Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
Discover a comprehensive list of time-saving Windows keyboard shortcuts to boost productivity and efficiency in daily computer tasks.
Written by Alison Bowden
Updated at December 27th, 2024
Table of Contents
Product: Computers running Windows operating system 10+
Audience: All users
Overview
The Windows key (also known as win, start, or OS key) is a keyboard key that can be used in shortcuts on computers running the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Microsoft Support offers a longer list of shortcuts: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/keyboard-shortcuts-in-windows-dcc61a57-8ff0-cffe-9796-cb9706c75eec
Usage
Location
On most keyboards, this key is located in the bottom left area typically between the Control and Alt keys. On current models the icon will look like a square:
On older keyboards, the logo may appear more wavy:
Shortcuts
For brevity, these icons are commonly used to refer to specific keyboard keys:
| Icon/Abbreviation | Explaination |
|---|---|
| ⊞ Win | Windows key |
| ↑ ↓ ← → | Arrows key with corresponding direction |
| Ctrl | Control key |
| Press the key(s): |
To do this |
|---|---|
| ⊞ Win |
Open or close the Windows Start panel. |
| ⊞ Win + D |
Display or hide the desktop. |
| ⊞ Win + E |
Open File Explorer. |
| ⊞ Win + L |
Lock your PC or switch accounts. |
| ⊞ Win + M |
Minimize all windows. |
| ⊞ Win + P |
Choose a presentation display mode. |
| ⊞ Win + S |
Open search. |
| ⊞ Win + Shift + S |
Take a screenshot of part of your screen. |
| ⊞ Win + T |
Cycle through apps on the taskbar. |
| ⊞ Win + period (.) or semicolon (;) |
Open emoji panel. |
| ⊞ Win + comma (,) |
Temporarily peek at the desktop. |
| ⊞ Win + Shift + M |
Restore minimized windows on the desktop. |
| ⊞ Win + number |
Open the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app. |
| ⊞ Win + Shift + number |
Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. |
| ⊞ Win + Ctrl + number |
Open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. |
| ⊞ Win + ↑ |
Maximize the window. |
| ⊞ Win + ↓ |
Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window. |
| ⊞ Win + ← |
Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen. |
| ⊞ Win + → |
Maximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen. |
| ⊞ Win + Home |
Minimize all except the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke). |
| ⊞ Win + Shift + ↑ |
Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen. |
| ⊞ Win + Shift + ↓ |
Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width. |
| ⊞ Win + Shift + ← or → |
Move an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another. |
Conclusion
For instructional/pedagogical questions, please contact your Building Administrator or Student Growth & Experience (SG&E) Level Coordinator.
For technical questions, please contact your building SPOC.
