Secret Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows ¡Discover the Magic!



How Windows shortcuts work?
The process is simpler than it sounds: to activate a specific shortcut in Windows, just press the correct keys at the same time.
In the table below, we have interlaced the keys we have mentioned with a plus sign “+”. Press and hold down the keys just before the plus sign “+” and then press the keys after it. To help you understand the table, we have broken down the most relevant keys below:
- The “Ctrl” key is usually found on the right and left edges of the keyboard
- “Shift": this key transforms letters into capital letters, and can be recognized by its iconic upward-pointing arrow. On many keyboards, this key appears in duplicate, making its appearance both to the right and to the left of the letter section.
- The “Windows” key, adorned with the iconic system logo, is usually found to the left of the space bar, ready to open the doors to a fascinating digital world.
- The “Alt” key, that little fellow residing next to the space bar, always ready to take your shortcuts to the next level - don't get it mixed up with “Alt Gr”!
- “Alt Gr": that magical little key that rests to the right of the space bar. Since it is not essential, there are keyboards that dispense with its presence.
- “F1-F12": the function keys are located in the upper area of the keyboard, ready to fulfill their magical purpose.
- The “Tab” key is a small but powerful ally, located on the left side of the keyboard. It is distinguished by its peculiar symbol: two arrows pointing in opposite directions, as if inviting you to explore new horizons in the digital world.
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General Windows shortcuts
Here are the essential shortcuts that all Windows 10 user´s should know.
- Ctrl + A = Select all content.
- Ctrl + C or (Ctrl + Insert) = Copy/Selected items to clipboard.
- Ctrl + X = Cut Selected items to clipboard.
- Ctrl + V or (Shift + Insert) = Paste content from clipboard.
- Ctrl + Z = Undo and action, including undelete files (limited)
- Ctrl + Y = Redo an action.
- Ctrl + Shift + N = Create new folder on desktop or File Explorer.
- Alt + F4 = Close active window. (If no active window present, then shutdown box appears).
- Ctrl + D = Delete selected item to the recycle Bin.
- ESC = Close current task.
In Windows 10, File Explorer includes many keyboard shortcuts to help you complete tasks faster.
Here’s a list of the 10 most useful shortcuts for File Explorer.
- Alt + D = Select address bar.
- Ctrl + E or (F) = Select search box.
- Ctrl + N = Open new window.
- Ctrl + W = Close active window.
- Ctrl + Shift + E = Expands all folders from the tree in the navigation pane.
- Ctrl + L = Focus on the address bar.
- Alt + P = Display preview panel.
- Alt + Enter = Open properties settings for the selected item.
- F11 = Switch active window full-screen mode.
- F5 = Refresh the instance of file explorer.
These keyboard shortcuts that you can use to open, close, navigate, and complete special tasks more quickly throughout the desktop experience, including the Start menu, the taskbar, Settings, and more. These are the most commonly used shortcuts in this section.
- Ctrl + Alt + Tab = View open apps.
- Ctrl + Arrow keys (to select) + Spacebar = Select multiple items on desktop or File explorer.
- Ctrl + Arrow keys = Change start menu size.
- Alt + Esc = Cycle through open windows.
- Alt + F8 = Reveals typed password in sign-in screen.
- F10 = Enable app menu bar.
- Shift + F10 = Open context menu for selected item.
- Windows Key + A = Open action center.
- Windows Key + P = Open project settings.
- Backspace = Return to settings app home page.