Hotkeys, or simply “Keyboard Shortcuts,” in Windows 10 can significantly speed up your computer work. Instead of performing two, three, or even four actions, you can press just a couple of keys to execute a specific function.
Let’s explore hotkeys by category.
Working with Text, Copying, Pasting, and Other Basic Actions
CTRL + X: Cut the selected item
CTRL + C: Copy the selected item
CTRL + V: Paste the selected item
CTRL + Z: Undo the last action (Undoes one action at a time)
ALT + TAB: Switch between open windows and programs
ALT + F4: Close the active window or application
Win + L: Lock the session (Lock the PC)
Win + D: Minimize (or restore) all windows
ALT + Space: Open the context menu of the active window
ALT + Page Up/Page Down: Switch to the page up/down
CTRL + Right Arrow / Left Arrow: Move the cursor to the beginning of the next/previous word
CTRL + Down Arrow / Up Arrow: Move the cursor to the beginning of the next/previous paragraph
CTRL + ALT + TAB: Navigate between applications
CTRL + Selecting multiple items with the cursor: Enable selection of multiple items
CTRL + SHIFT + ESC: Open Task Manager
SHIFT + Any arrow key: Select multiple items on the desktop or text in a document
Working with F1, F2, etc. Keys. Note: If your keyboard has an “fn” key, the F keys will likely work in combination with “fn.”
F2: Rename the selected item
F3: Start a search within a folder (in File Explorer)
F4: Highlight the address bar in File Explorer
F5: Refresh
F6: Switch between elements on your desktop
F10: Open the menu of the selected item
ALT + F8: Display the password on the sign-in screen
Hotkeys Combined with the Windows Key
Win + A: Open the Action Center
Win + D: Minimize and restore items on the desktop
Win + E: Open File Explorer (folder)
Win + I: Open Settings
Win + K: Quick device connection
Win + L: Lock the computer or switch accounts
Win + M: Minimize all windows
Win + P: Choose a presentation display mode
Win + R: Open the “Run” dialog
Win + S: Open the search menu
Win + SHIFT + S: Take a screenshot of a screen portion
Win + Y: Select an app on the taskbar, cycle through options
Win + X: Open the Quick Link menu (similar to right-clicking the Start button)
Win + . (period): Open the emoji panel
Win + CTRL + F: Search for computers on the local network
Win + Number: Open applications pinned to the taskbar by their numeric order from left to right
Win + SHIFT + Number: Open a new instance of an application pinned to the taskbar by its numeric order from left to right
Win + TAB: Graphically switch between open windows and view a history of opened apps
Win + Left Arrow: Snap the current window to the left half of the screen
Win + Right Arrow: Snap the current window to the right half of the screen
Win + Up Arrow: Snap the current window to the top half of the screen
Win + Down Arrow: Snap the current window to the bottom half of the screen
Win + Home: Minimize all windows except the active one on the desktop
Win + Space: Switch keyboard layout
Win + CTRL + Space: Revert to the previously selected input language
Win + (Plus sign +): Launch the Magnifier
Win + (Minus sign -): Disable the Magnifier
Hotkeys for Working in File Explorer
CTRL + E: Select the search field
CTRL + F: Open a new window
CTRL + W: Close the active window
CTRL + Mouse wheel scroll: Adjust zoom level
CTRL + SHIFT + N: Create a new folder
ALT + Enter: Open properties of the selected item
ALT + Left Arrow: View the previous folder
ALT + Right Arrow: View the next folder
ALT + Up Arrow: View the parent folder of the current open folder
END: Scroll to the bottom of the active window
HOME: Scroll to the top of the active window
Hotkeys for Virtual Desktops
Win + TAB: Graphically switch between open windows, view app history, and display existing virtual desktops
Win + CTRL + D: Create a virtual desktop
Win + CTRL + Left Arrow / Right Arrow: Switch between virtual desktops to the left or right
Win + CTRL + F4: Close the active virtual desktop
That’s all! These keyboard shortcuts work across all editions of Windows 10 (Pro, Home, Enterprise, etc.). If you don’t yet have Windows 10 installed, you can download the installer from our website and purchase a licensed product key at the lowest prices! Keys are delivered instantly to your email right after payment. Guaranteed with 24/7 technical support. You can purchase a product key for various editions of Windows 10 in our catalog via the following link.
