease.

14. Bonus: Mouse + Keyboard Combos

Combining keyboard shortcuts with mouse actions can boost your productivity even further. These combos allow you to perform tasks that neither the mouse nor keyboard alone could accomplish as efficiently.

Shortcut + Mouse ActionFunctionDescription
Shift + Click (File/Folder)Select Multiple ItemsSelects multiple files or folders consecutively in File Explorer.
Ctrl + Click (File/Folder)Select Non-Adjacent ItemsSelects multiple non-adjacent files or folders individually.
Ctrl + Scroll WheelZoom In/OutZooms in or out on documents, webpages, or desktops (supported apps).
Shift + Scroll WheelHorizontal ScrollScrolls horizontally instead of vertically (in supported apps).
Ctrl + Drag and DropCopy ItemCopies a file or folder when dragging it instead of moving it.
Shift + Drag and DropMove ItemMoves a file or folder when dragging it, overriding default behavior.
Right-Click + DragShow Context Menu on DropOpens the context menu when you release the mouse button after dragging.
Windows + Left/Right Click (Taskbar Icon)Open New InstanceOpens a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar.
Middle Mouse Button Click (Tab)Close TabCloses the clicked browser tab or window.
Middle Mouse Button Click (Taskbar Icon)Open New WindowOpens a new window of the app pinned on the taskbar.
Double-Click (Title Bar)Maximize/Restore WindowDouble-clicking the title bar maximizes or restores the window size.

Using these keyboard and mouse combinations can make your interaction with Windows more fluid and precise, helping you save time on everyday tasks.

Conclusion

Mastering Windows keyboard shortcuts is a powerful way to boost your productivity and navigate your computer with ease. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, knowing the right shortcuts can save you valuable time by reducing your reliance on the mouse and speeding up common tasks.

From basic functions like copying and pasting, to managing windows, virtual desktops, and even accessibility features, these shortcuts cover almost every aspect of Windows usage. Additionally, shortcuts for browsers, the command prompt, and power user tools make it easier to work smarter and more efficiently. Incorporating mouse and keyboard combos further enhances your control and workflow.

By practicing and gradually memorizing these shortcuts, you’ll find yourself working faster, reducing strain, and improving overall computer navigation. Take advantage of this extensive list and transform your Windows experience today!

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