Windows 11 almost whole keyboard shortcuts:
1. Most Useful Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
These are the shortcuts every Windows 11 user should know.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows |
Open/close Start menu |
|
Windows + D |
Show/hide desktop |
|
Windows + E |
Open File Explorer |
|
Windows + I |
Open Settings |
|
Windows + R |
Open Run dialog |
|
Windows + S |
Open Search |
|
Windows + A |
Open Quick Settings |
|
Windows + X |
Open Quick Link menu |
|
Windows + L |
Lock your PC |
|
Windows + V |
Open Clipboard history |
|
Windows + Tab |
Open Task View |
|
Alt + Tab |
Switch between open apps |
|
Alt + F4 |
Close active window |
|
Ctrl + Shift + Esc |
Open Task Manager |
|
Windows + . |
Open emoji panel |
|
Windows + H |
Start voice typing |
|
Windows + Shift + S |
Take a selected screenshot |
|
Windows + Shift + R |
Start screen recording |
|
Windows + P |
Display/project options |
2. Basic Windows 11 Shortcuts
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Ctrl + A |
Select all |
|
Ctrl + C |
Copy |
|
Ctrl + X |
Cut |
|
Ctrl + V |
Paste |
|
Ctrl + Z |
Undo |
|
Ctrl + Y |
Redo |
|
Ctrl + F |
Find/search |
|
Ctrl + S |
Save |
|
Ctrl + P |
Print |
|
Ctrl + N |
Create a new item/window |
|
Ctrl + O |
Open a file |
|
Ctrl + W |
Close current document/tab |
|
Ctrl + Shift + N |
Create new folder in File Explorer |
|
F1 |
Open Help |
|
F2 |
Rename selected item |
|
F3 |
Search |
|
F5 |
Refresh |
|
F10 |
Activate menu bar |
|
F11 |
Enter/exit full screen in supported apps |
|
Esc |
Cancel current operation |
3. Windows Key Shortcuts
The Windows key is one of the most useful keys on a Windows
11 keyboard.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows |
Open Start |
|
Windows + A |
Open Quick Settings |
|
Windows + B |
Focus notification area/system tray |
|
Windows + C |
Open supported Chat/Copilot experience where available |
|
Windows + D |
Show desktop |
|
Windows + E |
File Explorer |
|
Windows + F |
Open Feedback Hub |
|
Windows + G |
Open Xbox Game Bar |
|
Windows + H |
Voice typing |
|
Windows + I |
Settings |
|
Windows + K |
Cast/connect |
|
Windows + L |
Lock PC |
|
Windows + M |
Minimize all windows |
|
Windows + N |
Notifications and calendar |
|
Windows + O |
Lock device orientation |
|
Windows + P |
Project/display options |
|
Windows + R |
Run |
|
Windows + S |
Search |
|
Windows + T |
Cycle through taskbar apps |
|
Windows + U |
Accessibility settings |
|
Windows + V |
Clipboard history |
|
Windows + W |
Widgets |
|
Windows + X |
Quick Link menu |
|
Windows + Y |
Switch input between Windows Mixed Reality and desktop |
|
Windows + Z |
Snap Layouts |
|
Windows + . |
Emoji panel |
|
Windows + , |
Temporarily peek at desktop |
|
Windows + Space |
Change keyboard/input language |
|
Windows + Tab |
Task View |
4. Windows + Number Shortcuts
You can launch or switch to applications pinned to your
taskbar.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows + 1 |
Open/switch to first taskbar app |
|
Windows + 2 |
Open/switch to second taskbar app |
|
Windows + 3 |
Open/switch to third taskbar app |
|
Windows + 4 |
Open/switch to fourth taskbar app |
|
Windows + 5 |
Open/switch to fifth taskbar app |
|
Windows + 6 |
Open/switch to sixth taskbar app |
|
Windows + 7 |
Open/switch to seventh taskbar app |
|
Windows + 8 |
Open/switch to eighth taskbar app |
|
Windows + 9 |
Open/switch to ninth taskbar app |
Example: If Chrome is the second pinned application,
press Windows + 2 to switch to it.
5. Window Management Shortcuts
These shortcuts are extremely useful for multitasking.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows + Left Arrow |
Snap window to left |
|
Windows + Right Arrow |
Snap window to right |
|
Windows + Up Arrow |
Maximize window |
|
Windows + Down Arrow |
Minimize/restore window |
|
Windows + Shift + Left Arrow |
Move window to left monitor |
|
Windows + Shift + Right Arrow |
Move window to right monitor |
|
Windows + Home |
Minimize/restore all windows except active window |
|
Windows + Shift + M |
Restore minimized windows |
|
Alt + Tab |
Switch applications |
|
Alt + Esc |
Cycle through windows in opening order |
|
Alt + F4 |
Close active window |
|
Alt + Space |
Open active window menu |
6. Virtual Desktop Shortcuts
Windows 11 allows you to create multiple desktops.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows + Tab |
Open Task View |
|
Windows + Ctrl + D |
Create a new desktop |
|
Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow |
Switch to desktop on the left |
|
Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow |
Switch to desktop on the right |
|
Windows + Ctrl + F4 |
Close current virtual desktop |
Example
You can create:
Desktop 1: Office work
Desktop 2: Personal work
Desktop 3: Research
Then switch between them without closing your applications.
7. File Explorer Shortcuts
These shortcuts can make working with files and folders much
faster.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows + E |
Open File Explorer |
|
Ctrl + N |
Open new File Explorer window |
|
Ctrl + Shift + N |
Create new folder |
|
Ctrl + W |
Close current window |
|
Ctrl + Shift + E |
Expand all folders in navigation pane |
|
Alt + D |
Select address bar |
|
Ctrl + L |
Focus address bar |
|
Ctrl + F |
Search |
|
F2 |
Rename selected item |
|
F5 |
Refresh |
|
Alt + Left Arrow |
Go back |
|
Alt + Right Arrow |
Go forward |
|
Alt + Up Arrow |
Go to parent folder |
|
Alt + Enter |
Open Properties |
|
Ctrl + A |
Select all |
|
Ctrl + C |
Copy |
|
Ctrl + X |
Cut |
|
Ctrl + V |
Paste |
|
Delete |
Move selected item to Recycle Bin |
|
Shift + Delete |
Permanently delete selected item |
|
Ctrl + Z |
Undo |
|
Ctrl + Y |
Redo |
|
Shift + F10 |
Open context menu |
8. Screenshot Shortcuts
Windows 11 provides several ways to capture screenshots.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
PrtScn |
Capture screen/copy screenshot depending on settings |
|
Windows + PrtScn |
Capture full screen and save screenshot |
|
Alt + PrtScn |
Capture active window |
|
Windows + Shift + S |
Select an area for screenshot |
|
Windows + Shift + R |
Start screen recording with Snipping Tool |
Best shortcut for most users
Windows + Shift + S
It allows you to select exactly which part of the screen you
want to capture.
9. Clipboard Shortcuts
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Ctrl + C |
Copy |
|
Ctrl + X |
Cut |
|
Ctrl + V |
Paste |
|
Windows + V |
Open Clipboard history |
Windows + V
Clipboard history is particularly useful when you need to
copy multiple pieces of information.
For example, you can copy:
Name → Address → Phone number → Email
and then access previous copied items from clipboard
history.
10. Text Editing Shortcuts
These work in many Windows applications.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Ctrl + A |
Select all |
|
Ctrl + C |
Copy |
|
Ctrl + X |
Cut |
|
Ctrl + V |
Paste |
|
Ctrl + Z |
Undo |
|
Ctrl + Y |
Redo |
|
Ctrl + F |
Find |
|
Ctrl + H |
Find and replace in supported apps |
|
Ctrl + B |
Bold |
|
Ctrl + I |
Italic |
|
Ctrl + U |
Underline |
|
Home |
Beginning of line |
|
End |
End of line |
|
Ctrl + Home |
Beginning of document |
|
Ctrl + End |
End of document |
|
Shift + Home |
Select to beginning of line |
|
Shift + End |
Select to end of line |
|
Ctrl + Left Arrow |
Move one word left |
|
Ctrl + Right Arrow |
Move one word right |
|
Ctrl + Backspace |
Delete previous word |
|
Ctrl + Delete |
Delete next word |
11. Accessibility Shortcuts
Windows 11 provides shortcuts for several accessibility
features.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows + U |
Open Accessibility settings |
|
Windows + Plus (+) |
Open Magnifier/increase magnification |
|
Windows + Minus (-) |
Decrease Magnifier |
|
Windows + Esc |
Close Magnifier |
|
Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen |
Turn High Contrast on/off where supported |
|
Right Shift for 8 seconds |
Turn Filter Keys on/off |
|
Shift 5 times |
Turn Sticky Keys on/off |
|
Num Lock for 5 seconds |
Turn Toggle Keys on/off |
12. Windows Search Shortcuts
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows + S |
Open Search |
|
Windows + Q |
Open Search |
|
Windows + F |
Feedback Hub |
|
Windows + R |
Run command |
You can use Windows Search to quickly find applications,
files, settings and other content.
13. Settings Shortcuts
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows + I |
Open Settings |
|
Windows + U |
Accessibility |
|
Windows + K |
Cast/connect |
|
Windows + P |
Display/project |
|
Windows + A |
Quick Settings |
|
Windows + N |
Notifications/calendar |
14. Task Manager Shortcuts
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Ctrl + Shift + Esc |
Open Task Manager |
|
Ctrl + Alt + Delete |
Open Windows security screen |
|
Windows + X |
Quick Link menu |
Fastest method
If an application stops responding, press:
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Then locate the application and use End task if
necessary.
15. Run Command Shortcut
Press:
Windows + R
The Run dialog provides a fast way to open Windows tools.
Some useful commands include:
|
Run Command |
Opens |
|
notepad |
Notepad |
|
calc |
Calculator |
|
mspaint |
Paint |
|
control |
Control Panel |
|
cmd |
Command Prompt |
|
powershell |
PowerShell |
|
regedit |
Registry Editor |
|
services.msc |
Services |
|
devmgmt.msc |
Device Manager |
|
diskmgmt.msc |
Disk Management |
|
taskmgr |
Task Manager |
|
msconfig |
System Configuration |
|
appwiz.cpl |
Programs and Features |
|
ncpa.cpl |
Network Connections |
|
inetcpl.cpl |
Internet Properties |
|
sysdm.cpl |
System Properties |
Warning: Commands such as regedit, msconfig and Disk
Management should only be used if you understand what you are changing.
16. Command Prompt Shortcuts
When working inside Command Prompt, several keyboard
shortcuts can save time.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Ctrl + C |
Stop current command/process |
|
Ctrl + V |
Paste |
|
Ctrl + A |
Select all |
|
Up Arrow |
Previous command |
|
Down Arrow |
Next command |
|
Page Up |
Scroll up |
|
Page Down |
Scroll down |
|
Ctrl + Home |
Move to beginning |
|
Ctrl + End |
Move to end |
|
Tab |
Auto-complete file/folder name |
|
Esc |
Clear current command line |
17. Microsoft Edge Keyboard Shortcuts
If you use Microsoft Edge, these shortcuts are useful.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Ctrl + T |
New tab |
|
Ctrl + W |
Close tab |
|
Ctrl + Shift + T |
Reopen closed tab |
|
Ctrl + Tab |
Next tab |
|
Ctrl + Shift + Tab |
Previous tab |
|
Ctrl + 1–8 |
Switch to specific tab |
|
Ctrl + 9 |
Switch to last tab |
|
Ctrl + L |
Address bar |
|
Ctrl + D |
Bookmark current page |
|
Ctrl + F |
Find on page |
|
Ctrl + H |
History |
|
Ctrl + J |
Downloads |
|
Ctrl + Shift + Delete |
Clear browsing data |
|
Ctrl + Plus (+) |
Zoom in |
|
Ctrl + Minus (-) |
Zoom out |
|
Ctrl + 0 |
Reset zoom |
|
F5 |
Refresh |
|
Ctrl + F5 |
Hard refresh |
|
Alt + Left Arrow |
Back |
|
Alt + Right Arrow |
Forward |
|
Ctrl + Shift + P |
InPrivate browsing |
|
F11 |
Full screen |
18. Windows Terminal Shortcuts
For users who work with Windows Terminal, these can be
useful.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Ctrl + Shift + T |
Open new tab |
|
Ctrl + Shift + W |
Close current tab |
|
Ctrl + Shift + D |
Duplicate tab |
|
Ctrl + Shift + 1 |
Open first profile/tab |
|
Ctrl + Shift + 2 |
Open second profile/tab |
|
Ctrl + Shift + 3 |
Open third profile/tab |
|
Ctrl + Shift + F |
Search |
Some Terminal shortcuts can vary depending on the Terminal
configuration and version.
19. System and Security Shortcuts
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Ctrl + Alt + Delete |
Open security options |
|
Windows + L |
Lock PC |
|
Windows + R |
Run |
|
Windows + I |
Settings |
|
Windows + X |
Quick Link menu |
|
Ctrl + Shift + Esc |
Task Manager |
|
Windows + U |
Accessibility |
20. Keyboard Shortcuts for Multiple Monitors
If you use more than one monitor, these shortcuts are
especially useful.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows + P |
Open display/project options |
|
Windows + Shift + Left Arrow |
Move active window to left monitor |
|
Windows + Shift + Right Arrow |
Move active window to right monitor |
|
Windows + Left Arrow |
Snap window left |
|
Windows + Right Arrow |
Snap window right |
21. Emoji, Symbols and Special Characters
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows + . |
Emoji panel |
|
Windows + ; |
Emoji panel |
|
Windows + Space |
Switch keyboard language |
|
Alt + code |
Enter certain special characters using numeric keypad |
For example, on supported Windows configurations:
Windows + .
opens the emoji and symbols interface.
22. Media and Volume Shortcuts
On keyboards that have dedicated media keys, you can control
media directly.
Common keys include:
- Volume
Up
- Volume
Down
- Mute
- Play/Pause
- Previous
Track
- Next
Track
Laptop manufacturers may also require Fn + function key
combinations.
Because these combinations differ between manufacturers,
check your keyboard/laptop documentation for the exact keys.
23. Windows + Shift Shortcuts
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows + Shift + S |
Screenshot selection |
|
Windows + Shift + R |
Screen recording |
|
Windows + Shift + Left Arrow |
Move window to left monitor |
|
Windows + Shift + Right Arrow |
Move window to right monitor |
|
Windows + Shift + M |
Restore minimized windows |
|
Windows + Shift + Number |
Open another instance of taskbar app where supported |
24. Windows + Ctrl Shortcuts
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Windows + Ctrl + D |
Create virtual desktop |
|
Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow |
Previous virtual desktop |
|
Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow |
Next virtual desktop |
|
Windows + Ctrl + F4 |
Close current virtual desktop |
25. Function Key Shortcuts
Function keys can perform different functions depending on
the application.
|
Key |
Common Function |
|
F1 |
Help |
|
F2 |
Rename |
|
F3 |
Search |
|
F4 |
Address bar/history in some applications |
|
F5 |
Refresh |
|
F6 |
Cycle through screen elements |
|
F7 |
Application-specific function |
|
F8 |
Application/system-specific function |
|
F9 |
Application-specific function |
|
F10 |
Activate menu bar |
|
F11 |
Full screen |
|
F12 |
Application-specific function/developer tools |
26. Browser Tab Management
These shortcuts work in many modern browsers.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Ctrl + T |
New tab |
|
Ctrl + W |
Close current tab |
|
Ctrl + Shift + T |
Reopen closed tab |
|
Ctrl + Tab |
Next tab |
|
Ctrl + Shift + Tab |
Previous tab |
|
Ctrl + 1 |
First tab |
|
Ctrl + 2 |
Second tab |
|
Ctrl + 3 |
Third tab |
|
Ctrl + 9 |
Last tab |
|
Ctrl + L |
Address bar |
|
Ctrl + D |
Bookmark page |
|
Ctrl + F |
Find text |
|
Ctrl + H |
History |
|
Ctrl + J |
Downloads |
27. Quick Windows 11 Shortcuts Cheat Sheet
If you don't want to memorize everything, start with these
20:
|
Shortcut |
What it does |
|
Windows + E |
File Explorer |
|
Windows + I |
Settings |
|
Windows + R |
Run |
|
Windows + L |
Lock PC |
|
Windows + D |
Desktop |
|
Windows + V |
Clipboard |
|
Windows + Tab |
Task View |
|
Alt + Tab |
Switch apps |
|
Alt + F4 |
Close app |
|
Ctrl + Shift + Esc |
Task Manager |
|
Windows + Shift + S |
Screenshot |
|
Windows + Shift + R |
Screen recording |
|
Windows + Left/Right |
Snap window |
|
Windows + Ctrl + D |
New desktop |
|
Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right |
Switch desktop |
|
Windows + X |
Power-user menu |
|
Windows + A |
Quick Settings |
|
Windows + H |
Voice typing |
|
Windows + . |
Emoji |
|
Windows + Z |
Snap Layouts |
28. 10 Windows Shortcuts You Should Memorize Today
If you only want to remember ten shortcuts, make them these:
1. Windows + E
Open File Explorer.
2. Windows + I
Open Settings.
3. Windows + R
Open the Run dialog.
4. Windows + L
Lock your computer.
5. Windows + V
Open Clipboard history.
6. Windows + Shift + S
Take a screenshot.
7. Alt + Tab
Switch between applications.
8. Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Open Task Manager.
9. Windows + D
Show the desktop.
10. Windows + Z
Open Snap Layouts.
