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Efficient use of keyboard shortcuts can save time and improve productivity. This guide provides a comprehensive list of commonly used Windows keyboard shortcuts for both IT professionals and everyday users.
Basic Navigation and System Control
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Shortcut
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Function
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Ctrl + C
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Copy selected item(s).
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Ctrl + X
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Cut selected item(s).
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Ctrl + V
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Paste copied or cut item(s).
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Ctrl + Z
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Undo last action.
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Ctrl + Y
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Redo last undone action.
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Alt + Tab
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Switch between open windows.
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Alt + F4
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Close the active window or application.
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Windows + D
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Show or hide the desktop.
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Windows + L
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Lock the computer.
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Windows + S
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Open the Search bar.
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File Explorer Shortcuts
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Shortcut
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Function
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Windows + E
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Open File Explorer.
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Alt + Enter
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Open the properties of the selected item.
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Ctrl + Shift + N
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Create a new folder.
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F2
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Rename selected file or folder.
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Shift + Delete
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Permanently delete selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin.
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Text Editing
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Shortcut
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Function
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Ctrl + A
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Select all text or items.
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Ctrl + Home
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Move the cursor to the beginning of the document.
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Ctrl + End
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Move the cursor to the end of the document.
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Ctrl + Backspace
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Delete the previous word.
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Ctrl + Right Arrow
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Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word.
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Browser Shortcuts (Edge, Chrome, Firefox)
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Shortcut
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Function
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Ctrl + T
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Open a new tab.
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Ctrl + W
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Close the current tab.
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Ctrl + Shift + T
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Reopen the last closed tab.
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Ctrl + Tab
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Switch to the next tab.
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Ctrl + Shift + Del
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Open the Clear Browsing Data window.
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Windows Accessibility Shortcuts
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Shortcut
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Function
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Windows + Plus (+)
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Open the Magnifier and zoom in.
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Windows + Minus (-)
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Zoom out using the Magnifier.
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Windows + U
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Open the Ease of Access Center.
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Windows + Ctrl + D
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Add a new virtual desktop.
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Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right
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Switch between virtual desktops.
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Command Prompt (CMD) Shortcuts
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Shortcut
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Function
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Ctrl + C
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Stop the current command.
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Ctrl + V
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Paste in the command line (Windows 10+).
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Arrow Up/Down
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Cycle through command history.
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Ctrl + Shift + Scroll Up/Down
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Scroll through the terminal buffer.
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Power User Shortcuts
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Shortcut
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Function
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Windows + X
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Open the Quick Link menu (access common utilities like Task Manager).
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Windows + R
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Open the Run dialog box.
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Ctrl + Shift + Esc
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Open Task Manager directly.
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Windows + Pause/Break
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Open System Properties.
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Windows + P
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Switch display modes (projector, extend, etc.).
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Pro Tips for IT Techs
- Shift + Right-Click on a File/Folder: Open the extended context menu with additional options like “Copy as Path.”
- Ctrl + Shift + Right-Click on Taskbar Application: Run as Administrator directly.
- Ctrl + Alt + Del: Access the Security Options menu (useful for force-logging out or accessing Task Manager).