Keyboard shortcuts on Windows

General keyboard shortcuts

  • 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 or Ctrl + R: Refresh the active window.

  • F6: Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop.

  • F10: Activate the Menu bar in the active app.

  • Alt + Space: Open the shortcut menu for the active window.

  • Alt + F4: Close the active item, or exit the active app.

  • Alt + F8: Show your password on the sign-in screen.

  • Alt + Tab: Switch between windows.

  • Ctrl + Alt + Tab: Use the arrow keys to switch between all open apps.

  • Ctrl + Escape or Win: Show the start menu.

  • Ctrl + Shift: Open Task Manager.

  • Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are available.

  • Ctrl + Space: Turn the Chinese input method editor (IME) on or off.

  • Ctrl + A: Select all items in a document or window.

  • 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 + Y: Redo an action.

  • Ctrl + Z: Undo an action.

  • Shift + F10: Bring up the context menu for the selected item

Shortcuts using Windows logo key

  • Win + Tab: Open Task View Bring up the overview mode of all windows.

  • Win + Space: Switch input language and keyboard layout.

  • Win + Ctrl + Space: Change to a previously selected input.

  • Win + Ctrl + Enter: Turn on Narrator.

  • Win + A: Open Action center.

  • Win + B: Set focus in the notification area.

  • Win + D: Show/hide the desktop.

  • Win + Shift + D: Show/hide the date and time on the desktop.

  • Win + E: Open file explorer.

  • Win + I: Open settings.

  • Win + L: Lock the PC or switch accounts.

  • Win + M: Minimize all windows.

  • Win + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows on the desktop.

  • Win + O: Lock device orientation.

  • Win + P: Choose a presentation display mode.

  • Win + R: Bring up the “Run” dialog box. Will allow you to type in the internal executable name to run it.

  • Win + S: Open search.

  • Win + Shift + S: Perform a partial screenshot. Allow you to select what you want screenshotted.

  • Win + T: Cycle through apps on the taskbar.

  • Win + V: Open the Windows clipboard manager (this shortcut is enabled in Start > Settings > System > Clipboard > Clipboard history).

  • Win + X: Open the Quick Link menu. Bring up a list of actions, including “Start PowerShell as Admin”.

  • Win + Z: Show the commands available in an app in full-screen mode.

  • Win + . or Win + ;: Bring up the emoji picker. After pressing, start typing to search.

  • Win + ,: Temporarily peek at the desktop.

  • Win + Plus: Open Magnifier.

  • Win + /: Begin Chinese input method editor (IME) reconversion.

Virtual desktops commands

  • Win + Ctrl + D: Add a new virtual desktop

  • Win + Ctrl + Left Arrow, Win + Ctrl + Right Arrow: Move between virtual desktops

  • Win + Ctrl + F4: Close current virtual desktop

Documentation