Hear are the list of the top 50 Windows hotkeys to boost your productivity and make navigating Windows easier. This includes some essential shortcuts for multitasking, accessibility, and general use.
1. Copy, Cut, and Paste
- Ctrl + C – Copy
- Ctrl + X – Cut
- Ctrl + V – Paste
2. Undo and Redo
- Ctrl + Z – Undo
- Ctrl + Y – Redo
3. Minimize, Maximize, and Close
- Windows Key + D – Minimize all windows to show the desktop
- Alt + Tab – Switch between open apps
- Ctrl + W – Close the current window or tab
4. Snap Windows
- Windows Key + Left Arrow – Snap the current window to the left side
- Windows Key + Right Arrow – Snap the current window to the right side
5. Open Task Manager
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Open Task Manager
6. Take a Screenshot
- Windows Key + Print Screen – Take a full-screen screenshot
- Alt + Print Screen – Capture just the active window
7. Lock Your PC
- Windows Key + L – Lock your screen
8. Open Settings
- Windows Key + I – Open Settings
9. Quick Search
- Windows Key + S – Open search
10. Virtual Desktops
- Windows Key + Ctrl + D – Create a new virtual desktop
- Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow – Switch between desktops
11. Open File Explorer
- Windows Key + E – Open File Explorer
12. Show Desktop
- Windows Key + , (Comma) – Peek at the desktop
13. Open the Start Menu
- Windows Key – Open the Start menu
14. Open Action Center
- Windows Key + A – Open Action Center
15. Open the Task View
- Windows Key + Tab – Open Task View (to manage virtual desktops)
16. Open Quick Link Menu
- Windows Key + X – Open the Quick Link menu (for advanced system options)
17. Switch Between Apps in Taskbar
- Windows Key + Number (1-9) – Open the app pinned to the taskbar in that position
18. Minimize All Windows
- Windows Key + M – Minimize all open windows
19. Restore Minimized Windows
- Windows Key + Shift + M – Restore minimized windows
20. Zoom In and Out
- Windows Key + Plus (+) – Zoom in (on Magnifier)
- Windows Key + Minus (-) – Zoom out (on Magnifier)
21. Open Control Panel
- Windows Key + R, then type control – Open Control Panel
22. Switch Between Different Windows of the Same App
- Ctrl + Tab – Switch between tabs or windows of the same app (e.g., browsers, File Explorer)
23. Open Run Dialog
- Windows Key + R – Open the Run dialog box
24. Lock Taskbar
- Windows Key + T – Focus on the taskbar icons
25. Search in File Explorer
- Ctrl + F – Search within File Explorer
26. Open the Control Panel (Another Way)
- Windows Key + R, then type control panel – Open the Control Panel directly
27. Minimize Windows to Taskbar
- Windows Key + Down Arrow – Minimize the current window
28. Maximize a Window
- Windows Key + Up Arrow – Maximize the current window
29. Switch Between Open Tabs in Browser
- Ctrl + Tab – Switch to the next tab
- Ctrl + Shift + Tab – Switch to the previous tab
30. Open the Clipboard History
- Windows Key + V – Open Clipboard History (if enabled)
31. Open the Emoji Picker
- Windows Key + . (Period) – Open the emoji picker to quickly add emojis anywhere
32. Hide All Windows (Show Desktop)
- Windows Key + D – Minimize all windows and show the desktop
33. Close All Windows (and Lock Screen)
- Alt + F4 – Close the current window or app, or use it to shut down your PC
34. Switch Between Multiple Monitors
- Windows Key + P – Project to another display (extend, duplicate, etc.)
35. Open Network Connections
- Windows Key + X, then press N – Open Network Connections
36. Open the File Properties
- Alt + Enter – Open the properties of a selected file or folder
37. Open Windows Mobility Center
- Windows Key + X, then press B – Open Windows Mobility Center (for laptop settings)
38. Quick Access in File Explorer
- Windows Key + E, then press Alt + D – Focus on the address bar in File Explorer
39. Lock the Current App/Window
- Windows Key + L – Lock your PC (or switch user)
40. Change Input Language
- Windows Key + Space – Switch between input languages or keyboard layouts
41. Open Narrator
- Ctrl + Windows Key + Enter – Open Narrator (screen reader)
42. Open Ease of Access Settings
- Windows Key + U – Open Ease of Access Center for accessibility options
43. Minimize All Windows Except the Active One
- Windows Key + Home – Minimize all windows except the current one
44. Show the Charms Bar (Windows 8 and 10)
- Windows Key + C – Open the Charms bar (Windows 8/10 for system actions)
45. View Desktop Notifications
- Windows Key + A – Open the Action Center to view notifications
46. Open the Windows Store
- Windows Key + S, then type Store – Open the Microsoft Store
47. View the Last Accessed Folder
- Alt + Left Arrow – Go back to the last folder you accessed in File Explorer
48. Open the Windows Security Center
- Windows Key + L – Lock your screen or go to the security settings
49. Quickly Access the Start Menu
- Ctrl + Esc – Open the Start Menu (for systems where Windows key is unresponsive)
50. Access Windows Settings Using Keyboard
- Windows Key + I – Open the Settings menu for system configuration