20 Most Useful Keyboard Shortcuts I Use Every Day (Windows)

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore 20 useful keyboard shortcuts for Windows that can enhance your productivity and streamline your navigation. These shortcuts are practical tools that can save you time and make everyday tasks easier.

Step 1: Copy, Paste, and Cut

• Copy: Press Ctrl + C to copy selected items.
• Paste: Use Ctrl + V to paste copied items.
• Cut: To remove selected items and copy them, press Ctrl + X.

Step 2: Undo and Redo

• Undo: Press Ctrl + Z to undo the last action.
• Redo: Use Ctrl + Y to redo an action that was undone.

Step 3: Launch File Explorer

• Open File Explorer by pressing Windows Key + E.

Step 4: Open New Tabs

• In browsers or applications, press Ctrl + T to open a new tab.

Step 5: Switch Between Apps

• Use Alt + Tab to quickly switch between open applications.

Step 6: Select All

• Press Ctrl + A to select all items in a document or window.

Step 7: Open Settings App

• Open the Windows Settings by pressing Windows Key + I.

Step 8: Close Any App

• Close the current application by pressing Alt + F4.

Step 9: Open Clipboard History

• To view your clipboard history, press Windows Key + V. Make sure clipboard history is enabled in Settings.

Step 10: Find Words on a Page

• Use Ctrl + F to open a search box for finding words on a webpage or document.

Step 11: Voice Typing

• Press Windows Key + H to start voice typing in supported text fields.

Step 12: Select Search Box

• Quickly access the search box using Windows Key + S.

Step 13: Open Power User Menu

• Press Windows Key + X to bring up the Power User menu for quick access to system tools.

Step 14: Lock Your Computer

• Lock your PC by pressing Windows Key + L.

Step 15: Show Desktop

• Minimize all open windows and show the desktop by pressing Windows Key + D.

Step 16: Snap Windows

• Snap a window to one side of the screen by pressing Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow.

Step 17: Snap Layouts

• Use Windows Key + Z to access Snap Layouts for organizing multiple windows.

Step 18: Full Context Menu

• Open the full context menu using Shift + F10 for a right-click menu alternative.

Step 19: Quickly Rename Files

• Select a file and press F2 to rename it quickly.

Step 20: Reopen Browser Tabs

• Reopen the last closed tab in a browser by pressing Ctrl + Shift + T.

Conclusion

These keyboard shortcuts can significantly enhance your efficiency while using Windows. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you can navigate your computer more effectively and save time on common tasks. Consider practicing these shortcuts to make them second nature in your workflow.