Popular Keyboard Shortcuts

There are many different types of Windows keyboard shortcuts available. Here are a few of the most popular.

What Are Some Popular General Keyboard Shortcuts?

Getting comfortable with the Function keys and the CTRL and ALT buttons opens up a host of shortcut possibilities, including:

• F1 Display Help
• F2 Rename the selected item
• F3 Search for a file or folder
• F4 Display the full address in File Explorer
• F5 Refresh the active window
• F6 Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
• ALT+F4 Close the active item or exit the active app
• ALT+Left Arrow Back
• ALT+Right Arrow Forward
• ALT+TAB Switch between open apps
• CTRL+A Select all items in a document or window
• CTRL+C Copy the selected item
• CTRL+D Delete the selected item
• CTRL+V Paste the selected item
• CTRL+X Cut the selected item
• CTRL+Y Redo an action
• CTRL+Z Undo an action
• CTRL+Right Arrow Move to beginning of next word
• CTRL+Left Arrow Move to beginning of previous word
• CTRL+Down Arrow Move to beginning of next paragraph
• CTRL+Up Arrow Move to the beginning of previous paragraph

What Can I Use the Windows Key For?

Many users never think of the Windows key (the slanted square at the bottom left of your keyboard). In tandem with other keys, however, it is a powerful time-saver. Try these shortcuts:

• Win+F1 Open Windows Help and support
• Win+D Display or hide desktop
• Win+E Open File Explorer
• Win+F Open Search window
• Win+I Open Settings window
• Win+L Lock your PC
• Win+M Minimize all windows
• Win+R Open Run dialog box
• Win+X Open Quick Links menu
• Win+Up Arrow Maximize the window
• Win+Down Arrow Remove current app or minimize desktop window
• Win+Left Arrow Maximize app or desktop window to left of screen
• Win+Right Arrow Maximize app or desktop window to right of screen

I Use Microsoft Word A Lot. Any Shortcut Suggestions?

Word gets heavy use in most offices. Here are a few of the top shortcuts to make navigating your Word docs a breeze:

• CTRL+N Create new document
• CTRL+O Open existing document
• CTRL+S Save a document
• CTRL+W Close a document
• CTRL+F Search a document
• CTRL+H Find and replace
• F7 Run spelling and grammar check
• CTRL+End Move to end of document
• CTRL+Home Move to beginning of document
• Page Up/Page Down Move up or down one screen
• Shift+Left/Right Arrow Extend selection by one character to the left or right
• CTRL+Shift+Left/Right Arrow Extend selection by one word to the left or right
• Shift+Up/Down Arrow Extend selection up or down one line
• CTRL+Shift+Up/Down Arrow Extend selection to beginning or end of paragraph
• CTRL+Backspace Delete one word to the left
• Delete Delete one character to the right
• CTRL+Delete Delete one word to the right
• CTRL+B Apply bold formatting
• CTRL+I Apply italic formatting
• CTRL+U Apply underline formatting
• CTRL+Shift+< or > Decrease or increase font size one size
• CTRL+E Center paragraph
• CTRL+L Left-align paragraph
• CTRL+R Right-align paragraph
• CTRL+J Justify paragraph

Experiment with the shortcuts that apply to the work you do most often. You’ll be amazed at how much time you save. If you want help optimizing your company’s technology, count on Colorado Computer Support. Our seasoned professions help businesses maximize their technology investment and support your team to meet key business goals. To learn more, contact us today.