Table of Contents
The mouse is the main way to move around in Windows 11, but keyboard shortcuts can help you speed up and improve a lot of different actions. In this article, we’ll talk about the most important keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11. Many of them are the same as in Windows 10 and earlier versions of Microsoft’s operating system. This includes basic things like copying highlighted items and undoing a previous action, as well as less common ones like snapping an active window into place.
Shortcuts on the keyboard can do a lot of different things, from copying text to taking a screenshot to opening your notifications and more. Some updates, like Windows 11 version 22H2, also add new features, and some of them can be used with keyboard shortcuts. Here are the most important ones.
Best Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
Maintain a reference document or list of the Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts you frequently use. You can access official Microsoft material as well as resources provided by third parties online. Don’t be afraid to try different shortcuts out and see how well they work for you. However, exercise extreme caution while working with powerful keyboard shortcuts that have the ability to turn off or restart your computer.
General Shortcuts:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Win key | Open Start Menu |
Win + A | Open Action Center |
Win + I | Open Settings |
Win + E | Open File Explorer |
Win + L | Lock the computer |
Win + D | Show/hide desktop |
Alt + Tab | Switch between open applications |
Win + Number | Open or switch to the app in the taskbar |
Win + Print Screen | Take a screenshot and save it to Pictures |
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
Virtual Desktops:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Win + Tab | Open Task View and switch between virtual desktops |
Win + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow | Switch between virtual desktops |
Win + Ctrl + F4 | Close the current virtual desktop |
Window Management:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Win + Up Arrow | Maximize the current window |
Win + Down Arrow | Minimize the current window |
Win + Left/Right Arrow | Snap the current window to the left/right side |
Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow | Move the current window to the left/right monitor |
Win + Home | Minimize/restore all other windows |
Taskbar Shortcuts:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Win + T | Cycle through apps on the taskbar |
Win + B | Highlight the system tray |
Win + Number | Open or switch to the app in the taskbar |
Shift + Right-click on app | Show the app’s window menu |
File Explorer:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Win + E | Open File Explorer |
Alt + D | Select the address bar |
Ctrl + N | Open a new File Explorer window |
Alt + P | Show/hide the preview pane |
Alt + Enter | Open the Properties dialog for the selected item |
Best Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts for Different Modes
The ability to multitask is emphasized in Windows 11. Acquire the keyboard shortcuts necessary to move windows to the four corners of the screen, navigate between applications, and create and manage virtual desktops.
Tablet Mode Keyboard Shortcuts:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Win + A | Open the Action Center |
Win + C | Open the Charms bar |
Win + I | Open Settings |
Win + L | Lock the device |
Win + O | Lock screen orientation |
Win + P | Open the Project menu (for multi-monitor setups) |
Win + Q | Open the Quick Launch bar |
Win + S | Open the Search bar |
Win + Tab | Open the Task View |
Win + Volume Up | Increase volume |
Win + Volume Down | Decrease volume |
Win + Volume Mute | Mute/unmute volume |
Win + Power | Turn off the device |
Desktop Mode Keyboard Shortcuts:
Shortcut | Description |
---|---|
Win + A | Open the Action Center |
Win + D | Show/hide the desktop |
Win + E | Open File Explorer |
Win + I | Open Settings |
Win + L | Lock the computer |
Win + M | Minimize all windows |
Win + Shift + M | Restore minimized windows |
Win + P | Open the Project menu (for multi-monitor setups) |
Win + R | Open the Run dialog box |
Win + S | Open the Search bar |
Win + Tab | Open the Task View |
Win + X | Open the Power User menu |
Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps |
Alt + F4 | Close the active window or app |
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
How to Use Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts Effectively?
If you use Windows 11 keyboard tools well, you can be much more productive and get more done in less time. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of the keyboard keys in Windows 11:
- Learn about the most common short cuts: Start by learning and remembering keyboard shortcuts that you use often, like those for copying, pasting, saving, and starting new windows. Most of the time, these tools work the same in all versions of Windows.
- Explore the New Shortcuts in Windows 11: Windows 11 adds new functions and keyboard shortcuts. Take the time to learn and use these tools to get the most out of the new features.
- Learn Keyboard Shortcuts for Specific jobs: Find keyboard shortcuts for the jobs you do most often. For example, if you switch between virtual desktops often, you should learn the tools for moving between virtual desktops.
- Use the Windows Key. The Windows key, which is often marked with the Windows logo, is the key to many options in Windows 11. When you press it with other keys, it opens the Start menu, starts a search, and does more.
Question and Answers
There are a lot of keyboard shortcuts for actions that can be useful in different parts of Windows 11 or in different apps. Here are some more shortcuts that may help you when you want to copy and paste text or files, refresh a page, and so on. Ctrl + A lets you choose all the text or items on a page or in a window.
A: Right now, Windows 11 doesn’t come with any built-in ways to make your own keyboard shortcuts. But you can use software or tools from a third party to remap keys and make your own shortcuts.