Computer Keyboard Shortcuts And Tricks

3/29/2019

Computer Keyboard Shortcuts And Tricks

Computer Keyboard Shortcuts And Tricks 3,5/5 1795 votes

All Computer Keyboard Shortcuts

Microsoft marked a turning point for Windows 10 with the Creators Update; while there were no earth-shattering upgrades included, it’s feeling much more like a mature OS version, particularly with its new privacy controls, Game Mode, and upgraded Edge browser.

Let’s take a look at some of the best hidden features, tips, and tricks in the operating system. Windows 10 combines the best of Windows 8 — super-fast startup, improved security — with much of what made Windows 7 familiar and easy to use, and without trying to force you to buy a touch screen or learn a whole set of hidden UI gestures. The Creators Update only makes it that much sweeter.

And if you’re a computer nut like me, tweaking the OS is always the fun part. Discovering and implementing power user tips are my favorite part of getting a major new version of an OS. I still remember back when DOS 5.0 came out, and I was running DOS 3.3, and I got to try all these new things to optimize my 286. And when I upgraded from Windows/286 to Windows 3.0, I felt like my life had changed. (We’ve come a long way.) Nostalgia aside, here’s what you need to know to amp up your Windows 10 install and take it to the next level.

At the time of this writing, you can still upgrade from Windows 7 or 8 to Windows 10 for free without paying — although Microsoft isn’t advertising it. Check out the preceding link for more info on how to do that.

Now read: The 20 best free PC games

Check out our ExtremeTech Explains series for more in-depth coverage of today’s hottest tech topics.

We have become so addicted to the mouse, that we do not realize how much it disrupts our workflow. Every time you reach out for it, you’re losing a tiny bit of focus and time. And have you ever accidentally knocked something over while trying to get hold of your mouse?

The keyboard on the other hand is far more powerful than we know. And don’t we have our hands all over it anyways? There are a few cool keyboard tricksWindows Keyboard Shortcuts 101: The Ultimate GuideWindows Keyboard Shortcuts 101: The Ultimate GuideKeyboard shortcuts can save you hours of time. Master the universal Windows keyboard shortcuts, keyboard tricks for specific programs, and a few other tips to speed up your work.Read More that can help you save time and make you more productive.

Here is a list of the most handy Windows, Office, Chrome, and Firefox keyboard shortcuts. We’ve also included universal keyboard shortcuts that have a function in multiple applications.

Windows

These keyboard shortcuts are specific to Windows. We’ve tested them on Windows 10, but most also work on previous versions of Windows.

All Computer Keyboard Shortcuts

High Contrast: SHIFT + ALT + PRINT

In its default setting, this shortcut opens a warning window before applying any changes. Click Yes or simply hit Return to switch to the high contrast setting.

This will enlarge the font on all open windows and change colors to high contrast. For example, the desktop will turn black, what was black text on white background before will be reversed. Clicking the same key combination again reverts the changes.

Rotate Screen: CTRL + ALT + UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT Arrow

This won’t work on every machine as it depends on your graphics card and video drivers. However, if it does work, it will rotate your desktop. It’s also the quickest way to play a trick on an unsuspecting victim.

You can make this change permanent through display settings. Head to the Settings app (press Windows key + I) and go to System > Display. Here you can change the Orientation from Landscape to Portrait or a flipped (upside down) version of the two.

Have you ever done this accidentally and couldn’t figure out what happened? Take a look at this and other keyboard shortcuts users hit by mistakeOops! 10 Keyboard Shortcuts Users Keep Hitting by MistakeOops! 10 Keyboard Shortcuts Users Keep Hitting by MistakeFind that your keyboard won't type properly? Here are common keyboard shortcuts that cause issues and how to fix them.Read More.

Switch Between Open Windows: ALT + TAB

This keyboard shortcut launches a layover window that shows all open programs. Hold onto the ALT key and click the TAB key to move to the next application. Release both keys to open the selected window.

You can reverse the direction by holding ALT + SHIFT while pressing the TAB key.

Delete Without Confirmation: SHIFT + DEL

Do you hate these nagging windows asking you whether you really want to do this or that. If you want to quickly delete something, without being harrassed for a confirmation, use this shortcut.

Do you want to make the instant delete route your default setting? Right click the Recycle Bin on your desktop, select Properties, and remove the checkmark next to Display delete confirmation dialog.

Should you ever run into trouble deleting a file in useHow to Delete a File in Use by Another ProgramHow to Delete a File in Use by Another ProgramWindows says your file is in use because it's open in another program? We show you how to force rename, delete, or move the file.Read More, we’ve got you covered.

Show Desktop / Restore Open Windows: Windows key + D

Rather than moving your mouse into the bottom right corner of your screen to see your desktop, press this keyboard shortcut. Press it again to restore your windows exactly as they were before.

Lock System: Windows key + L

You should never leave your desktop unattended. Before you head out to the loo or to grab another coffee, press this keyboard shortcut to lock your system. When you return and log back in, all programs and windows will appear the way you left them.

If you can’t be bothered to type in your super secure Microsoft password every time you log back into your desktop, set a short PIN insteadPIN or Password? What to Use in Windows 10PIN or Password? What to Use in Windows 10Windows 10 allows you to sign into your PC using several methods. The two most popular are passwords and PINs. Let's examine the differences between them and decide which is best for you.Read More.

Run Command Prompt as Administrator: Windows key + R, type cmd, hold CTRL + SHIFT, hit ENTER

This is one complex chain of commands. But if you manage to do it right, you’ll have instant Administrator access to the command promptEssential Windows CMD Commands You Should KnowEssential Windows CMD Commands You Should KnowThe bleak interface of the command prompt is your gateway to advanced Windows tools. We show you essential CMD commands that will let you access them.Read More.

Unfortunately, this shortcut doesn’t seem to work anymore as of the Windows 10 Creators Update. Alternatively, press Windows key + X to open the Quick Access Menu, then use the UP/DOWN arrow keys to move the Command Prompt (Admin) entry, and hit ENTER.

Shut Down: Windows key + X, U, I / U / R / H / S

You can shut Windows down with a few button clicks. It all starts with Windows key + X to open the Quick Access Menu, followed by the U key to expand the Shut down or sign out options. Finally, press I to sign out, U to shut down, R to restart, H to hibernate, and S to sleep.

Create Your Own Desktop Keyboard Trick

Are there folders or applications you need a lot? Why not create your own keyboard shortcut to quickly access these tools.

Note: This will only work for shortcuts located on your desktop!

First you need to create an actual desktop shortcut. In Windows 10, this has become a little more tricks. Right-click on the application in its program folder or send it from the Start Menu to the Taskbar and SHIFT + right-click its Taskbar icon, then select Create Shortcut from the context menu.

Make sure the shortcut sits on your desktop. Now right-click the shortcut and select Properties. You should see a line that says Shortcut Key: None. Click that line and then click a letter on your keyboard, for example P. This will create a shortcut, here CTRL + ALT + P.

And there you go, now you have your own personal shortcut key.

Google Chrome & Mozilla Firefox

Here we’ve picked keyboard shortcuts that work in both browsers and possibly in other browsers too.

Jump to Open Tabs: CTRL + [tab #1-9]

Rather than scrolling through all your open tabs, you can quickly navigate to a specific tab12 Gorgeous Chrome New Tab Extensions You've Probably Never Tried12 Gorgeous Chrome New Tab Extensions You've Probably Never TriedYou open a new tab when you have a destination in mind, so your eyes are going to rest on it only for a few seconds. Wouldn't you like the tab to look beautiful?Read More if you know its position. For example, clicking CTRL + 4 will jump to tab number 4 (from the left). With CTRL + 9 you will jump to the very last tab, no matter how many you have open.

Move Through Tabs: CTRL + TAB or CTRL + SHIFT + TAB

Got too many tabs open for the previous shortcut to be useful? Like in Windows, you can use the CTRL + TAB shortcut to move through all of your open tabs from left to right. Add the SHIFT key to move from right to left.

Close Tab: CTRL + F4

A quick, mouseless way to close a tab.

Open Closed Tab/s: CTRL + SHIFT + T

Did you accidentally close that tab? Restore it using this key combination.

Scroll PageDown or PageUp: SPACEBAR or SHIFT + SPACEBAR

Give your mouse wheel a break and use the spacebar to move up and down a website.

Toggle Full Screen: F11

Quickly change into full screen mode.

Microsoft Office

Office offers a crazy amount of keyboard shortcutsHow to Find Every Microsoft Office Keyboard Shortcut You Could Ever NeedHow to Find Every Microsoft Office Keyboard Shortcut You Could Ever NeedFinding a complete list of keyboard shortcuts can be a chore. Let Word automatically generate a list of all of its shortcuts! You'll find keyboard shortcuts for other Office applications, too.Read More. We’ll only be able to highlight the most useful ones here.

Excel

Close a spreadsheet: CTRL + W
Open a spreadsheet: CTRL + O
Choose a fill color: ALT + H, H

For more everyday Microsoft Excel keyboard shortcuts35 Everyday Microsoft Excel Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows & Mac35 Everyday Microsoft Excel Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows & MacKeyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time! Use these Microsoft Excel shortcuts to speed up working with spreadsheets on Windows and Mac.Read More or how to create your own Excel keyboard shortcutsHow to Make Your Own Excel Keyboard Shortcuts the Easy WayHow to Make Your Own Excel Keyboard Shortcuts the Easy WayLooking to make Excel your own? Here are the best ways to create custom keyboard shortcuts.Read More, check out the respective article.

PowerPoint

Change the font size for selected text: Alt + H, F, S
Insert a picture: ALT + N, P
Insert a shape: ALT + H, S, H
Select a theme: ALT + G, H
Select a slide layout: ALT + H, L

OneNote

Open a new OneNote window: CTRL + M
Dock the OneNote windows: CTRL + ALT + D
Bring up the context menu for anything currently in focus: SHIFT + F10

Outlook

New message: CTRL + SHIFT + M
Reply: ALT + H, R, P
Forward: ALT + H, F, W
Send: ALT + S
Insert File: ALT + N, A, F

Word

Close active window or document: CTRL + W
Format all letters as capitals: CTRL + SHIFT + A
Save as: ALT, F, A
Insert Table of Contents: ALT, S, T, I
Full Screen Mode: ALT, W, F

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve compiled a more wholesome list in our piece on Microsoft Office keyboard shortcuts60 Essential Microsoft Office Keyboard Shortcuts for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint60 Essential Microsoft Office Keyboard Shortcuts for Word, Excel, and PowerPointHundreds of keyboard shortcuts are available in Office, but these are the most important ones you should know because they will save you a lot of time.Read More.

Universal Keyboard Tricks

The following keyboard shortcuts will work in most programs across Windows.

Undo and Redo: CTRL + Z and CTRL + Y

I’m sure you all know that you can undo changes using the CTRL + Z shortcut. It’s the best shortcut to remember when you’ve messed up5 Windows Tricks to Help You Recover from PC Accidents5 Windows Tricks to Help You Recover from PC AccidentsAll progress aside, Windows 10 still contains countless traps for unsuspecting users. Thankfully, disaster is preventable and mistakes can be undone. We show you common Windows accidents and how to recover from them.Read More. Yes, we all wish this feature existed in real life.

Did you know that you can also undo an undo, i.e. redo what you did using the CTRL + Y key combination? This feature is most useful, however, when you have to repeat a task, like pasting the same information into several locations.

Close Windows: ALT + F4

This will rapidly close the current window in focus. You could also use it to shut down your browser, including all open tabs. Note that CTRL + Z won’t work here. And CTRL + SHIFT + T — to restore browser tabs — only works if another browser window is still open.

Zoom: CTRL + Mouse Wheel or Touchpad Scroll

With high resolution screens, we often find that text on websites is way too small to read properly. Here is a little trick that can quickly increase the font size for better reading. Yes, it does require your mouse, though you could use your touchpad insteadHow to Get the Most Out of Your Touchpad in Windows 10How to Get the Most Out of Your Touchpad in Windows 10Your Windows 10 laptop touchpad has potential beyond being a poor mouse replacement. We'll show you how to set it up to use smart touch gestures with up to four fingers.Read More.

While you hold down the CTRL key, move your mouse wheel to increase or decrease the font size. When used in the Windows File Explorer, this shortcut will cycle through different Layout settings.

This is very useful for making a website fit your window size, rather than to adapt the browser window. Or you could use it to quickly change the zoom level in a Word document. Press CTRL + 0 to restore the default zoom level.

Keyboard Tricks Mastered

Now that you’ve seen them, you only have to remember all these keyboard shortcut tricks. The key is picking the shortcuts you’ll use often and you’ll eventually commit them to muscle memory. Your mouse will soon feel lonely.

If you find that your keyboard is on the fritz, check out this guide on how to fix a laptop keyboard. In addition, we’ve looked at the best all-in-one keyboardsThe 10 Best Wireless All-in-One Keyboards for Mac and PCThe 10 Best Wireless All-in-One Keyboards for Mac and PCWireless all-in-one keyboards can turn any boring computer into an exciting home theater PC. Which one should you buy?Read More you should try and you can also check out how to choose the perfect keyboard for your tasksHow to Choose the Perfect Keyboard for Your Typing TasksHow to Choose the Perfect Keyboard for Your Typing TasksPlanning to buy a new keyboard? Need one that is comfortable and reliable, or just cheap? Here's how to choose a new keyboard.Read More.

Explore more about: Google Chrome, Keyboard Shortcuts, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office 2016, Microsoft Word, Mozilla Firefox.

k thank emma wiz da wizard 2 be =(a1+a2) success
Great article
One of my favorite Windows shortcut that noone talk about is Alt + double click on a file to directly see its properties.
- Alt+Enter also works for properties
- I look at properties of files all the time, and somehow never knew this shortcut. Thank you!
You missed some of my favorite ones, for moving around in text. These work in most text situations, including this comments box. I love not having to move my hand over to the mouse every time I want to reposition the cursor.
Obviously, there is the up arrow, down arrow, PgUp, and PgDn.
Less obvious ones are
Home: Beginning of current line
Ctrl-Home: Beginning of document or text box
End: End of current line
Ctrl-End: End of document or text box
Ctrl-Left or Right Arrow: Move left or right by word
Holding down shift while doing any of these selects all text between the current cursor position and the new cursor position.
My Favorite is
which once opened the DEVICE MANAGER directly
but now opens the Win Sys screen which has DEVICE MANAGER on it.
Thanku so mush for help
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....('(..´..´.. ¯~/'..')
.............'.../
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- EAT IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- ha
Thank you for your help!
By the way my name is alfa arthur
Thank you for your help!!!!
Plz make part 2!!!!
Hey, is Sebrina on, and thanks MAKEUSEOF for all of the info
YEAH THEY ARE THE BEST!
By the way my name is Timothy Clurry
LOL
Harryhatesstyles
I love that name, Harry, or whoever you are:
Check it: ZaynhatesMalik
Just JKING I love 1 DIRECTION, I bet u do 2
Me, i'm a GEEK and I didn't know this stuff, ITS SICK (in a good way) ITS ALSO AWWWESOMEEE
Hi guys, has anyone found this stuff useful!
Thanks Emma, back to you!
Yeah same with mine Sebrina, hey your name is really cool, sebrina!
Nice, only a few worked on mine but thnx anyways!
Thanks!!
Great Tips.:)
Great article! Here is a few more that i did not see.
In Windows Explorer
[Ctrl] + Enter - Open Folder in new window
[Ctrl] + E - Search
[Ctrl] + F - Search
[Ctrl] + R - Refresh
This article is great, although, I think, it should have a second part. ;)
[Ctrl] + L in FF jumps your cursor to the address bar.
[CTRL] R = Read email
[CTRL] W = Write email :)
- [Ctrl] + W does something else in Thunderbird. ;)
[Alt]+[1],[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8] or [9]
[Alt]+[1]: Smily face
[Alt]+[2]: Dark Smily face
[Alt]+[3]: heart
[Alt]+[4]: diamond
[Alt]+[5]: club
[Alt]+[6]: spade
[Alt]+[7]: small dot
[Alt]+[8]: squire with dot in the middle
[Alt]+[9]: bigger circle
About 'creating your own trick' : can you also make combinations with the Windows key. When I try e.g. Windows key + z it is automatically converted into XTRL + ALT + z. Afterwards CTRL + ALT + z works but Windows key + z does not. Anyone who gets this working ?
SHIFT + Tab and you go back to a field instead of forward. Comes in handy when filling in webforms and when you see that you have made a mistake.
Great post this will really help me.
Keep posting stuff like this i really like it.
I am definitely bookmarking this page and sharing it with my friends.
:)
[alt] + [F4] should be moved to the [Windows] section as it will close almost any program.
- I agree. Also [ctrl]+[F4] closes any child window within most Windows apps (a single document in Word for example).
Wow. that explains that. I had an issue with someone at work that flipped their screen sideways. I had no idea how they did that.
Hey thanks for the tips - very useful.
Jim
another handy Firefox shortcut is to add domain extension in the address bar without having to type it.
[CTRL + Enter] add .com
[CTRL + Shift + Enter] add .org
[Shift + Enter] add .net
really saves u the hassle of typing the complete url. btw, AFAIK these shortcuts also works on other browsers (except IE and Safari).
Thanks for the helpful tips.
Wicked post here, thanks for these. I hate reverting to the mouse to do stuff when keyboard shortcuts can be so much quicker.
Although that 'hold Ctrl and use the mouse scroll wheel' is something I use all the time. Not for changing the font size but for zooming in and out of documents, PDFs, images etc.
Press shift when selecting thumbnails view in explorer for a non_texts_in_thumbs view.. nice & useless
Jordan
The description for Shift+Del is wrong. It still asks you to confirm the operationâ€“the difference is that instead of sending the file to the Recycle Bin after you click â€œYes,â€ it deletes it permanently.
Jordan you are right!
Win+Pause/Break = System Properties
Can I open the context menu using the keyboard as my right button is getting a bit iffy?
[Shift]+DEL should be banned from Windows or any other operating system.. As a IT Consultant I have seen to many people learn this little devil shortcut and loose files that really shouldnÂ´t be deleted, giving much headache to me and possibly so many others.
- Not so much the fault of the OS as the user really. If they didn't use this then they'd only empty the recycle bin after they deleted it anyway, resulting in the same problem..
Nice one! I loved the Firefox search tip!! ;)
Btw, why is there an image of a mac keyboard while we talk about pc shortcuts? Lol ;)
In Windows:
alt + enter = properties of selected file(s) or folder(s)
- Hey good one.. gonna be really useful.Thanks
Firefox: alt-click a link to download it.
[Windows] + [F] - Search/Find files or computers
If you have installed Yahoo Messenger, you can use:
[Windows] + [Y] to run Yahoo Messenger.
I tried the second trick and pressed Ctrl+Alt+Down. It changed my resolution to 800x600! Pressing it again made no diff. When I tried to open the display properties to manually fix the resolution, my lappy started emitting a continuous high-pitched beep and a window came up saying that the driver was for an older version of windows etc. Then, icing on cake, the computer froze. I had to switch it off and on again and run in safe mode.
Teaches me not to try out random tricks without thinking.
I dont know if its something wid my system or what, but please put a warning up there. (I use Dell Inspiron 1525 with Win Vista)
Windows + e = explorer
ctrl + numpad+ = expand coloms listview explorer
[Windows]+[Pause] is opening the System window.
[Alt]+[PrtScr] is making a screenshot of your active window, instead of the whole desktop.
- [Alt]+[PrtScr] is making a screenshot of your active window, instead of the whole desktop.
  This in great ! Thanks !
Here is another one - F2 - rename object (file/folder).
Works on multiple objects too.
[Windows] + [E] - Launches Windows Explorer
- everybody know this..
  :(
- in vista win+E opens My Computer ;)
  - 'My Computer' IS Windows (File) Explorer! :)
  - 'Shut Down: Windows key + X, U, I / U / R / H / S'
    Even easier, in Windows 7, or with Classic Shell: Windows (release) -> Right -> Enter.
    Easier ways to get to Task Manager than hitting CTRL+ALT+DELETE (which you should NEVER need to do :) ): Right-click an empty spot on the taskbar, then click Task Manager; also, CTRL+SHIFT+ESC.
- windows + e opens up my computer. Canned goods expiration safety.
  plus, u can substitute any of ur folder like a drive in my computer
  goto command prompt, type in
  subst [path name of dir] [new drive name:]
  eg:
  subst c:desktopmystuff x:
  you'll have a x: drive in my computers - the mystuff folder.
  but this is temporary for the current login. put it in autoexec.bat file to make permanent
  you can also, to make your life easier, put ur most used folders in sendto list.
  in vista, just search for this folder,in the admin account,not the public one.
  appdata->roaming->microsoft->windows->sendto
  put the shortcut of ur folder in this one. like mymovies etc
  so you can just send stuff from your pendrive etc to that or from anywhere
few are common, but most are unknown
Good!
The description for Shift+Del is wrong. It still asks you to confirm the operation--the difference is that instead of sending the file to the Recycle Bin after you click 'Yes,' it deletes it permanently.
Create and use shorcut key in windows 7
http://milanhelp.blogspot.com/2009/11/create-and-use-shortcut-key-in-windows.html
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC opens Windows Task Manager.
I use Ctrl + W to close tabs. A bit easier than Ctrl + F4.
- absolutely great ! . i use the same CTRL + W for closing a tab
- Ctrl + W is the way to go! OSX uses the same shortcut to close a window/tab. (Cmd + W of course)

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