Windows 7 shortcut key for shortcut

Learn how to navigate Windows using keyboard shortcuts. Explore a full list of taskbar, command prompt, and general Windows shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide an alternative way to do something that you’d typically do with a mouse. If you are trying to take a screenshot or screengrab, see How to take and annotate screenshots.

Click an option below, and it’ll open to display a table of related shortcuts:

Press this key

To do this

Ctrl + X

Cut the selected item.

Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert)

Copy the selected item.

Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert)

Paste the selected item.

Ctrl + Z

Undo an action.

Alt + Tab

Switch between open apps.

Alt + F4

Close the active item, or exit the active app.

Windows logo key  + L

Lock your PC.

Windows logo key  + 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 File Explorer.

F5

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.

Alt + A

Set focus to the first icon in the Suggested actions menu.

Alt + F8

Show your password on the sign-in screen.

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 shortcut menu for the active window.

Alt + Left arrow

Go back.

Alt + Right arrow

Go forward.

Alt + Page Up

Move up one screen.

Alt + Page Down

Move down one screen.

Ctrl + F4

Close the active document (in apps that are full-screen and let you have multiple documents open at the same time).

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 + R (or F5)

Refresh the active window.

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 previous word.

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.

Alt + Shift + arrow keys

When a group or tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it in the direction specified.

Ctrl + Shift + arrow keys

When a tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it into another tile to create a folder.

Ctrl + arrow keys

Resize the Start menu when it’s open.

Ctrl + arrow key (to move to an item) + Spacebar

Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop.

Ctrl + Shift with an arrow key

Select a block of text.

Ctrl + Esc

Open Start.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Open Task Manager.

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 with any arrow key

Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document.

Shift + Delete

Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first.

Right arrow

Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu.

Left arrow

Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu.

Esc

Stop or leave the current task.

PrtScn

Take a screenshot of your whole screen and copy it to the clipboard. 

Note: You can change this shortcut so it also opens screen snipping, which lets you edit your screenshot. Select Start > Settings > Accessibility > Keyboard , and set Use the Print Screen button to open screen snipping to On.

Use PrtScn key to open screen snipping

Press this key

To do this

Windows logo key

Open or close Start.

Windows logo key  + A

Open Quick Settings. Updated in Windows 11.

Windows logo key  + B

Set focus to the first icon in the Taskbar corner.

Windows logo key  + C

Open Chat from Microsoft Teams. Updated in Windows 11.

Windows logo key  + Shift + C

Open the charms menu.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + C

Turn on color filters (enable this shortcut first in Color Filter settings).

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 Xbox Game Bar when a game is open.

Windows logo key  + Alt + B

Turn HDR on or off.

Note: Applies to the Xbox Game Bar app version 5.721.7292.0 or newer. To update your Xbox Game Bar, go to the Microsoft Store app and check for updates.

Windows logo key  + H

Launch voice typing. Updated in Windows 11.

Windows logo key  + I

Open Settings.

Windows logo key  + J

Set focus to a Windows tip when one is available.

When a Windows tip appears, bring focus to the Tip.  Pressing the keyboard shortcuts again to bring focus to the element on the screen to which the Windows tip is anchored.

Windows logo key  + K

Open Cast from Quick Settings. Updated in Windows 11.

Windows logo key  + Alt + K

Toggle microphone mute in apps that support Call Mute. Available starting in Windows 11, version 22H2.

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 notification center and calendar. Updated in Windows 11.

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 game window in focus (using Xbox Game Bar).

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 key  + U

Open Accessibility Settings.

Windows logo key  + V

Open the clipboard history. 

Note: Clipboard history isn’t turned on by default. If you’d like to turn it on, use this keyboard shortcut and then select the prompt to turn on history. Or you can select Start > Settings > System > Clipboard , and set Clipboard history to On.

Windows logo key  + Shift + V

Set focus to a notification.

Windows logo key  + W

Open Widgets. Updated in Windows 11.

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  + Z

Open the snap layouts. Updated in Windows 11.

Windows logo key  + period (.) or semicolon (;)

Open emoji panel.

Windows logo key  + comma (,)

Temporarily peek at the desktop.

Windows logo key  + Pause

Opens Start > Settings > System > About .

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + F

Search for PCs (if you’re on a network).

Windows logo key  + number

Open the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app.

Windows logo key  + Shift + number

Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + number

Open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Windows logo key  + Alt + number

Open the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + Shift + number

Open the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator.

Windows logo key  + Tab

Open Task view.

Windows logo key  + Up arrow

Maximize the window.

Windows logo key  + Alt + Up arrow

Snap window in focus to top half of screen. New with Windows 11.

Windows logo key  + Down arrow

Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window.

Windows logo key  + Alt + Down arrow

Snap window in focus to bottom half of screen. New with Windows 11.

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 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 backwards 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 PC from blank or black screen.

Windows logo key  + PrtScn

Save full screen screenshot to file.

Windows logo key  + Alt + PrtScn

Save screenshot of game window in focus to file (using Xbox Game Bar).

Windows logo key  + Alt + Enter (on taskbar item focus)

Open taskbar settings.

Press this key

To do this

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.

Press this key

To do this

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) that is 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.

Press this key

To do this

Alt + D

Select the address bar.

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. Closes 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 selection (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.

Press this key

To do this

Windows logo key  + Tab

Open Task view.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + D

Add a virtual desktop.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + Right arrow

Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the right.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + Left arrow

Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the left.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + F4

Close the virtual desktop you’re using.

Press this key

To do this

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 window menu for the app.

Shift + right-click a grouped taskbar button

Show the window menu for the group.

Ctrl + click a grouped taskbar button

Cycle through the windows of the group.

Press this key

To do this

Windows logo key  + I

Open settings.

Backspace

Go back to the settings home page.

Type on any page with search box

Search settings.

Additional keyboard shortcuts

  • Keyboard shortcuts in apps

  • Windows keyboard shortcuts for accessibility

  • Microsoft Surface Hub keyboard shortcut

Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide an alternative way to do something that you’d typically do with a mouse. Click an option below, and it’ll open to display a table of related shortcuts:

Press this key

To do this

Ctrl + X

Cut the selected item.

Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert)

Copy the selected item.

Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert)

Paste the selected item.

Ctrl + Z

Undo an action.

Alt + Tab

Switch between open apps.

Alt + F4

Close the active item, or exit the active app.

Windows logo key  + L

Lock your PC.

Windows logo key  + 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 File Explorer.

F5

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.

Alt + F8

Show your password on the sign-in screen.

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 shortcut menu for the active window.

Alt + Left arrow

Go back.

Alt + Right arrow

Go forward.

Alt + Page Up

Move up one screen.

Alt + Page Down

Move down one screen.

Ctrl + F4

Close the active document (in apps that are full-screen and let you have multiple documents open at the same time).

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 + R (or F5)

Refresh the active window.

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 previous word.

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.

Alt + Shift + arrow keys

When a group or tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it in the direction specified.

Ctrl + Shift + arrow keys

When a tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it into another tile to create a folder.

Ctrl + arrow keys

Resize the Start menu when it’s open.

Ctrl + arrow key (to move to an item) + Spacebar

Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop.

Ctrl + Shift with an arrow key

Select a block of text.

Ctrl + Esc

Open Start.

Ctrl + Shift + Esc

Open Task Manager.

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 with any arrow key

Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document.

Shift + Delete

Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first.

Right arrow

Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu.

Left arrow

Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu.

Esc

Stop or leave the current task.

PrtScn

Take a screenshot of your whole screen and copy it to the clipboard. 

Note: You can change this shortcut so it also opens  screen snipping, which lets you edit your screenshot. Select Start  > Settings > Ease of Access > Keyboard, and turn on the toggle under Print Screen shortcut.

Use PrtScn key to open screen snipping

Press this key

To do this

Windows logo key 

Open or close Start.

Windows logo key  + A

Open Action center.

Windows logo key  + B

Set focus in the notification area.

Windows logo key  + C

Open Cortana in listening mode.

Notes:

  • This shortcut is turned off by default. To turn it on, select Start  > Settings  > Cortana, and turn on the toggle under Let Cortana listen for my commands when I press the Windows logo key + C.

  • Cortana is available only in certain countries/regions, and some Cortana features might not be available everywhere. If Cortana isn’t available or is turned off, you can still use search.

Windows logo key  + Shift + C

Open the charms menu.

Windows logo key  + D

Display and hide the desktop.

Windows logo key  + Alt + D

Display and hide the date and time on 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 Game bar when a game is open.

Windows logo key  + Alt + B

Turn HDR on or off.

Note: Applies to the Xbox Game Bar app version 5.721.7292.0 or newer. To update your Xbox Game Bar, go to the Microsoft Store app and check for updates.

Windows logo key  + H

Start dictation.

Windows logo key  + I

Open Settings.

Windows logo key  + J

Set focus to a Windows tip when one is available.

When a Windows tip appears, bring focus to the Tip.  Pressing the keyboard shortcuts again to bring focus to the element on the screen to which the Windows tip is anchored.

Windows logo key  + K

Open the Connect quick action.

Windows logo key  + L

Lock your PC or switch accounts.

Windows logo key  + M

Minimize all windows.

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  + 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 key  + U

Open Ease of Access Center.

Windows logo key  + V

Open the clipboard. 

Note

  • To activate this shortcut, select Start  > Settings  > System  > Clipboard, and turn on the toggle under Clipboard history.

Windows logo key  + Shift + V

Cycle through notifications.

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  + Z

Show the commands available in an app in full-screen mode.

Windows logo key  + period (.) or semicolon (;)

Open emoji panel.

Windows logo key  + comma (,)

Temporarily peek at the desktop.

Windows logo key  + Pause

Display the System Properties dialog box.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + F

Search for PCs (if you’re on a network).

Windows logo key  + Shift + M

Restore minimized windows on the desktop.

Windows logo key  + number

Open the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app.

Windows logo key  + Shift + number

Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + number

Open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Windows logo key  + Alt + number

Open the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + Shift + number

Open the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator.

Windows logo key  + Tab

Open Task view.

Windows logo key  + Up arrow

Maximize the window.

Windows logo key  + Down arrow

Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window.

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 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  + 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.

Windows logo key  + forward slash (/)

Begin IME reconversion.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + V

Open shoulder taps.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + Shift + B

Wake PC from blank or black screen.

Windows logo key  + Alt + Enter (on taskbar item focus)

Open taskbar settings.

Press this key

To do this

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.

Press this key

To do this

F4

Display the items in the active list.

Ctrl + Tab

Move forward through tabs.

Ctrl + Shift + Tab

Move back through tabs.

Ctrl + number (number 1–9)

Move to nth tab.

Tab

Move forward through options.

Shift + Tab

Move back through options.

Alt + underlined letter

Perform the command (or select the option) that is 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.

Press this key

To do this

Alt + D

Select the address bar.

Ctrl + E

Select the search box.

Ctrl + F

Select the search box.

Ctrl + N

Open a new window.

Ctrl + W

Close the active window.

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 selection (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.

Press this key

To do this

Windows logo key  + Tab

Open Task view.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + D

Add a virtual desktop.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + Right arrow

Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the right.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + Left arrow

Switch between virtual desktops you’ve created on the left.

Windows logo key  + Ctrl + F4

Close the virtual desktop you’re using.

Press this key

To do this

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 window menu for the app.

Shift + right-click a grouped taskbar button

Show the window menu for the group.

Ctrl + click a grouped taskbar button

Cycle through the windows of the group.

Press this key

To do this

Windows logo key  + I

Open settings.

Backspace

Go back to the settings home page.

Type on any page with search box

Search settings.

Additional keyboard shortcuts

  • Keyboard shortcuts in apps

  • Windows keyboard shortcuts for accessibility

  • Microsoft Surface Hub keyboard shortcuts

  • Keyboard shortcuts in Continuum for phones

General keyboard shortcuts   Ease of Access keyboard shortcuts  

F1

Display Help

Right Shift for eight seconds

Turn Filter Keys on and off

Ctrl+C (or Ctrl+Insert)

Copy the selected item

Left Alt+Left Shift+PrtScn (or PrtScn)

Turn High Contrast on or off

Ctrl+X

Cut the selected item

Left Alt+Left Shift+Num Lock

Turn Mouse Keys on or off

Ctrl+V (or Shift+Insert)

Paste the selected item

Shift five times

Turn Sticky Keys on or off

Ctrl+Z

Undo an action

Num Lock for five seconds

Turn Toggle Keys on or off

Ctrl+Y

Redo an action

Windows logo key +U

Open the Ease of Access Center

Delete (or Ctrl+D)

Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin

Windows logo key keyboard shortcut  

Shift+Delete

Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first

Windows logo key

Open or close the Start menu.

F2

Rename the selected item

Windows logo key +Pause

Display the System Properties dialog box.

Ctrl+Right Arrow

Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word

Windows logo key +D

Display the desktop.

Ctrl+Left Arrow

Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word

Windows logo key +M

Minimize all windows.

Ctrl+Down Arrow

Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph

Windows logo key +Shift+M

Restore minimized windows to the desktop.

Ctrl+Up Arrow

Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph

Windows logo key +E

Open Computer.

Ctrl+Shift with an arrow key

Select a block of text

Windows logo key +F

Search for a file or folder.

Shift with any arrow key

Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document

Ctrl+Windows logo key +F

Search for computers (if you’re on a network).

Ctrl with any arrow key+Spacebar

Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop

Windows logo key +L

Lock your computer or switch users.

Ctrl+A

Select all items in a document or window

Windows logo key +R

Open the Run dialog box.

F3

Search for a file or folder

Windows logo key +T

Cycle through programs on the taskbar.

Alt+Enter

Display properties for the selected item

Windows logo key +number

Start
the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the
number. If the program is already running, switch to that program.

Alt+F4

Close the active item, or exit the active program

Shift+Windows logo key +number

Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Alt+Spacebar

Open the shortcut menu for the active window

Ctrl+Windows logo key +number

Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Ctrl+F4

Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)

Alt+Windows logo key +number

Open the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.

Alt+Tab

Switch between open items

Windows logo key +Tab

Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.

Ctrl+Alt+Tab

Use the arrow keys to switch between open items

Ctrl+Windows logo key +Tab

Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.

Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheel

Change the size of icons on the desktop

Ctrl+Windows logo key +B

Switch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.

Windows logo key +Tab

Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D

Windows logo key +Spacebar

Preview the desktop.

Ctrl+Windows logo key +Tab

Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D

Windows logo key +Up Arrow

Maximize the window.

Alt+Esc

Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened

Windows logo key +Left Arrow

Maximize the window to the left side of the screen.

F6

Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop

Windows logo key +Right Arrow

Maximize the window to the right side of the screen.

F4

Display the address bar list in Windows Explorer

Windows logo key +Down Arrow

Minimize the window.

Shift+F10

Display the shortcut menu for the selected item

Windows logo key +Home

Minimize all but the active window.

Ctrl+Esc

Open the Start menu

Windows logo key +Shift+Up Arrow

Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.

Alt+underlined letter

Display the corresponding menu

Windows logo key +Shift+Left Arrow or Right Arrow

Move a window from one monitor to another.

Alt+underlined letter

Perform the menu command (or other underlined command)

Windows logo key +P

Choose a presentation display mode.

F10

Activate the menu bar in the active program

Windows logo key +G

Cycle through gadgets.

Right Arrow

Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu

Windows logo key +U

Open Ease of Access Center.

Left Arrow

Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu

Windows logo key +X

Open Windows Mobility Center.

F5 (or Ctrl+R)

Refresh the active window

Taskbar keyboard shortcuts  

Alt+Up Arrow

View the folder one level up in Windows Explorer

Shift+Click on a taskbar button

Open a program or quickly open another instance of a program

Esc

Cancel the current task

Ctrl+Shift+Click on a taskbar button

Open a program as an administrator

Ctrl+Shift+Esc

Open Task Manager

Shift+Right-click on a taskbar button

Show the window menu for the program

Shift when you insert a CD

Prevent the CD from automatically playing

Shift+Right-click on a grouped taskbar button

Show the window menu for the group

Left Alt+Shift

Switch the input language when multiple input languages are enabled

Ctrl+Click on a grouped taskbar button

Cycle through the windows of the group

Ctrl+Shift

Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are enabled

   

Right or Left Ctrl+Shift

Change the reading direction of text in right-to-left reading languages

    Dialog box keyboard shortcuts      

Ctrl+Tab

Move forward through tabs

   

Ctrl+Shift+Tab

Move back through tabs

   

Tab

Move forward through options

   

Shift+Tab

Move back through options

   

Alt+underlined letter

Perform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter

   

Enter

Replaces clicking the mouse for many selected commands

   

Spacebar

Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box

   

Arrow keys

Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons

   

F1

Display Help

   

F4

Display the items in the active list

   

Backspace

Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box

   

Written by Allen White on September 15, 2010. Posted in Windows 7

Problem

A windows 7 Shortcut key is a combination of keys that when pressed  save time and get you to your desired app or screen without having to click through a number of screens to get to your destination. If you manage to learn some of these keys you can dramatically improve the speed in which you can use and manage your computer. Take a look at the windows 7 shortcuts below.

 Resolution

Here is THE definitive list of shortcuts

Ease of Access keyboard shortcuts

* Right Shift for eight seconds: Turn Filter Keys on and off
* Left Alt + Left Shift + PrtScn (or PrtScn): Turn High Contrast on or off
* Left Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock: Turn Mouse Keys on or off
* Shift five times: Turn Sticky Keys on or off
* Num Lock for five seconds: Turn Toggle Keys on or off
* Windows logo key + U: Open the Ease of Access Center

General keyboard shortcuts

* F1: Display Help
* Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert): Copy the selected item
* Ctrl + X: Cut the selected item
* Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert): Paste the selected item
* Ctrl + Z: Undo an action
* Ctrl + Y: Redo an action
* Delete (or Ctrl + D): Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin
* Shift + Delete: Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first
* F2: Rename the selected item
* Ctrl + Right Arrow: Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word
* Ctrl + Left Arrow: Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word
* 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 + Shift with an arrow key: Select a block of text
* Shift + any arrow key: Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document
* Ctrl + any arrow key + Spacebar: Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop
* Ctrl + A: Select all items in a document or window
* F3: Search for a file or folder
* Alt + Enter: Display properties for the selected item
* Alt + F4: Close the active item, or exit the active program
* Alt + Spacebar: Open the shortcut menu for the active window
* Ctrl + F4: Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
* Alt + Tab: Switch between open items
* Ctrl + Alt + Tab: Use the arrow keys to switch between open items
* Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel: Change the size of icons on the desktop
* Windows logo key + Tab: Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
* Ctrl+ Windows logo key + Tab: Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
* Alt + Esc: Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened
* F6: Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
* F4: Display the address bar list in Windows Explorer
* Shift + F10: Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
* Ctrl + Esc: Open the Start menu
* Alt + underlined letter: Display the corresponding menu
* Alt + underlined letter: Perform the menu command (or other underlined command)
* F10: Activate the menu bar in the active program
* Right Arrow: Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu
* Left Arrow: Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu
* F5 (or Ctrl + R): Refresh the active window
* Alt + Up Arrow: View the folder one level up in Windows Explorer
* Esc: Cancel the current task
* Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager
* Shift when you insert a CD: Prevent the CD from automatically playing
* Left Alt + Shift: Switch the input language when multiple input languages are enabled
* Ctrl + ShiftL: Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are enabled
* Right or Left Ctrl + Shift: Change the reading direction of text in right-to-left reading languages

Dialog box keyboard shortcuts

* Ctrl + Tab: Move forward through tabs
* Ctrl + Shift + Tab: Move back through tabs
* Tab: Move forward through options
* Shift + Tab: Move back through options
* Alt + underlined letter: Perform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter
* Enter: Replaces clicking the mouse for many selected commands
* Spacebar: Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box
* Arrow keys: Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons
* F1: Display Help
* F4: Display the items in the active list
* Backspace: Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box

Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts

* Windows logo key: Open or close the Start menu.
* Windows logo key + Pause: Display the System Properties dialog box.
* Windows logo key + D: Display the desktop.
* Windows logo key + M: Minimize all windows.
* Windows logo key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows to the desktop.
* Windows logo key + E: Open Computer.
* Windows logo key + F: Search for a file or folder.
* Ctrl + Windows logo key + F: Search for computers (if you’re on a network).
* Windows logo key + L: Lock your computer or switch users.
* Windows logo key + R: Open the Run dialog box.
* Windows logo key + T: Cycle through programs on the taskbar.
* Windows logo key + number: Start the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program.
* Shift + Windows logo key + number: Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
* Ctrl + Windows logo key + number: Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
* Alt + Windows logo key + number: Open the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
* Windows logo key + Tab: Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
* Ctrl+Windows logo key + Tab: Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
* Ctrl+Windows logo key + B: Switch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.
* Windows logo key + Spacebar: Preview the desktop.
* Windows logo key + Up Arrow: Maximize the window.
* Windows logo key + Left Arrow: Maximize the window to the left side of the screen.
* Windows logo key + Right Arrow: Maximize the window to the right side of the screen.
* Windows logo key + Down Arrow: Minimize the window.
* Windows logo key + Home: Minimize all but the active window.
* Windows logo key + Shift + Up Arrow: Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.
* Windows logo key + Shift+ Left Arrow or Right Arrow: Move a window from one monitor to another.
* Windows logo key + P: Choose a presentation display mode.
* Windows logo key + G: Cycle through gadgets.
* Windows logo key + U: Open Ease of Access Center.
* Windows logo key + X: Open Windows Mobility Center.

Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts

* Ctrl + N: Open a new window
* Ctrl + W: Close the current window
* Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder
* End: Display the bottom of the active window
* Home: Display the top of the active window
* F11: Maximize or minimize the active window
* Ctrl + Period (.): Rotate a picture clockwise
* Ctrl + Comma (,): Rotate a picture counter-clockwise
* Num Lock + Asterisk (*) on numeric keypad: Display all subfolders under the selected folder
* Num Lock + Plus Sign (+) on numeric keypad: Display the contents of the selected folder
* Num Lock + Minus Sign (-) on numeric keypad: Collapse the selected folder
* Left Arrow: Collapse the current selection (if it’s expanded), or select the parent folder
* Alt + Enter: Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item
* Alt + P: Display the preview pane
* Alt + Left Arrow: View the previous folder
* Backspace: View the previous folder
* Right Arrow: Display the current selection (if it’s collapsed), or select the first subfolder
* Alt + Right Arrow: View the next folder
* Alt + Up Arrow: View the parent folder
* Ctrl + Shift + E: Display all folders above the selected folder
* Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel: Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons
* Alt + D: Select the address bar
* Ctrl + E: Select the search box
* Ctrl + F: Select the search box

Taskbar keyboard shortcuts

* Shift + Click on a taskbar button: Open a program or quickly open another instance of a program
* Ctrl + Shift + Click on a taskbar button: Open a program as an administrator
* Shift + Right-click on a taskbar button: Show the window menu for the program
* Shift + Right-click on a grouped taskbar button: Show the window menu for the group
* Ctrl + Click on a grouped taskbar button: Cycle through the windows of the group

Magnifier keyboard shortcuts

* Windows logo key + Plus Sign or Minus Sign: Zoom in or out
* Ctrl + Alt + Spacebar: Preview the desktop in full-screen mode
* Ctrl + Alt + F: Switch to full-screen mode
* Ctrl + Alt + L: Switch to lens mode
* Ctrl + Alt + D: Switch to docked mode
* Ctrl + Alt + I: Invert colors
* Ctrl + Alt + arrow keys: Pan in the direction of the arrow keys
* Ctrl + Alt + R: Resize the lens
* Windows logo key + Esc: Exit Magnifier

Remote Desktop Connection keyboard shortcuts

* Alt + Page Up: Move between programs from left to right.
* Alt + Page Down: Move between programs from right to left.
* Alt + Insert: Cycle through programs in the order that they were started in.
* Alt + Home: Display the Start menu.
* Ctrl + Alt + Break: Switch between a window and full screen.
* Ctrl + Alt + End: Display the Windows Security dialog box.
* Alt + Delete: Display the system menu.
* Ctrl + Alt + Minus Sign (-) on the numeric keypad: Place a copy of the active window, within the client, on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing Alt + PrtScn on a local computer).
* Ctrl + Alt + Plus Sign (+) on the numeric keypad: Place a copy of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing PrtScn on a local computer).
* Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow: “Tab” out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host program (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) program.
* Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow: “Tab” out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host program (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) program.

Paint keyboard shortcuts

* Ctrl + N: Create a new picture
* Ctrl + O: Open an existing picture
* Ctrl + S: Save changes to a picture
* F12: Save the picture as a new file
* Ctrl + P: Print a picture
* Alt + F4: Close a picture and its Paint window
* Ctrl + Z: Undo a change
* Ctrl + Y: Redo a change
* Ctrl + A: Select the entire picture
* Ctrl + X: Cut a selection
* Ctrl + C: Copy a selection to the Clipboard
* Ctrl + V: Paste a selection from the Clipboard
* Right Arrow: Move the selection or active shape right by one pixel
* Left Arrow: Move the selection or active shape left by one pixel
* Down Arrow: Move the selection or active shape down by one pixel
* Up Arrow: Move the selection or active shape up by one pixel
* Esc: Cancel a selection
* Delete: Delete a selection
* Ctrl + B: Bold selected text
* Ctrl + +: Increase the width of a brush, line, or shape outline by one pixel
* Ctrl + -: Decrease the width of a brush, line, or shape outline by one pixel
* Ctrl + I: Italicize selected text
* Ctrl + U: Underline selected text
* Ctrl + E: Open the Properties dialog box
* Ctrl + W: Open the Resize and Skew dialog box
* Ctrl + Page Up: Zoom in
* Ctrl + Page Down: Zoom out
* F11: View a picture in full-screen mode
* Ctrl + R: Show or hide the ruler
* Ctrl + G: Show or hide gridlines
* F10 or Alt: Display keytips
* Shift + F10: Show the current shortcut menu
* F1: Open Paint Help

WordPad keyboard shortcuts

* Ctrl + N: Create a new document
* Ctrl + O: Open an existing document
* Ctrl + S: Save changes to a document
* F12: Save the document as a new file
* Ctrl + P: Print a document
* Alt + F4: Close WordPad
* Ctrl + Z: Undo a change
* Ctrl + Y: Redo a change
* Ctrl + A: Select the entire document
* Ctrl + X: Cut a selection
* Ctrl + C: Copy a selection to the Clipboard
* Ctrl + V: Paste a selection from the Clipboard
* Ctrl + B: Make selected text bold
* Ctrl + I: Italicize selected text
* Ctrl + U: Underline selected text
* Ctrl + =: Make selected text subscript
* Ctrl + Shift + =: Make selected text superscript
* Ctrl + L: Align text left
* Ctrl + E Align text center
* Ctrl + R:: Align text right
* Ctrl + J: Justify text
* Ctrl + 1: Set single line spacing
* Ctrl + 2: Set double line spacing
* Ctrl + 5: Set line spacing to 1.5
* Ctrl + Shift + >: Increase the font size
* Ctrl + Shift + <: Decrease the font size
* Ctrl + Shift + A: Change characters to all capitals
* Ctrl + Shift + L: Change the bullet style
* Ctrl + D: Insert a Microsoft Paint drawing
* Ctrl + F: Find text in a document
* F3: Find the next instance of the text in the Find dialog box
* Ctrl + H: Replace text in a document
* Ctrl + Left Arrow: Move the cursor one word to the left
* Ctrl + Right Arrow: Move the cursor one word to the right
* Ctrl + Up Arrow: Move the cursor to the line above
* Ctrl + Down Arrow: Move the cursor to the line below
* Ctrl + Home: Move to the beginning of the document
* Ctrl + End: Move to the end of the document
* Ctrl + Page Up: Move up one page
* Ctrl + Page Down: Move down one page
* Ctrl + Delete: Delete the next word
* F10: Display keytips
* Shift + F10: Show the current shortcut menu
* F1: Open WordPad Help

Calculator keyboard shortcuts

* Alt + 1: Switch to Standard mode
* Alt + 2: Switch to Scientific mode
* Alt + 3: Switch to Programmer mode
* Alt + 4: Switch to Statistics mode
* Ctrl + E: Open date calculations
* Ctrl + H: Turn calculation history on or off
* Ctrl + U: Open unit conversion
* Alt + C: Calculate or solve date calculations and worksheets
* F1: Open Calculator Help
* Ctrl + Q: Press the M- button
* Ctrl + P: Press the M+ button
* Ctrl + M: Press the MS button
* Ctrl + R: Press the MR button
* Ctrl + L: Press the MC button
* %: Press the % button
* F9: Press the +/– button
* /: Press the / button
* *: Press the * button
* +: Press the + button
* -: Press the – button
* R: Press the 1/× button
* @: Press the square root button
* 0-9: Press the number buttons (0-9)
* =: Press the = button
* .: Press the . (decimal point) button
* Backspace: Press the backspace button
* Esc: Press the C button
* Del: Press the CE button
* Ctrl + Shift + D: Clear the calculation history
* F2: Edit the calculation history
* Up Arrow key: Navigate up in the calculation history
* Down Arrow key: Navigate down in the calculation history
* Esc: Cancel editing the calculation history
* Enter: Recalculate the calculation history after editing
* F3: Select Degrees in Scientific mode
* F4: Select Radians in Scientific mode
* F5: Select Grads in Scientific mode
* I: Press the Inv button in Scientific mode
* D: Press the Mod button in Scientific mode
* Ctrl + S: Press the sinh button in Scientific mode
* Ctrl + O: Press the cosh button in Scientific mode
* Ctrl + T: Press the tanh button in Scientific mode
* (: Press the ( button in Scientific mode
* ): Press the ) button in Scientific mode
* N: Press the ln button in Scientific mode
* ;: Press the Int button in Scientific mode
* S: Press the sin button in Scientific mode
* O: Press the cos button in Scientific mode
* T: Press the tan button in Scientific mode
* M: Press the dms button in Scientific mode
* P: Press the pi button in Scientific mode
* V: Press the F-E button in Scientific mode
* X: Press the Exp button in Scientific mode
* Q: Press the x^2 button in Scientific mode
* Y: Press the x^y button in Scientific mode
* #: Press the x^3 button in Scientific mode
* L: Press the log button in Scientific mode
* !: Press the n! button in Scientific mode
* Ctrl + Y: Press the y√x button in Scientific mode
* Ctrl + B: Press the 3√x button in Scientific mode
* Ctrl + G: Press the 10x button in Scientific mode
* F5: Select Hex in Programmer mode
* F6: Select Dec in Programmer mode
* F7: Select Oct in Programmer mode
* F8: Select Bin in Programmer mode
* F12: Select Qword in Programmer mode
* F2: Select Dword in Programmer mode
* F3: Select Word in Programmer mode
* F4: Select Byte in Programmer mode
* K: Press the RoR button in Programmer mode
* J: Press the RoL button in Programmer mode
* <: Press the Lsh button in Programmer mode
* >: Press the Rsh button in Programmer mode
* %: Press the Mod button in Programmer mode
* (: Press the ( button in Programmer mode
* ): Press the ) button in Programmer mode
* |: Press the Or button in Programmer mode
* ^: Press the Xor button in Programmer mode
* ~: Press the Not button in Programmer mode
* &: Press the And button in Programmer mode
* A-F: Press the A-F buttons in Programmer mode
* Spacebar: Toggles the bit value in Programmer mode
* A: Press the Average button in Statistics mode
* Ctrl + A: Press the Average Sq button in Statistics mode
* S: Press the Sum button in Statistics mode
* Ctrl + S: Press the Sum Sq button in Statistics mode
* T: Press the S.D. button in Statistics mode
* Ctrl + T: Press the Inv S.D. button in Statistics mode
* D: Press the CAD button in Statistics mode

Windows Journal keyboard shortcuts

* Ctrl + N: Start a new note
* Ctrl + O: Open a recently used note
* Ctrl + S: Save changes to a note
* Ctrl + Shift + V: Move a note to a specific folder
* Ctrl + P: Print a note
* Alt + F4: Close a note and its Journal window
* Ctrl + Z: Undo a change
* Ctrl + Y: Redo a change
* Ctrl + A: Select all items on a page
* Ctrl + X: Cut a selection
* Ctrl + C: Copy a selection to the Clipboard
* Ctrl + V: Paste a selection from the Clipboard
* Esc: Cancel a selection
* Delete: Delete a selection
* Ctrl + F: Start a basic find
* Ctrl + G: Go to a page
* F5: Refresh find results
* F5: Refresh the note list
* F6: Toggle between a note list and a note
* Ctrl + Shift + C: Display a shortcut menu for column headings in a note list
* F11: View a note in full-screen mode
* F1: Open Journal Help

Windows Help viewer keyboard shortcuts

* Alt + C: Display the Table of Contents
* Alt + N: Display the Connection Settings menu
* F10: Display the Options menu
* Alt + Left Arrow: Move back to the previously viewed topic
* Alt + Right Arrow: Move forward to the next (previously viewed) topic
* Alt + A: Display the customer support page
* Alt + Home: Display the Help and Support home page
* Home: Move to the beginning of a topic
* End: Move to the end of a topic
* Ctrl + F: Search the current topic
* Ctrl + P: Print a topic
* F3: Move the cursor to the search box

Tags: Shortcuts

Allen White

Allen is an IT Consultant and holds the following accreditations. MCSA, MCSE, MCTS, MCITP, CCA, CCSP, VCP 4,5, 6 and HP ASE, AIS — Network Infrastructure.

Using keyboard shortcuts allow you to work more efficiently. Windows has quite a few hotkeys, and it obviously doesn’t make sense to memorize them all. But I recommend skimming over the all available shortcut keys and choosing the ones that seem to be useful for you. I just copied the list from Windows 7 help.

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Michael Pietroforte is the founder and editor in chief of 4sysops. He has more than 35 years of experience in IT management and system administration.

The advantage of the list here is that you can perform a full text search over all keyboard shortcuts without having to expand all sections first. The first section contains all new shortcuts in Windows 7. I have stolen this list from Technet. The article there is about the beta version, but I suppose not much has changed since then.

Please let me know if you spotted another new Windows 7 hotkey. Just in case you didn’t upgrade yet, you can check out the complete list of Windows Vista hotkeys. If you want to create your own hotkeys, you should try the free keyboard shortcut tool AutoHotkey.


New Windows 7 hotkeys

General keyboard shortcuts

Ease of Access keyboard shortcuts

Dialog box keyboard shortcuts

Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts

Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts

Taskbar keyboard shortcuts

Magnifier keyboard shortcuts

Remote Desktop Connection keyboard shortcuts

Paint keyboard shortcuts

WordPad keyboard shortcuts

Calculator keyboard shortcuts

Windows Journal keyboard shortcuts

Windows Help viewer keyboard shortcuts


New Windows 7 hotkeys

Press this key To do this
Windows logo key +Home Clear all but the active window
Windows logo key +Space All windows become transparent so you can see through to the desktop
Windows logo key +Up arrow Maximize the active window
Windows logo key +Down arrow: Minimize the active window or restore the window if it’s maximized
Windows logo key +Left/Right arrows Dock the active window to each side of the monitor
Windows logo key +Shift+Left/Right arrows If you’ve got dual monitors, this will move the active window to the adjacent monitor
Windows logo key +T Shift focus to and scroll through items on the taskbar
Windows logo key +P Adjust presentation settings for your display
Windows logo key +(+/-) Zoom in/out
Shift + Click a taskbar item Open a new instance of that particular application

Ease of Access keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts that can help make your computer easier to use.

Press this key To do this
Right Shift for eight seconds Turn Filter Keys on and off
Left Alt+Left Shift+PrtScn (or PrtScn) Turn High Contrast on or off
Left Alt+Left Shift+Num Lock Turn Mouse Keys on or off
Shift five times Turn Sticky Keys on or off
Num Lock for five seconds Turn Toggle Keys on or off
Windows logo key +U Open the Ease of Access Center

General keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains general keyboard shortcuts.

Press this key To do this
F1 Display Help
Ctrl+C (or Ctrl+Insert) Copy the selected item
Ctrl+X Cut the selected item
Ctrl+V (or Shift+Insert) Paste the selected item
Ctrl+Z Undo an action
Ctrl+Y Redo an action
Delete (or Ctrl+D) Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin
Shift+Delete Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first
F2 Rename the selected item
Ctrl+Right Arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word
Ctrl+Left Arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word
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+Shift with an arrow key Select a block of text
Shift with any arrow key Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document
Ctrl with any arrow key+Spacebar Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop
Ctrl+A Select all items in a document or window
F3 Search for a file or folder
Alt+Enter Display properties for the selected item
Alt+F4 Close the active item, or exit the active program
Alt+Spacebar Open the shortcut menu for the active window
Ctrl+F4 Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
Alt+Tab Switch between open items
Ctrl+Alt+Tab Use the arrow keys to switch between open items
Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheel Change the size of icons on the desktop
Windows logo key +Tab Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
Ctrl+Windows logo key +Tab Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
Alt+Esc Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened
F6 Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
F4 Display the address bar list in Windows Explorer
Shift+F10 Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
Ctrl+Esc Open the Start menu
Alt+underlined letter Display the corresponding menu
Alt+underlined letter Perform the menu command (or other underlined command)
F10 Activate the menu bar in the active program
Right Arrow Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu
Left Arrow Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu
F5 (or Ctrl+R) Refresh the active window
Alt+Up Arrow View the folder one level up in Windows Explorer
Esc Cancel the current task
Ctrl+Shift+Esc Open Task Manager
Shift when you insert a CD Prevent the CD from automatically playing
Left Alt+Shift Switch the input language when multiple input languages are enabled
Ctrl+Shift Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are enabled
Right or Left Ctrl+Shift Change the reading direction of text in right-to-left reading languages

Dialog box keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for use in dialog boxes.

Press this key To do this
Ctrl+Tab Move forward through tabs
Ctrl+Shift+Tab Move back through tabs
Tab Move forward through options
Shift+Tab Move back through options
Alt+underlined letter Perform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter
Enter Replaces clicking the mouse for many selected commands
Spacebar Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box
Arrow keys Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons
F1 Display Help
F4 Display the items in the active list
Backspace Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box

Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows logo key .

Press this key To do this
Windows logo key Open or close the Start menu.
Windows logo key +Pause Display the System Properties dialog box.
Windows logo key +D Display the desktop.
Windows logo key +M Minimize all windows.
Windows logo key +Shift+M Restore minimized windows to the desktop.
Windows logo key +E Open Computer.
Windows logo key +F Search for a file or folder.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +F Search for computers (if you’re on a network).
Windows logo key +L Lock your computer or switch users.
Windows logo key +R Open the Run dialog box.
Windows logo key +T Cycle through programs on the taskbar.
Windows logo key +number Start the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program.
Shift+Windows logo key +number Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +number Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Alt+Windows logo key +number Open the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Windows logo key +Tab Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +Tab Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +B Switch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.
Windows logo key +Spacebar Preview the desktop.
Windows logo key +Up Arrow Maximize the window.
Windows logo key +Left Arrow Maximize the window to the left side of the screen.
Windows logo key +Right Arrow Maximize the window to the right side of the screen.
Windows logo key +Down Arrow Minimize the window.
Windows logo key +Home Minimize all but the active window.
Windows logo key +Shift+Up Arrow Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.
Windows logo key +Shift+Left Arrow or Right Arrow Move a window from one monitor to another.
Windows logo key +P Choose a presentation display mode.
Windows logo key +G Cycle through gadgets.
Windows logo key +U Open Ease of Access Center.
Windows logo key +X Open Windows Mobility Center.

Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Windows Explorer windows or folders.

Press this key To do this
Ctrl+N Open a new window
Ctrl+W Close the current window
Ctrl+Shift+N Create a new folder
End Display the bottom of the active window
Home Display the top of the active window
F11 Maximize or minimize the active window
Ctrl+Period (.) Rotate a picture clockwise
Ctrl+Comma (,) Rotate a picture counter-clockwise
Num Lock+Asterisk (*) on numeric keypad Display all subfolders under the selected folder
Num Lock+Plus Sign (+) on numeric keypad Display the contents of the selected folder
Num Lock+Minus Sign (-) on numeric keypad Collapse the selected folder
Left Arrow Collapse the current selection (if it’s expanded), or select the parent folder
Alt+Enter Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item
Alt+P Display the preview pane
Alt+Left Arrow View the previous folder
Backspace View the previous folder
Right Arrow Display the current selection (if it’s collapsed), or select the first subfolder
Alt+Right Arrow View the next folder
Alt+Up Arrow View the parent folder
Ctrl+Shift+E Display all folders above the selected folder
Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheel Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons
Alt+D Select the address bar
Ctrl+E Select the search box
Ctrl+F Select the search box

Taskbar keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with items on the taskbar.

Press this key To do this
Shift+Click on a taskbar button Open a program or quickly open another instance of a program
Ctrl+Shift+Click on a taskbar button Open a program as an administrator
Shift+Right-click on a taskbar button Show the window menu for the program
Shift+Right-click on a grouped taskbar button Show the window menu for the group
Ctrl+Click on a grouped taskbar button Cycle through the windows of the group

Magnifier keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Magnifier.

Press this key To do this
Windows logo key + Plus Sign or Minus Sign Zoom in or out
Ctrl+Alt+Spacebar Preview the desktop in full-screen mode
Ctrl+Alt+F Switch to full-screen mode
Ctrl+Alt+L Switch to lens mode
Ctrl+Alt+D Switch to docked mode
Ctrl+Alt+I Invert colors
Ctrl+Alt+arrow keys Pan in the direction of the arrow keys
Ctrl+Alt+R Resize the lens
Windows logo key + Esc Exit Magnifier

Remote Desktop Connection keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Remote Desktop Connection.

Press this key To do this
Alt+Page Up Move between programs from left to right.
Alt+Page Down Move between programs from right to left.
Alt+Insert Cycle through programs in the order that they were started in.
Alt+Home Display the Start menu.
Ctrl+Alt+Break Switch between a window and full screen.
Ctrl+Alt+End Display the Windows Security dialog box.
Alt+Delete Display the system menu.
Ctrl+Alt+Minus Sign (-) on the numeric keypad Place a copy of the active window, within the client, on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing Alt+PrtScn on a local computer).
Ctrl+Alt+Plus Sign (+) on the numeric keypad Place a copy of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing PrtScn on a local computer).
Ctrl+Alt+Right Arrow “Tab” out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host program (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) program.
Ctrl+Alt+Left Arrow “Tab” out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host program (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) program.

Note

Ctrl+Alt+Break and Ctrl+Alt+End are available in all Remote Desktop sessions, even when you’ve set up the remote computer to recognize Windows keyboard shortcuts.

Paint keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Paint.

Press this key To do this
Ctrl+N Create a new picture
Ctrl+O Open an existing picture
Ctrl+S Save changes to a picture
F12 Save the picture as a new file
Ctrl+P Print a picture
Alt+F4 Close a picture and its Paint window
Ctrl+Z Undo a change
Ctrl+Y Redo a change
Ctrl+A Select the entire picture
Ctrl+X Cut a selection
Ctrl+C Copy a selection to the Clipboard
Ctrl+V Paste a selection from the Clipboard
Right Arrow Move the selection or active shape right by one pixel
Left Arrow Move the selection or active shape left by one pixel
Down Arrow Move the selection or active shape down by one pixel
Up Arrow Move the selection or active shape up by one pixel
Esc Cancel a selection
Delete Delete a selection
Ctrl+B Bold selected text
Ctrl++ Increase the width of a brush, line, or shape outline by one pixel
Ctrl+- Decrease the width of a brush, line, or shape outline by one pixel
Ctrl+I Italicize selected text
Ctrl+U Underline selected text
Ctrl+E Open the Properties dialog box
Ctrl+W Open the Resize and Skew dialog box
Ctrl+Page Up Zoom in
Ctrl+Page Down Zoom out
F11 View a picture in full-screen mode
Ctrl+R Show or hide the ruler
Ctrl+G Show or hide gridlines
F10 or Alt Display keytips
Shift+F10 Show the current shortcut menu
F1 Open Paint Help

WordPad keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with WordPad.

Press this key To do this
Ctrl+N Create a new document
Ctrl+O Open an existing document
Ctrl+S Save changes to a document
F12 Save the document as a new file
Ctrl+P Print a document
Alt+F4 Close WordPad
Ctrl+Z Undo a change
Ctrl+Y Redo a change
Ctrl+A Select the entire document
Ctrl+X Cut a selection
Ctrl+C Copy a selection to the Clipboard
Ctrl+V Paste a selection from the Clipboard
Ctrl+B Make selected text bold
Ctrl+I Italicize selected text
Ctrl+U Underline selected text
Ctrl+= Make selected text subscript
Ctrl+Shift+= Make selected text superscript
Ctrl+L Align text left
Ctrl+E Align text center
Ctrl+R Align text right
Ctrl+J Justify text
Ctrl+1 Set single line spacing
Ctrl+2 Set double line spacing
Ctrl+5 Set line spacing to 1.5
Ctrl+Shift+> Increase the font size
Ctrl+Shift+< Decrease the font size
Ctrl+Shift+A Change characters to all capitals
Ctrl+Shift+L Change the bullet style
Ctrl+D Insert a Microsoft Paint drawing
Ctrl+F Find text in a document
F3 Find the next instance of the text in the Find dialog box
Ctrl+H Replace text in a document
Ctrl+Left Arrow Move the cursor one word to the left
Ctrl+Right Arrow Move the cursor one word to the right
Ctrl+Up Arrow Move the cursor to the line above
Ctrl+Down Arrow Move the cursor to the line below
Ctrl+Home Move to the beginning of the document
Ctrl+End Move to the end of the document
Ctrl+Page Up Move up one page
Ctrl+Page Down Move down one page
Ctrl+Delete Delete the next word
F10 Display keytips
Shift+F10 Show the current shortcut menu
F1 Open WordPad Help

Calculator keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Calculator.

Press this key To do this
Alt+1 Switch to Standard mode
Alt+2 Switch to Scientific mode
Alt+3 Switch to Programmer mode
Alt+4 Switch to Statistics mode
Ctrl+E Open date calculations
Ctrl+H Turn calculation history on or off
Ctrl+U Open unit conversion
Alt+C Calculate or solve date calculations and worksheets
F1 Open Calculator Help
Ctrl+Q Press the M- button
Ctrl+P Press the M+ button
Ctrl+M Press the MS button
Ctrl+R Press the MR button
Ctrl+L Press the MC button
% Press the % button
F9 Press the +/– button
/ Press the / button
* Press the * button
+ Press the + button
Press the – button
R Press the 1/× button
@ Press the square root button
0-9 Press the number buttons (0-9)
= Press the = button
. Press the . (decimal point) button
Backspace Press the backspace button
Esc Press the C button
Del Press the CE button
Ctrl+Shift+D Clear the calculation history
F2 Edit the calculation history
Up Arrow key Navigate up in the calculation history
Down Arrow key Navigate down in the calculation history
Esc Cancel editing the calculation history
Enter Recalculate the calculation history after editing
F3 Select Degrees in Scientific mode
F4 Select Radians in Scientific mode
F5 Select Grads in Scientific mode
I Press the Inv button in Scientific mode
D Press the Mod button in Scientific mode
Ctrl+S Press the sinh button in Scientific mode
Ctrl+O Press the cosh button in Scientific mode
Ctrl+T Press the tanh button in Scientific mode
( Press the ( button in Scientific mode
) Press the ) button in Scientific mode
N Press the ln button in Scientific mode
; Press the Int button in Scientific mode
S Press the sin button in Scientific mode
O Press the cos button in Scientific mode
T Press the tan button in Scientific mode
M Press the dms button in Scientific mode
P Press the pi button in Scientific mode
V Press the F-E button in Scientific mode
X Press the Exp button in Scientific mode
Q Press the x^2 button in Scientific mode
Y Press the x^y button in Scientific mode
# Press the x^3 button in Scientific mode
L Press the log button in Scientific mode
! Press the n! button in Scientific mode
Ctrl+Y Press the y√x button in Scientific mode
Ctrl+B Press the 3√x button in Scientific mode
Ctrl+G Press the 10x button in Scientific mode
F5 Select Hex in Programmer mode
F6 Select Dec in Programmer mode
F7 Select Oct in Programmer mode
F8 Select Bin in Programmer mode
F12 Select Qword in Programmer mode
F2 Select Dword in Programmer mode
F3 Select Word in Programmer mode
F4 Select Byte in Programmer mode
K Press the RoR button in Programmer mode
J Press the RoL button in Programmer mode
< Press the Lsh button in Programmer mode
> Press the Rsh button in Programmer mode
% Press the Mod button in Programmer mode
( Press the ( button in Programmer mode
) Press the ) button in Programmer mode
| Press the Or button in Programmer mode
^ Press the Xor button in Programmer mode
~ Press the Not button in Programmer mode
& Press the And button in Programmer mode
A-F Press the A-F buttons in Programmer mode
Spacebar Toggles the bit value in Programmer mode
A Press the Average button in Statistics mode
Ctrl+A Press the Average Sq button in Statistics mode
S Press the Sum button in Statistics mode
Ctrl+S Press the Sum Sq button in Statistics mode
T Press the S.D. button in Statistics mode
Ctrl+T Press the Inv S.D. button in Statistics mode
D Press the CAD button in Statistics mode

Windows Journal keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Windows Journal.

Press this key To do this
Ctrl+N Start a new note
Ctrl+O Open a recently used note
Ctrl+S Save changes to a note
Ctrl+Shift+V Move a note to a specific folder
Ctrl+P Print a note
Alt+F4 Close a note and its Journal window
Ctrl+Z Undo a change
Ctrl+Y Redo a change
Ctrl+A Select all items on a page
Ctrl+X Cut a selection
Ctrl+C Copy a selection to the Clipboard
Ctrl+V Paste a selection from the Clipboard
Esc Cancel a selection
Delete Delete a selection
Ctrl+F Start a basic find
Ctrl+G Go to a page
F5 Refresh find results
F5 Refresh the note list
F6 Toggle between a note list and a note
Ctrl+Shift+C Display a shortcut menu for column headings in a note list
F11 View a note in full-screen mode
F1 Open Journal Help

Windows Help viewer keyboard shortcuts

The following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with the Help viewer.

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Press this key To do this
Alt+C Display the Table of Contents
Alt+N Display the Connection Settings menu
F10 Display the Options menu
Alt+Left Arrow Move back to the previously viewed topic
Alt+Right Arrow Move forward to the next (previously viewed) topic
Alt+A Display the customer support page
Alt+Home Display the Help and Support home page
Home Move to the beginning of a topic
End Move to the end of a topic
Ctrl+F Search the current topic
Ctrl+P Print a topic
F3 Move the cursor to the search box
Keyboard Shortcut Action
Windows logo key +T Shift focus to and scroll through items on the taskbar
Windows logo key +P Adjust presentation settings for your display
Windows logo key +(+/-) Zoom in/out
Windows logo key +Click a taskbar item Open a new instance of that particular application

Basic Windows keyboard shortcuts

  • Ctrl+Z: Undo. No matter what program you’re running, Ctrl+Z will roll back your last action. …
  • Ctrl+W: Close. …
  • Ctrl+A: Select all. …
  • Alt+Tab: Switch apps. …
  • Alt+F4: Close apps. …
  • Win+D: Show or hide the desktop. …
  • Win+left arrow or Win+right arrow: Snap windows. …
  • Win+Tab: Open the Task view.

What are the 6 shortcut keys?

Get in the habit of using them, and your mouse will soon start collecting dust!

  • CTRL+S (Save)
  • CTRL+Z (Undo)
  • CTRL+C (Copy), CTRL+V (Paste)
  • CTRL++(Zoom in)
  • CTRL+ALT+DEL (also known as “the 3-finger salute”) or CMD+OPT+ESC (OS X)

What is the shortcut to open help in Windows 7?

New Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts
Display Help F1
Display the items in the active list F4
Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box BACKSPACE
Microsoft keyboard shortcuts

What are the 10 shortcut keys?

Top 10 keyboard shortcuts everyone should know

  • Ctrl+C or Ctrl+Insert and Ctrl+X. Both Ctrl + C and Ctrl + Insert will copy highlighted text or a selected item. …
  • Ctrl+V or Shift+Insert. …
  • Ctrl+Z and Ctrl+Y. …
  • Ctrl+F and Ctrl+G. …
  • Alt+Tab or Ctrl+Tab. …
  • Ctrl+S. …
  • Ctrl+Home or Ctrl+End. …
  • Ctrl+P.

What is function of F1 to F12 keys?

The function keys or F keys are lined across the top of the keyboard and labeled F1 through F12. These keys act as shortcuts, performing certain functions, like saving files, printing data, or refreshing a page. For example, the F1 key is often used as the default help key in many programs.

What are the 12 function keys?

Use of Keyboard Function keys (F1 – F12)

  • F1: – Almost every program uses this key to open its Help and Support window. …
  • F2: – Yes, I know, almost everyone has used this to rename files or folders or icons quickly. …
  • F3: – Press F3 to open search window to find files and folders. …
  • F4: …
  • F5: …
  • F6: …
  • F8: …
  • F10:

What is Ctrl F7?

The F7 key is commonly used to spell check and grammar check a document in Microsoft programs such as Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook, and other Office products. Shift + F7 runs a Thesaurus check on the highlighted word.

What is Ctrl F4?

What Does Ctrl+F4 Do? Alternatively referred to as Control F4 and C-f4, Ctrl+F4 is a shortcut key most often used to close a tab or window within a program. If you want to close all tabs and windows as well as the program use the Alt+F4 keyboard shortcut.

What is Ctrl F12?

Ctrl + F12 opens a document in Word. Shift + F12 saves the Microsoft Word document (like Ctrl + S ). Ctrl + Shift + F12 prints a document in Microsoft Word. Open Firebug, Chrome Developer Tools, or other browsers debug tool. With an Apple running macOS 10.4 or later, F12 shows or hides the Dashboard.

MERCENIE TEAM

February 21, 2015

Shortcut Keys For Windows 7 which is easy to access and use. Windows 7 has many shortcut key which helps us to use computer in easy way. Windows 7 adds lots of great shortcuts for switching between applications, to the screen, or even move them to another monitor with a shortcut key.Here is some Shortcut Key For Windows 7

Shortcut Key For Windows 7 Using WIN key

 Win+Arrow Down  Set window to Restored (if Maximized) or Minimized (if Restored).
Win+Arrow Up  Maximize window (if Restored).
Win+Shift+Arrow Down /Win+Shift+Arrow Up  Maximize Restored window vertically / Restore window to previous state.
Win+Arrow Right / Win+Arrow Left Move Restored window to left/center/right. Works across multiple monitors.
Win+Shift+Arrow Right / Win+Shift+Arrow Left Move window to left monitor and also to right monitor when using multiple monitors.
Win+Tab Cycle through programs using Aero Flip 3D.
Win+g  Cycle through Gadget Window.
 Win+d  Minimize all windows on all Monitors. Press again to restore previous state.
 Win+m Minimize all windows on current Monitor.
Win+Shift+m Restore previously minimized windows on current Monitor.
Win+e Start Windows Explorer (in My Computer).
 Win+r  Open the Run window.
Win+f  Open Windows Search. f3 on empty desktop works, too.
 Win+l Lock the keyboard/ computer.
 Win+p  Choose Presentation Display Mode.
 Win+x  Open Mobility Center.
Win+Home  Set all windows to Minimized on current Monitor except active.
Win+Space Preview Desktop / make windows transparent (May not work with all Settings).
Win+F1 Display Windows Help
win or ctrl+Esc Activate Start Button. Then use arrow keys, space and enter to navigate
 Win+t Go to first item in task-bar, continue with arrow keys
 Win+b  Go to first item in system tray
Win+19 Switch to application in position N on task-bar (or launch pinned application)
Win+pause/break Display System Properties which holds system properties, computer name, device manager and so on
Win+u Open Ease of Access Center
Win+[+] Start Magnifier and zoom in
Win+[-]  Zoom out with Magnifier active
Win+Esc Exit Magnifier

Shortcut Keys For Windows 7 Using Alt key

 Alt+Space  Opens the title bar menu.
Alt+Space+Enter  Restore Window.
Alt+Space+x Maximize Window.
 Alt+Space+n Minimize Window.
Alt+tab or
alt+Shift+Tab
Cycles through open programs in task bar. Hold alt and continuously press tab to move forward between applications. Release keys to switch to application selected. Add shift to reverse direction.
Alt+Esc / Alt+Shift+Esc Cycle through programs on task-bar in the order they were opened or accessed
Alt+Arrow Up Go up one folder
Alt+Arrow Left / Alt+Arrow Right Go to previous folder / go to next folder
 Alt+d or f4 Jump to the Address bar and select absolute address.
 Alt+p Display or hide Preview Pane.
Alt+Enter Open Properties dialog box.
 Alt+e or ctrl+s Email current photo.
Alt+o Open current photo in other application (e.g. Paint of Office).
Alt+Home  Display the Help and Support home page.
Alt+Arrow Left / Alt+Arrow Right Move back / move forward to the previously/ next viewed topic.
 Alt+Home  Display the Start menu.

Some Other Shortcut Keys For Windows 7

F11 Turn full page view on or off
Ctrl+Win+Tab  Cycle through programs on Taskbar using Aero Flip 3D
Arrow Keys Navigate between and select single icons on desktop (when focus is on the desktop)
Enter Launch active icon
Tab / Shift+Tab  Switch focus forward/ backward between Address bar, Search Bar, Toolbar, Navigation Pane, and File List (Default is usually File List)
Ctrl+e or ctrl+f Jump to Search Box in Explorer
Ctrl+n Open new instance of Windows Explorer
Ctrl+mouse scroll wheel  Change size of icons
Shift+Arrow Up / Arrow Down Select multiple adjacent items (directly above or below).
Ctrl+c  For copy.
Ctrl+x  For cut.
Ctrl+v  For paste.
Ctrl+z  Undo an action
Ctrl+y Redo an action
Delete Delete an item and place it into the Recycle Bin
Shift+Delete Delete an item permanently without placing it into the Recycle Bin
Ctrl+Shift+n Create new folder
Alt+Enter Open Properties dialog box
Ctrl+0 (zero) Fit to Window

SEE ALSO- Windows 8 VS Windows7.

Last Updated On: October 4th, 2018

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Windows 7 Keyboard Shortcut keys can save you a lot of time. Here’s a complete guide along with a few tips for IE and Windows Apps.

If you spend as much time in front of a computer as I do, learning a shortcut that can shave a few seconds off a common task can be significant.  Throw in the fact that I’m also a bit lazy…  and it should explain why I’m always looking around for new Keyboard Shortcuts.  The majority of Windows 7 keyboard shortcuts remain the same from Windows Vista and XP (thank you for that Microsoft), so many of the shortcuts I’ve compiled in this groovyPost should look familiar.  If you have a favorite I’ve missed or you find a new one, however, please be sure to tell me about it in the comments so I can add it to the list!


9/22/2012 Editor Update
— I just published a list of Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 8 and Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts. Take a look at the latest shortcut goodness!

My personal favorite BTW – is the pressing F6 while using Internet Explorer.  F6 automatically selects your Address Bar for you.  It saves me a lot of time!

Windows 7 and Windows Vista Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Windows logo key   ::  Open or close the Start menu
  • Windows logo key + Left Arrow Key :: Snap current window to left side of screen for side-by-side viewing
  • Windows logo key + Right Arrow Key :: Snap current window to left side of screen for side-by-side viewing
  • Windows logo key + Left Arrow 2x :: Snap current window left across multiple monitors for side-by-side viewing
  • Windows logo key + PAUSE  ::  Display the System Properties dialog box
  • Windows logo key + D  ::  Display the desktop
  • Windows logo key + M  ::  Minimize all windows
  • Windows logo key + SHIFT+M  ::  Restore minimized windows to the desktop
  • Windows logo key + E  ::  Open Computer
  • Windows logo key + F  ::  Search for a file or folder
  • CTRL+Windows logo key + F  ::  Search for computers (if you are on a network)
  • Windows logo key + L  ::  Lock your computer or switch users
  • Windows logo key + R  ::  Open the Run dialog box
  • Windows logo key + T  ::  Cycle through programs on the taskbar
  • Windows logo key + TAB  ::  Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
  • CTRL+Windows logo key + TAB  ::  Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
  • Windows logo key + SPACEBAR  ::  Bring all gadgets to the front and select Windows Sidebar
  • Windows logo key + G  ::  Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
  • Windows logo key + U  ::  Open Ease of Access Center
  • Windows logo key + X  ::  Open Windows Mobility Center
  • Windows logo key with any number key  ::  Open the Quick Launch shortcut that is in the position that corresponds to the number. For example, Windows logo key + 1 :: Launch the first shortcut in the Quick Launch menu.
  • Windows Key + S :: OneNote Screen Clipping Tool (Requires OneNote)
  • Windows Key + = :: Open Magnifier Tool

General Keyboard Shortcuts

  • F1  ::  Display Help
  • F2  ::  Rename the selected item
  • F3  ::  Search for a file or folder
  • F4  ::  Display the Address bar list in Windows Explorer
  • F5 – Refresh the active window
  • F6  ::  Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
  • F7  ::  Check Spelling in open document
  • F10  ::  Activate the menu bar in the active program
  • CTRL+A  ::  Select all items in a document or window
  • CTRL+C  ::  Copy the selected item
  • CTRL+X  ::  Cut the selected item
  • CTRL+V  ::  Paste the selected item
  • CTRL+Z  ::  Undo an action
  • CTRL+Y  ::  Redo an action
  • SHIFT+DELETE  ::  Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first  (Outlook Tip also)
  • SHIFT+F10  ::  Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
  • SHIFT when you insert a CD  ::  Prevent the CD from automatically playing
  • CTRL+ESC  ::  Open the Start menu
  • CTRL+SHIFT with an arrow key  ::  Select a block of text
  • CTRL+SHIFT+ESC  ::  Open Task Manager
  • CTRL+F4  ::  Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
  • CTRL+ALT+TAB  ::  Use the arrow keys to switch between open items
  • CTRL+Mouse scroll wheel  ::  Change the size of icons on the desktop
  • ALT+ESC  ::  Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened
  • ALT+ENTER  ::  Display properties for the selected item
  • ALT+F4  ::  Close the active item, or exit the active program
  • ALT+SPACEBAR  ::  Open the shortcut menu for the active window
  • ALT+UP ARROW  ::  View the folder one level up in Windows Explorer
  • ALT+TAB  ::  Switch between open items
  • ALT+SHIFT+TAB  ::  Switch between open items in reverse order
  • Windows logo key + TAB  ::  Cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
  • CTRL+Windows logo key + TAB  ::  Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Windows Flip 3-D
  • ESC  ::  Cancel the current task

Internet Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts

  • CTRL+click  ::  Open links in a new tab in the background
  • CTRL+SHIFT+click  ::  Open links in a new tab in the foreground
  • CTRL+T  ::  Open a new tab in the foreground
  • CTRL+TAB or CTRL+SHIFT+TAB  ::  Switch between tabs
  • CTRL+W  ::  Close current tab (or the current window if tabbed browsing is disabled)
  • ALT+ENTER  ::  Open a new tab in the foreground from the Address bar
  • CTRL+n (where n is a number between 1 and 8)   ::  Switch to a specific tab number
  • CTRL+9  ::  Switch to the last tab
  • CTRL+ALT+F4  ::  Close other tabs
  • CTRL+Q  ::  Toggle Quick Tabs (thumbnail view) on or off
  • ALT+M  ::  Open the Home menu
  • ALT+R  ::  Open the Print menu
  • ALT+J  ::  Open the RSS menu
  • ALT+O  ::  Open the Tools menu
  • ALT+L  ::  Open the Help menu
  • F1  ::  Display Help
  • F11  ::  Toggle between full-screen and regular views of the browser window
  • TAB  ::  Move forward through the items on a webpage, the Address bar, or the Links bar
  • SHIFT+TAB  ::  Move back through the items on a webpage, the Address bar, or the Links bar
  • ALT+HOME  ::  Go to your home page
  • ALT+RIGHT ARROW  ::  Go to the next page
  • ALT+LEFT ARROW or BACKSPACE  ::  Go to the previous page
  • SHIFT+F10  ::  Display a shortcut menu for a link
  • CTRL+TAB or F6  ::  Move forward through frames and browser elements (only works if tabbed browsing is disabled)
  • CTRL+SHIFT+TAB  ::  Move backward between frames (only works if tabbed browsing is disabled)
  • CTRL+F  ::  Find on this page
  • F5  ::  Refresh the current web page
  • CTRL+F5  ::  Refresh the current web page, even if the time stamp for the web version and your locally stored version are the same
  • ESC  ::  Stop downloading a page
  • CTRL+O  ::  Open a new website or page
  • CTRL+N  ::  Open a new window
  • CTRL+W  ::  Close the current window (if you only have one tab open)
  • CTRL+S  ::  Save the current page
  • CTRL+P  ::  Print the current page or active frame
  • CTRL+I  ::  Open Favorites
  • CTRL+H  ::  Open History
  • CTRL+J  ::  Open Feeds
  • ALT+P  ::  Open the Page menu
  • ALT+T  ::  Open the Tools menu
  • ALT+H  ::  Open the Help menu

Dialog box keyboard shortcuts

  • CTRL+TAB  ::  Move forward through tabs
  • CTRL+SHIFT+TAB  ::  Move back through tabs
  • TAB  ::  Move forward through options
  • SHIFT+TAB  ::  Move back through options
  • ALT+underlined letter  ::  Perform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter
  • ENTER  ::  Replaces clicking the mouse for many selected commands
  • SPACEBAR  ::  Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box
  • Arrow keys  ::  Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons
  • F1  ::  Display Help
  • F4  ::  Display the items in the active list
  • BACKSPACE  ::  Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box

Windows Sidebar keyboard shortcuts

  • Windows logo key Picture of Windows logo key + SPACEBAR  ::  Bring all gadgets to the front and select Sidebar
  • Windows logo key Picture of Windows logo key +G  ::  Cycle through Sidebar gadgets
  • TAB  ::  Cycle through Sidebar controls

Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts

  • END  ::  Display the bottom of the active window
  • HOME  ::  Display the top of the active window
  • F11  ::  Maximize or minimize the active window
  • CTRL+N  ::  Open a new window
  • CTRL+Mouse scroll wheel  ::  Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons
  • NUM LOCK+ASTERISK (*) on numeric keypad  ::  Display all subfolders under the selected folder
  • NUM LOCK+PLUS SIGN (+) on numeric keypad  ::  Display the contents of the selected folder
  • NUM LOCK+MINUS SIGN (-) on numeric keypad  ::  Collapse the selected folder
  • LEFT ARROW  ::  Collapse the current selection (if it is expanded), or select the parent folder
  • ALT+D  ::  Select the Address bar
  • ALT+LEFT ARROW  ::  View the previous folder
  • ALT+RIGHT ARROW  ::  View the next folder
  • RIGHT ARROW  ::  Display the current selection (if it is collapsed), or select the first subfolder

More Keyboard Shortcuts we love!

  • Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN (or PRTSCRN)  ::  Turn High Contrast on or off
  • Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK ::  Turn Mouse Keys on or off
  • SHIFT five times  ::  Turn Sticky Keys on or off
  • NUM LOCK for five seconds  ::  Turn Toggle Keys on or off
  • Windows logo key +U  ::  Open the Ease of Access Center
  • SHIFT with any arrow key  ::  Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document
  • CTRL with any arrow key+SPACEBAR  ::  Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop
  • CTRL+RIGHT ARROW  ::  Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word
  • CTRL+LEFT ARROW  ::  Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word
  • 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

Time to save this groovyPost! <CRTL+SHIFT+P> …… Live Writer needed for that one ;)

Updated: 11/30/2020 by

Windows logo

Below is a listing of all the more commonly used Windows shortcut keys for every version of Microsoft Windows. If you are looking for shortcut keys related to programs in Windows, like Microsoft Word, Excel, Internet browsers, and others, see our «Other computer keyboard shortcuts» page linked below.

General Windows keyboard shortcuts

Alt+Tab

Switch between open applications in all versions of Windows. Reverse the direction by pressing Alt+Shift+Tab at the same time.

Ctrl+Tab

Switches between program groups, tabs, or document windows in applications that support this feature. Reverse the direction by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Tab at the same time.

Alt+double-click

In Windows 95 or later, display the properties of the object you double-click. For example, doing this on a file would display its properties.

Alt+Print Screen

Create a screenshot only for the active program window in all versions of Windows. For example, if you opened the calculator and pressed these shortcut keys, only the calculator window would be created as a screenshot. If the Print Screen key is pressed alone, the whole screen will be made into a screenshot.

Ctrl+Alt+Del

Open the Windows option screen for locking computer, switching user, Task Manager, etc. in later versions of Windows. Pressing Ctrl+Alt+Del multiple times reboots the computer.

Ctrl+Shift+Esc

Immediately bring up the Windows Task Manager in Windows 2000 and later.

Ctrl+Esc

Open the Windows Start menu in most versions of Windows. In Windows 8, this opens the Start screen and in Windows 3.x, this opens the Task Manager.

Alt+Esc

Switch between open applications on Taskbar in Windows 95 and later.

Alt+Spacebar

Drops down the window control menu for the currently open Windows program in Windows 95 and later.

Alt+Enter

Opens properties window of selected icon or program in Windows 95 and later.

Shift+Del

Permanently delete any file or another object without throwing it into the Recycle Bin in Windows 95 and later.

Hold down Shift

When putting in an audio or data CD that uses Autoplay, holding down Shift prevents that CD from playing.

Windows function key shortcuts

Below is a listing of keyboard shortcuts that use the keyboard function keys. See our what are F1 through F12 keys page for a full listing of what function keys do with all other programs.

  • What are the F1 through F12 keys?

F1

Activates help for current open application. If you’re at the Windows desktop, this activates the help for Windows.

F2

Renames a highlighted icon, file, or folder in all versions of Windows.

F3

Starts find or search when at the Windows desktop in all versions of Windows.

F4

In Windows 95 and later, F4 opens the drive selection or address bar when browsing files in Windows Explorer.

  • Pressing Alt+F4 closes the current open program window without a prompt in all versions of Windows.
  • Pressing Ctrl+F4 closes the open window in the current active window in Microsoft Windows. Only works in programs that support multiple windows or tabs in the same program window.

F6

While in Windows Explorer, F6 moves the cursor to different Windows Explorer pane or in Windows 7 browse available drives.

F8

Pressing F8 over and over as the computer is booting starts the computer in Safe Mode.

F10

Activates the file menu bar in all versions of Windows.

  • Simulates a right-click of a selected item, which is useful if right-click is difficult or impossible using the mouse.

Windows keyboard key shortcuts

Below is a listing of Windows keys that can be used on computers running Microsoft Windows 95 or later and using a keyboard with a Windows key. In the below list of shortcuts, the Windows key is represented by «Windows key.» Because not all these shortcuts work in every version of Windows, we’ve mentioned which versions of Windows support each shortcut key combination.

  • All versions of Windows.
  • Windows XP.
  • Windows 7 and 8.
  • Windows 8.
  • Windows 10.

All versions of Windows

Windows key

Pressing the Windows key alone opens or hides the Windows Start menu. In Windows 8, this opens or hides the Start screen.

Windows key+F1

Open the Microsoft Windows help and support center.

Windows key+Pause or Break

Open the System Properties window.

Windows key+D

Display and hide the Windows desktop.

Windows key+E

Open Microsoft Windows Explorer.

Windows key+F

Display the Windows Search or Find feature.

Windows key+Ctrl+F

Display the search for computers window.

Windows key+L

Lock the computer and switch users if needed (Windows XP and above only).

Windows key+M

Minimizes all windows.

Windows key+Shift+M

Undo the minimize done by Windows key+M and Windows key+D.

Windows key+R

Open the run window.

Windows key+U

Open Utility Manager or the Ease of Access Center.

Windows XP

Windows key+Tab

Cycle through open programs on the Taskbar.

Windows 7 and 8

Windows key+10

Pressing the Windows key and any top row number key from 1 to 0 opens the program corresponding to the number of the program icon on the Taskbar. For example, if the first icon on the Taskbar is Internet Explorer, pressing Windows key+1 would open that program or switch to it if already open.

Windows key+(Plus (+) or Minus (-))

Open Windows Magnifier and zoom in with the plus symbol (+) and zoom out with the minus symbol (-).

  • Press the Windows key+ESC to close the Magnifier.

Windows key+Home

Minimize all windows except the active window.

Windows key+P

Change between the monitor and projection display types or how second screen displays computer screen.

Windows key+T

Set the focus on the Taskbar icons.

Windows key+Left arrow

Shrinks the window to 1/2 screen on the left side for side by side viewing.

Windows key+Right arrow

Shrinks the window to 1/2 screen on the right side for side by side viewing.

Windows key+Up arrow

When in the side by side viewing mode, this shortcut takes the screen back to full size.

Windows key+Down arrow

Minimizes the screen. Also, when in the side by side viewing mode, this shortcut takes the screen back to a minimized size.

Windows 8

Windows key+,

Peek at the Windows desktop.

Windows key+.

Snap a Windows App to the sides of the screen. Pressing it multiple times switches between the right and left side of the screen or unsnap the app.

Windows key+Enter

Open Windows Narrator.

Windows key+C

Open the Charms.

Windows key+G

Cycle through desktop gadgets.

Windows key+H

Open Share in Charms.

Windows key+I

Open the Settings in Charms.

Windows key+J

Switch between snapped apps.

Windows key+K

Open Devices in Charms.

Windows key+O

Lock the screen orientation.

Windows key+X

Open the Power User Menu, which gives you access to many of the features most power users would want to use such as Device Manager, Control Panel, Event Viewer, Command Prompt, and more.

Windows 10

Windows key+,

Peek at the Windows desktop.

Windows key+A

Open the Windows 10 Action Center.

Windows key+G

Open the Game bar. Only works if a game is running.

Windows key+I

Open the Windows 10 Settings window.

Windows key+S

Open the Windows Search utility.

Windows key+X

Open the Power User Menu, which gives you access to many of the features most power users would want to use such as Device Manager, Control Panel, Event Viewer, Command Prompt, and more.

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