Useful Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11 in 2024

Many people find it tedious to execute some regular tasks, such as taking screenshots, switching windows/tabs, opening Task Manager, or opening File Explorer. However, the keyboard can be a more efficient tool for those skilled at using computers. That’s why Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11 helps you execute tasks quickly. We have compiled a list of these shortcuts for you.

With these Win 11 keyboard commands, you can perform simple to advanced tasks such as copying and pasting text, taking screenshots, opening notifications, and utilizing new features introduced in updates like Windows 11 version 23H2. Let’s explore the shortcuts that you should be aware of in the year 2024.

Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11 in 2024

Copy, paste, and other General keyboard shortcuts.

Copy, paste, and other General keyboard shortcuts are the common and basic cheat codes that help complete our work quickly.

Beyond use, these Windows keyboard shortcuts redefine how you navigate and manipulate information, streamlining tasks seamlessly. Whether drafting documents or managing files, mastering these commands empowers users with unparalleled speed and clarity.

These Windows keyboard shortcuts unveil how these simple yet potent tools elevate your daily computing tasks, ensuring a smoother and more intuitive workflow.

Ctrl + X: Cut the selected item.
Ctrl + C: Cut the selected item.
Ctrl + V: Paste the selected item.
Ctrl + Shift + V: Paste as plain text.
Ctrl + Z: Undo an action.
Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps
Alt + F4: Close the active item or exit the functional app.
Window + L: Lock your PC.
Window + D: Display and hide the desktop.
F2: Rename the selected item.
F3: search for a file or folder in File Explorer.
F4: Display the address bar list in the file Explorer.
F5/Ctrl + R: Refresh the active window.
F6: Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop.
F10: Activate the menu bar in the active app window.
Alt + A: Set focus to the first icon in the Suggestion actions menu.
Alt + Esc: Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened.
Alt + underlined letter: Perform the command for that letter.
Alt + Enter: Display properties for the selected item.
Alt + Spacebar: Open the shortcuts menu for the active windows.
Alt + Left arrow: Go back
Alt + Right arrow: Go forward.
Alt + Page Up: Move up on the screen.
Alt + Page Down: Move down one screen.
Ctrl + F4: Close the active documents (in full-screen apps and let you have multiple documents open simultaneously).
Ctrl + A: Select all items in a document or window.
Ctrl + D(or Delete): Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin.
Ctrl + E: Open search (in most apps).
Ctrl + Y: Redo an action.
Ctrl + Right arrow: Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word.
Ctrl + Left arrow: Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph.
Ctrl + Down arrow: Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph.
Ctrl + Up arrow: Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph.
Ctrl + Alt + Tab: Use the arrow keys to switch between all open apps.
Ctrl + Shift + arrow keys: When a title is focused on the Start menu, move it into another title to create a folder.
Ctrl + arrow keys: Resize the Start menu when it’s open.
Ctrl + arrow key + Spacebar: Select Multiple Individual items in a window or on the desktop.
Ctrl + Shift with an arrow key: Select a block of text.
Ctrl + Shift: Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are available.
Ctrl + Spacebar: Turn the Chinese input method editor (IME) on or off.
Shift + F10: Display the shortcut menu for the selected item.
Shift + Delete: Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first.
Right arrow: Open the next menu to the right or a submenu.
Left arrow: Open the next menu to the left, or close a sub menu.
Esc: Stop or leave the current task.
Prtscn: Take a screenshot of your whole screen and copy it to the clipboard.

Windows key keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that allow you to perform tasks in Windows more quickly and efficiently than your mouse. They can save you time and effort, mainly if you perform the same tasks repeatedly.

There are many Windows key keyboard shortcuts available, and learning some of the most common ones can significantly improve your productivity.

Transform your interaction with Windows 11 and discover the efficiency these shortcuts bring to your daily tasks.

Windows key: Open or close Start.
Windows logo key+ A: Open Quick settings.
Windows logo key + B: Set focus to the first icon in the taskbar corner.
Windows logo key + C: Open Windows Copilot
Windows logo key + Shift + C: Open the charms menu.
Windows logo key + Ctrl + C: Turn on color filters.
Windows logo key + D: Display and hide the desktop.
Windows logo key + E: Open File Explorer.
Windows logo key + F: Open Feedback Hub and take a screenshot.
Windows logo key + G: Open the Xbox Game Bar when a game is open.
Windows logo key + Alt + B: Turn HDR on or off.
Window logo key + H: launch voice typing.
Windows logo key + I: Open Settings.
Windows logo key + J: Set focus to a Windows tip when one is available.
Windows logo key + K: Open cast from Quick Settings.
Windows logo key + Alt + K: Toggle microphone mute in apps that support call mute.
Windows logo key + L: Lock your PC or switch accounts.
Windows logo key + M: Minimize all windows.
Windows logo key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows on the desktop.
Windows logo key + N: Open the notification center and calendar.
Windows logo key + O: Lock device orientation.
Windows logo key + P: Choose a presentation display mode.
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Q: Open Quick Assist.
Windows logo key + R: Open the Run dialog box.
Windows logo key + Alt + R: Record video of the game window in focus.
Windows logo key + S: Open search.
Windows logo key + shift + S: Take a screenshot of part of your screen.
Windows logo key + T: Cycle through apps on the taskbar.
Windows logo + U: Open Accessibility Settings.
Windows logo key + V: Open the clipboard history.
Windows logo key + Shift + V: Set focus to a notification.
Windows logo key + W: Open Widgets.
Windows logo key + X: Open the Quick link menu.
Windows logo key + Y: Switch input between Windows mixed reality and your desktop.
Windows logo key + period (.) or semicolon (;): Open the emoji panel.
Windows logo key + comma (,): Temporarily peek at the desktop.
Windows logo key + Ctrl + F: Search for PCs (if you’re on a network).
Windows logo key + Tab: Open Task view.
Windows logo key + Up arrow: Maximize the window.
Windows logo key + Alt + Up arrow: Snap the window in focus to the top half of the screen. New with Windows 11.
Windows logo key + Down arrow: Remove the current app from a screen or minimize the desktop window.
Windows logo key + Alt + Down arrow: Snap the window in focus to the bottom half of the screen.
Windows logo key + Left arrow: Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen.
Windows logo key + Right arrow: Maximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen.
Windows logo key + Home: Minimize all except the active desktop window (restores all windows on the second stroke).
Windows logo key + Shift + Up arrow: Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen.
Windows logo key + Shift + Down arrow: Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width.
Windows logo key + Shift + Left arrow or Right arrow: Move an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another.
Windows logo key + Shift + Spacebar: Cycle backward through language and keyboard layout.
Windows logo key + Spacebar: Switch input language and keyboard layout.
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Spacebar: Change to a previously selected input.
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter: Turn on Narrator.
Windows logo key + Plus (+): Open Magnifier and zoom in.
Windows logo key + Minus (-): Zoom out in Magnifier.
Windows logo key + Esc: Close Magnifier.
Windows logo key + forward slash (/): Begin IME reconversion.
Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B: Wake the PC from the blank or black screen.
Windows logo key + PrtScn: Save full-screen screenshots to a file.
Windows logo key + Alt + PrtScn: Save a screenshot of the game window in focus to the file (using Xbox Game Bar).
Windows + Alt + Enter: Open taskbar settings.

Command Prompt keyboard shortcuts

The Command Prompt, or CMD, is a powerful tool for interacting with your computer. While it may appear daunting at first, mastering a few essential keyboard shortcuts can significantly boost your efficiency and productivity.

These shortcuts allow you to navigate through directories, edit text, and perform various actions without needing to reach for your mouse constantly. This guide provides a brief introduction to some of the most useful Command Prompt keyboard shortcuts:

Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert): Copy the selected text.
Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert): Paste the selected text.
Ctrl + M: Enter Mark mode.
Alt + selection key: Begin selection in block mode.
Arrow keys: Move the cursor in the direction specified.
Page up: Move the cursor by one page up.
Page down: Move the cursor by one page down.
Ctrl + Home (Mark mode): Move the cursor to the beginning of the buffer.
Ctrl + End (Mark mode): Move the cursor to the end of the buffer.
Ctrl + Up arrow: Move up one line in the output history.
Ctrl + Down arrow: Move down one line in the output history.
Ctrl + Home (History navigation): If the command line is empty, move the viewport to the top of the buffer. Otherwise, delete all the characters to the left of the cursor in the command line.
Ctrl + End (History navigation): If the command line is empty, move the viewport to the command line. Otherwise, delete all the characters to the right of the cursor in the command line.

Dialog Box keyboard shortcuts

Dialog boxes, also known as pop-up windows, are frequently encountered when working with various software applications. Navigating these boxes using the mouse can sometimes feel tedious and repetitive. Fortunately, most operating systems and programs offer a set of keyboard shortcuts specifically designed to make interacting with dialog boxes more efficient and accessible.

Mastering these shortcuts ensures a seamless computing experience, providing unparalleled ease for users looking for quicker and more efficient interaction with their system.

F4: Display the items in the active list.
Ctrl + Tab: Move forward through tabs.
Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Move back through tabs.
Ctrl + 1, 2, 3,…: Move to that tab number.
Tab: Move forward through options.
Shift + Tab: Move back through options.
Alt + underlined letter: Perform the command (or select the option) used with that letter.
Spacebar: Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box.
Backspace: Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box.
Arrow keys: Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons.

File Explorer keyboard shortcuts

File Explorer is a powerful tool for managing your files and folders in Windows. But did you know you can unlock even more efficiently by using keyboard shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts can save you time and effort, allowing you to navigate File Explorer and perform common actions quickly and easily. This guide will introduce you to some of the most useful File Explorer keyboard shortcuts.

Alt + D: Select the address bar file explorer.
Ctrl + E: Select the search box.
Ctrl + F: Select the search box.
Ctrl + N: Open a new window.
Ctrl + T: Open a new tab and switch to it.
Ctrl + W: Closes the active tab. Close the window if there’s only one tab open.
Ctrl + Tab: Move to the next tab.
Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Move to the previous tab.
Ctrl + 1, 2, 3,…: Move to that tab number.
Ctrl + mouse scroll wheel: Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons.
Ctrl + Shift + E: Display all folders above the selected folder.
Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder.
Num Lock + asterisk (*): Display all subfolders under the selected folder.
Num Lock + plus (+): Display the contents of the selected folder.
Num Lock + minus (-): Collapse the selected folder.
Alt + P: Display the preview panel.
Alt + Enter: Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item.
Alt + Right arrow: View the next folder.
Alt + Up arrow: View the folder that the folder was in.
Alt + Left arrow: View the previous folder.
Backspace: View the previous folder.
Right arrow: Display the current selected(if it’s collapsed), or select the first subfolder.
Left arrow: Collapse the current selection (if it’s expanded), or select the folder that the folder was in.
End: Display the bottom of the active window.
Home: Display the top of the active window.
F11: Maximize or minimize the active window.

Virtual desktop keyboard shortcuts

Virtual desktop keyboard shortcuts are a set of keys that can be pressed together to perform actions quickly and efficiently within a virtual desktop environment.

These shortcuts can be used to navigate between different virtual desktops, open specific applications, and perform other tasks.

Windows + Tab: Open Task view.
Windows + Ctrl + D: Add a virtual desktop.
Windows + Ctrl + Right arrow: Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the right.
Windows + Ctrl + Left arrow: Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the left.
Windows + Ctrl + F4: Close the virtual desktop you’re using.

Taskbar keyboard shortcuts

Windows 11 Taskbar keyboard shortcuts redefine efficiency, enabling users to navigate and boost productivity seamlessly. These quick commands streamline tasks like app switching and desktop management, offering a time-saving edge. Whether you are a power user or enthusiast, mastering these shortcuts ensures a smoother, more enjoyable Windows 11 experience.

Shift + click a taskbar button: Open an app or quickly open another instance of an app.
Ctrl + Shift + click a taskbar button: Open an app as an administrator.
Shift + right-click a taskbar button: Show the app’s window menu.
Shift + right-click a grouped taskbar button: Show the window menu for the group.
Ctrl + click a grouped taskbar button: Cycle through the group windows.

FAQs

Can I create and change the behavior of keyboard shortcuts?

Yes, You can create your keyboard shortcuts and change the behavior of keyboard shortcuts using the Power Toys manager.

Why should I bother learning keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11?

Mastering keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 enhances your efficiency by allowing quick access to various functions and streaming tasks, ultimately saving time.

How do keyboard shortcuts contribute to a more efficient workflow?

Keyboard shortcuts offer A faster alternative to navigating through menus, enabling users to execute commands with a few presses. This efficiency is especially valuable for multitasking and repetitive tasks.

Are keyboard shortcuts useful for beginners, or are they more for advanced users?

Keyboard shortcuts cater to users of all levels. They can simplify tasks for beginners and significantly boost productivity for advanced users who navigate the system regularly.

Are there shortcuts to troubleshoot common issues or access system tools in Windows 11?

Yes, Windows 11 includes shortcuts to various troubleshooting tools and system utilities. These can be particularly helpful for diagnosing and resolving common issues.

Do keyboard shortcuts remain consistent across different language versions of Windows 11?

While most keyboard shortcuts are language-independent, some variations might be based on keyboard layouts. Users should ensure their keyboard layout matches the language version to optimize functionality.

Can I disable keyboard shortcuts if I find them distracting?

Windows 11 typically allows users to customize or disable specific keyboard shortcuts through the settings menu, providing flexibility based on individual preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the wealth of Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11 is invaluable for users trying to find efficiency and productivity in their digital struggle.

These shortcuts serve as a gateway to a more seamless and agile computing experience, offering quick solutions to everyday tasks and simplifying complex operations.

Whether you are a novice user or a seasoned professional, mastering these keystrokes can fundamentally transform how you interact with your system.

As we navigate the evolving view of technology, the ability to harness the power of keyboard shortcuts of Windows 11 becomes increasingly essential.

Hold these shortcuts, explore their capabilities, and watch as your workflow becomes not just efficient but also a genuinely intuitive and enjoyable journey through the world of Windows 11.