Practical guide

Useful Windows Keyboard Shortcuts for Everyday Work

Keyboard shortcuts are most useful when they replace a repeated mouse action. Start with a few you use every day, then add more as they become familiar.

What to do

  1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer, Win + I for Settings, and Win + L to lock your PC.
  2. Use Alt + Tab to switch apps. Use Win + Left or Right to snap the active window to a side of the screen.
  3. Press Win + Shift + S to select part of the screen for a screenshot. The capture is copied so you can paste it into an app.
  4. For text, use Ctrl + Z to undo, Ctrl + F to find, and Ctrl + A to select all in most applications.

Checks and limitations

  • Shortcut behavior can differ between apps and Windows versions; check the app's menus if a key combination does something unexpected.
  • Save work before trying unfamiliar shortcuts in an application that uses its own keyboard commands.