52 Best Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11

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Keyboard shortcuts are a boon for productivity in Windows. Many things that require a few clicks, such as taking screenshots, can be easily accomplished with a couple of keystrokes. There are a few new keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 , but it’s worth learning all the best keyboard shortcuts on the platform. Some of them have been around for many years, but are not used often enough. I bet there is at least one shortcut you didn’t know about but wish you had.

Keyboard shortcuts for Windows settings

If you’re a Windows 11 user, you’re no stranger to customizing settings , as the OS comes with some not-so-great default settings . Here’s how you can make your system even faster:

  • Windows-i : Opens Windows settings.

  • Backspace : If you’re several pages deep in Windows settings, press Backspace to move up one level. Keep clicking on it again and again and you will eventually be taken back to the settings home page.

  • Windows-A : Opens Quick Settings (equivalent to Mac Control Center).

  • Windows-L : Locks the computer.

  • Windows-D : Shows the desktop.

  • Windows-N : Opens the Action Center and also shows the calendar.

  • Windows-R : Opens the Run window and allows you to quickly launch applications.

  • Windows-S : Allows you to use Windows Search.

  • Windows-V : Shows clipboard history.

  • Windows-Spacebar : Switch between keyboards and input languages.

Keyboard shortcuts for screenshots

Taking screenshots in Windows is quite simple , but there are a few keyboard shortcuts that can help you do it quickly.

  • PrtScn : If your keyboard has a print screen button, this is the easiest way to take a screenshot in Windows.

  • Windows-PrtScn : Takes a snapshot of everything visible on the screen.

  • Alt-PrtScn : Takes a screenshot of the active window.

  • Windows-F : Takes a screenshot and opens the Windows 11 Feedback Center. Allows you to report any bugs or other problems on your computer to Microsoft.

  • Windows-Shift-S : Takes a screenshot of part of the screen. You can define a custom area and Windows will take a screenshot inside it.

  • Windows-Alt-PrtScn : Takes a screenshot of the active game window using the Windows Game Bar.

If the default tools aren’t working for you, you should switch to ShareX , the best screenshot app for Windows.

Keyboard shortcuts for managing windows

There are many shortcuts that make it easier to manage open windows in various applications:

  • Alt-Tab : Perhaps the most famous window management shortcut. Allows you to cycle through all open applications and switch between them.

  • Shift-Alt-Tab : Cycle through open applications in reverse order.

  • Ctrl-Tab : Cycle through open tabs in the browser, Explorer, or other applications.

  • Shift-Ctrl-Tab : Cycle through tabs in reverse order.

  • Ctrl-1 : Opens the first browser tab. Change the number to anything from 1 to 9 and you will be taken to the appropriate tab.

  • Tab : Cycles through all clickable elements on the screen. Keep clicking on it to move to the next available option.

  • Ctrl-Tab : Same as Tab, but in reverse.

  • Windows-Tab : Opens Task View to view your virtual desktops.

  • Windows-Ctrl-D : Adds a virtual desktop.

  • Windows-Ctrl-Right Arrow : Switches to the virtual desktop on the right.

  • Windows-Ctrl-Left Arrow : Switches to the virtual desktop on the left.

  • Windows-Ctrl-F4 : Closes the virtual desktop you are using.

  • F11 : Maximizes the open window or returns it to its original size.

  • Alt-F4 : Closes an open window.

Explorer Shortcuts

Windows Explorer has a lot of great productivity shortcuts:

  • F2 : Quickly renames files. You can also select multiple files and use the F2 key to create a sequential numbering scheme for the names, such as Grand-Canyon-Trip (1), Grand-Canyon-Trip (2), etc.

  • F3 : Quickly jump to the search bar in Explorer. Ctrl-E and Ctrl-F also do the same thing.

  • Ctrl-L : Selects the address bar. Also works in your browser. In Explorer, you can also use F4 for this.

  • F5 : Refreshes the active window.

  • Alt-Enter : When you select any file or folder, this shortcut opens properties.

  • Alt-Left Arrow : Return to the previous page.

  • Alt-Right Arrow : go forward.

  • Ctrl-T : Opens a new tab.

  • Ctrl-Shift-N : Creates a new folder.

  • Alt-P : Opens the preview panel.

Useful different keyboard shortcuts

There are many more keyboard shortcuts in Windows. Here are some of the most useful ones:

  • Ctrl-C : Copy.

  • Ctrl-X : Cut.

  • Ctrl-V : Paste

  • Ctrl-Shift-V : Paste without formatting.

  • Ctrl-Z : Undo.

  • Ctrl-Y : repeat.

  • Ctrl-D : Deletes the selected item and sends it to the trash. To do this, you can also click “Delete”.

  • Ctrl-Esc : Opens the Start menu. A useful alternative if the Windows key on your keyboard doesn’t work.

  • Ctrl-Shift-Esc : Opens the task manager.

  • Shift-F10 : keyboard version of right-click.

  • Shift-Delete : Permanently deletes selected items.

  • Esc : Helps you avoid a lot of things like pop-ups or accidental actions.

Looking for a new Windows laptop? Our friends at PCMag have a list of the best laptops of 2024, which includes:

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