15 Amazing Shortcuts You Aren't Using

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide to 15 amazing keyboard shortcuts that can significantly enhance your productivity on Windows and Mac OS. Mastering these hotkeys will streamline your workflow and simplify everyday tasks, making you a more efficient user.

Step 1: Create a Virtual Desktop

• For Windows, press Windows key + Ctrl + D.
• For Mac, use Control + Up.
• This creates a new, fresh desktop space to organize your tasks better.

Step 2: Switch Between Virtual Desktops

• On Windows, press Windows key + Ctrl and use the left or right arrow keys to navigate through your virtual desktops.
• For Mac users, use the same Control key to switch.

Step 3: Minimize All Apps to Access the Desktop

• Press Windows key + M on Windows to minimize all open applications at once.
• This is useful when you need to access something on your desktop quickly.

Step 4: Open an App from the Taskbar

• Keep your frequently used apps pinned to the taskbar.
• Press Windows key + number key (1-9) to open the corresponding app quickly.

Step 5: Use Split-Screen for Two Apps

• Open one app and press Windows key + left arrow.
• Then, open another app and press Windows key + right arrow.
• This allows you to view two applications side by side.

Step 6: Switch Between Open Apps

• Press Ctrl + Alt + Tab to see all currently running applications on your PC.
• This helps in quickly switching back to a previously used app.

Step 7: Manage Programs and Troubleshooting

• Use Ctrl + Shift + Esc on Windows or Command + Option + Escape on Mac to open the Task Manager.
• This allows you to manage running tasks without needing to restart your computer.

Step 8: Open File Explorer or Finder

• Press Windows key + E on Windows to open File Explorer.
• For Mac users, use Finder to access files quickly.

Step 9: Use the Magnifier

• On Windows, press Windows key + + to open the Magnifier and zoom in.
• Use Windows key + - to zoom out.

Step 10: Take Screenshots

• Press Windows key + Print Screen on Windows to take a screenshot and save it automatically in the Images folder.
• On Mac, use Command + Shift + 4 to capture a selected area.

Step 11: Access Action Center or Notification Center

• Press Windows key + A to open the Action Center on Windows.
• For Mac, click the Notification Center icon in the top right corner.

Step 12: Access Settings Quickly

• Use Windows key + I on Windows to open the Settings menu.
• This gives you quick access to adjust system preferences.

Step 13: Talk to Cortana or Siri

• On Windows, press Windows key + C to activate Cortana.
• For Mac, hold Command + Space to summon Siri.

Step 14: Use the Windows Game Bar

• Press Windows key + G to bring up the Game Bar for recording or taking screenshots while gaming.

Step 15: Lock Your PC

• Press Windows key + L on Windows to quickly lock your computer.
• For Mac, use Shift + Command + Q to log out.

Conclusion

By incorporating these keyboard shortcuts into your daily routine, you can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency on both Windows and Mac OS. Practice these shortcuts regularly to become more comfortable and adept at using them. For further exploration, consider looking into additional productivity tools or shortcuts specific to your workflow needs.