Use This Windows 11 Key to Enter Dozens of Hidden Keyboard Shortcuts

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The Windows key is your entry into your computer’s Start menu, but you can use it for much more. From quickly opening Settings to controlling virtual desktops, the Windows key hides some of your PC’s most convenient shortcuts. There are actually 45 Windows keyboard shortcuts that I think all PC users should know about. Please note: I’m focusing on Windows 11 here, which means a small number of these shortcuts may not work on older versions of Windows. If you need more than just Windows keyboard shortcuts, we also have a list of the best Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts . And if you’re a Mac user, check out these hidden Mac keyboard shortcuts .

45 Windows Keyboard Shortcuts You Should Know About

  1. Windows-E : Opens File Explorer.

  2. Windows-I : Opens Windows Settings.

  3. Windows-A : Opens Quick Settings, which lets you toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume, and other settings.

  4. Windows-Ctrl-Enter : Opens Narrator.

  5. Windows-+ : Launches Magnifier and enlarges the image on the screen. Windows– (minus) will zoom out.

  6. Window-. or Windows-; : Opens the emoji selection window.

  7. Windows-U : Opens accessibility settings.

  8. Windows-Ctrl-C : Enables color filters. To enable this, go to Settings > Accessibility and turn on Color Filter Shortcuts and Color Filters . Select a filter and you’re done. I used it to toggle grayscale mode to reduce screen time at night.

  9. Windows-Alt-B : Enables HDR (only works if you are using version 5.721.7292.0 or later of Xbox Game Bar).

  10. Windows-K : Launches the Cast option in the Quick Settings panel. Useful if you want to quickly stream something to your TV.

  11. Windows-X : Launches a Quick Link menu where you can access the most commonly used troubleshooting options. This includes task manager, settings, startup, shutdown and other functions.

  12. Windows-L : Instantly locks your computer.

  13. Windows-N : Displays calendar and notifications.

  14. Windows-R : Opens Run.

  15. Windows-S : Opens Windows Search.

  16. Windows-V : Shows clipboard history.

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

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

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

  20. Windows-Shift-S : Takes a screenshot of the user’s selected screen.

  21. Windows-Alt-PrtScn : Takes a screenshot of the active window only.

  22. Windows-Alt-R : Records video of the active game window using the Xbox Game Bar.

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

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

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

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

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

  28. Windows-H : Opens voice input.

  29. Windows-Alt-K : Mute or unmute the microphone when applications are using it. Useful when you are on a video call or in a group chat.

  30. Windows-M : Minimizes all open windows.

  31. Windows-Shift-M : Restores all minimized windows to their original state.

  32. Windows-P : Allows you to quickly select display modes. Useful for people who have multiple monitors.

  33. Windows-Ctrl-Q : Opens Quick Assist, a built-in application that lets you control other people’s Windows computers or lets them control yours. Used for troubleshooting.

  34. Windows-Up Arrow : Maximizes the active window.

  35. Windows-Down Arrow : Minimizes the active window.

  36. Windows-Alt-Left or Right Arrow Keys : Snaps the active window to one part of the screen. Hold Windows-Alt and press the arrow keys to adjust its position.

  37. Windows-Home : minimizes all windows except the active one. Enter again to return all windows to their original position.

  38. Windows-Shift-Left or Right Arrow Keys : Moves the active application to the secondary monitor.

  39. Windows-Z : Launches Snap Layouts in the top right corner of the screen. Lets you quickly choose a layout and start adding apps to make the most of your screen space.

  40. Windows-, : Hold this shortcut to see the desktop. The moment you release it, your open windows will return to the screen.

  41. Windows-T : Cycle through applications pinned to the taskbar.

  42. Windows-Alt-Enter : When you select a taskbar item, this shortcut will open the taskbar settings.

  43. Windows-1 : Opens the first application pinned to the taskbar. Replace 1 with any number from 2 to 9 to open the corresponding application.

  44. Windows-W : Opens the widget panel.

  45. Windows-B : Select the first icon on the taskbar, which is located in the lower right corner of the screen.

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