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Keyboard shortcuts can speed up even the most mundane of Windows 10 tasks. Learning the best of them, can make your PC experience faster, more efficient, and in some cases, even more enjoyable.
These are the essential Windows 10 shortcuts that can make you feel more of a PC wizard. A master of the keys.
New Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts
Windows 10 opened up a world of new keyboard shortcuts to better navigate and utilize the operating system’s interface and features. Below, you’ll find nearly 20 keyboard functions added to Microsoft’s popular operating system since 2015.
Remember to hold down the Windows key (⊞) located on the spacebar’s left before punching the appropriate letter or key. Also, don’t feel bad about referring back to this chart as needed — memorization will come in time.
| Keyboard shortcut | Function |
| ⊞ Win + C | Open Cortana for voice input |
| ⊞ Win + S | Open Search |
| ⊞ Win + I | Open Settings |
| ⊞ Win + A | Open Action Center |
| ⊞ Win + X | Open Quick Link menu |
| ⊞ Win + Left arrow | Snap active window to the left |
| ⊞ Win + Right arrow | Snap active window to the right |
| ⊞ Win + Up arrow | Maximize the current window |
| ⊞ Win + Down arrow | Minimize or remove current window |
| ⊞ Win + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
| ⊞ Win + Ctrl + Left arrow | Cycle virtual desktops to the left |
| ⊞ Win + Ctrl + Right arrow | Cycle virtual desktops to the right |
| ⊞ Win + Ctrl + F4 | Close current desktop |
| ⊞ Win + TAB | Access all desktops and apps in Task View |
| ⊞ Win + PrtSc | Take a screenshot and save it to Screenshots folder |
| ⊞ Win + G | Open Game bar |
| ⊞ Win + Alt + G | Record the last 30 seconds |
| ⊞ Win + Alt + R | Manually start and stop recording |
Command prompt shortcuts
The revised Windows 10 command prompt also includes updated shortcuts for easier use.
| Keyboard shortcut | Function |
| Shift + Left arrow | Highlight text on the cursor’s left |
| Shift + Right arrow | Highlight text to the cursor’s right |
| Ctrl + C | Copy selected text to clipboard |
| Ctrl + V | Paste text from clipboard |
| Ctrl + A | Select all text |
General Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts
There are plenty of returning keyboard shortcuts to go along with all the new Windows 10 shortcuts. The following are some of the most basic, general, and sought-after keyboard shortcuts for general day-to-day use in Windows.
| Keyboard shortcut | Function |
| ⊞ Win | Display or hide Start |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open the Task Manager |
| ⊞ Win + M | Minimize all windows |
| ⊞ Win + Shift + M | Restore all minimized windows |
| ⊞ Win + R | Open the Run dialogue box |
| ⊞ Win + F1 | Open Windows Help and Support |
| ⊞ Win + plus (“+”) | Zoom in using Magnifier |
| ⊞ Win + minus (“-“) | Zoom out using Magnifier |
| ⊞ Win + L | Lock your PC or switch accounts. |
| Alt + F4 | Close the active item, or exit the active app |
| Alt + Enter | Display properties for the selected item |
| Alt + Spacebar | Open shortcut menu for an active window |
| Ctrl + X | Cut the selected item |
| Ctrl + V | Paste the selected item |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo an action |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo an action |
| F1 | Display help (app-specific) |
| F2 | Rename the selected item |
| F3 | Search for a file or folder in File Explorer |
| F4 | Display the address bar list in File Explorer |
| F5 | Refresh the active window |
| F10 | Activate the menu bar in the active app |
| ⊞ Win+ D | Display and hide desktop |
Given this long list of shortcuts, you might be staring at your keyboard in disgust. After all, your keyboard has likely taken a beating, and some of the keys may be unreadable. If you’re in the market for a new keyboard, we have some recommendations.
First, check out the best wireless keyboards to see what the options are. A wireless keyboard is an excellent solution for unconventional (and mobile) office setups. But if you’re wary of wrist issues, you’ll want to look at the top ergonomic keyboards, too. Especially if you’re typing a lot, an ergonomic keyboard could save your hands.
Finally, if the above shortcuts won’t cut it for your daily needs, there are other options. With standalone tools, you can create your own Windows shortcut keys. Tools like the Shortkeys extension for Google Chrome let you customize your Windows 10 experience from the keyboard up.
https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/windows-keyboard-shortcuts-cut-copy-paste-undo/
Don’t rely on that functionality with every app though, as not all of them support it.
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