Windows 11Windows 10Windows 8.1 & Windows 8.1 RTWindows 7
Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide an alternative way to do something that youd typically do with a mouse.If you are trying to take a screenshot or screengrab, see How to take and annotate screenshots. Show
Click an option below, and it'll open to display a table of related shortcuts: Copy, paste, and other general keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Ctrl + X Cut the selected item. Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert) Copy the selected item. Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert) Paste the selected item. Ctrl + Z Undo an action. Alt + Tab Switch between open apps. Alt + F4 Close the active item, or exit the active app. Windows logo key + L Lock your PC. Windows logo key+ D Display and hide the desktop. F2 Rename the selected item. F3 Search for a file or folder in File Explorer. F4 Display the address bar list in File Explorer. F5 Refresh the active window. F6 Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop. F10 Activate the Menu bar in the active app. Alt + F8 Show your password on the sign-in screen. Alt + Esc Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened. Alt + underlined letter Perform the command for that letter. Alt + Enter Display properties for the selected item. Alt + Spacebar Open the shortcut menu for the active window. Alt + Left arrow Go back. Alt + Right arrow Go forward. Alt + Page Up Move up one screen. Alt + Page Down Move down one screen. Ctrl + F4 Close the active document (in apps that are full-screen and let you have multiple documents open at the same time). Ctrl + A Select all items in a document or window. Ctrl + D (or Delete) Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin. Ctrl + E Open Search (in most apps). Ctrl + R (or F5) Refresh the active window. Ctrl + Y Redo an action. Ctrl + Right arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word. Ctrl + Left arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word. Ctrl + Down arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph. Ctrl + Up arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph. Ctrl + Alt + Tab Use the arrow keys to switch between all open apps. Alt + Shift + arrow keys When a group or tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it in the direction specified. Ctrl + Shift + arrow keys When a tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it into another tile to create a folder. Ctrl + arrow keys Resize the Start menu when it's open. Ctrl + arrow key (to move to an item) + Spacebar Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop. Ctrl + Shift with an arrow key Select a block of text. Ctrl + Esc Open Start. Ctrl + Shift + Esc Open Task Manager. Ctrl + Shift Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are available. Ctrl + Spacebar Turn the Chinese input method editor (IME) on or off. Shift + F10 Display the shortcut menu for the selected item. Shift with any arrow key Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document. Shift + Delete Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first. Right arrow Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu. Left arrow Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu. Esc Stop or leave the current task. PrtScn Take a screenshot of your whole screen and copy it to the clipboard. Note
Use PrtScn key to open screen snipping Windows logo key keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Windows logo key Open or close Start. Windows logo key + A Open Quick Settings. Updated in Windows 11. Windowslogo key + B Set focus to the first icon in the Taskbar corner. Windows logo key + C Open Chat from Microsoft Teams. Updated in Windows 11. Windows logo key + Shift + C Open the charms menu. Windows logo key + Ctrl + C Turn on color filters (enable this shortcut first in Color Filter settings). Windows logo key + D Display and hide the desktop. Windows logo key + E Open File Explorer. Windows logo key + F Open Feedback Hub and take a screenshot. Windows logo key + G Open Xbox Game Bar when a game is open. Windows logo key + H Launch voice typing. Updated in Windows 11. Windows logo key+ I Open Settings. Windows logo key + J Set focus to a Windows tip when one is available. Windows logo key + K Open Cast from Quick Settings. Updated in Windows 11. Windows logo key + L Lock your PC or switch accounts. Windows logo key + M Minimize all windows. Windows logo key + Shift + M Restore minimized windows on the desktop. Windows logo key + N Open notification center and calendar. Updated in Windows 11. Windows logo key + O Lock device orientation. Windows logo key + P Choose a presentation display mode. Windows logokey + Ctrl + Q OpenQuick Assist. Windows logo key + R Open the Run dialog box. Windows logo key + Alt + R Record video of game window in focus (using Xbox Game Bar). Windows logo key + S Open search. Windows logo key + Shift + S Take a screenshot of part ofyour screen. Windows logo key + T Cycle through apps on the taskbar. Windows logo key + U Open Accessibility Settings. Windows logo key + V Open the clipboard history. Note
Windows logo key + Shift + V Set focus to anotification. Windows logo key + W Open Widgets. Updated in Windows 11. Windows logo key + X Open the Quick Link menu. Windows logo key + Y Switch input between Windows Mixed Reality and your desktop. Windows logo key + Z Open the snap layouts. Updated in Windows 11. Windows logo key + period (.) or semicolon (;) Open emoji panel. Windows logo key + comma (,) Temporarily peek at the desktop. Windows logo key + Pause Opens Settings > System > About. Windows logo key + Ctrl + F Search for PCs (if you're on a network). Windows logo key + number Open the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app. Windows logo key + Shift + number Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Windows logo key + Ctrl + number Open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Windows logo key + Alt + number Open the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + number Open the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator. Windows logo key + Tab Open Task view. Windows logo key + Up arrow Maximize the window. Windows logo key + Alt + Up arrow Snap window in focus to top half of screen. New with Windows 11. Windows logo key + Down arrow Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window. Windows logo key + Alt + Down arrow Snap window in focus to bottom half of screen. New with Windows 11. Windows logo key + Left arrow Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen. Windows logo key + Right arrow Maximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen. Windows logo key + Home Minimize all except the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke). Windows logo key + Shift + Up arrow Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen. Windows logo key + Shift + Down arrow Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width. Windows logo key + Shift + Left arrow or Right arrow Move an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another. Windows logo key + Shift + Spacebar Cycle backwards through language and keyboard layout. Windows logo key + Spacebar Switch input language and keyboard layout. Windows logo key + Ctrl + Spacebar Change to a previously selected input. Windows logo key + Ctrl + Enter Turn on Narrator. Windows logo key + Plus (+) Open Magnifier and zoom in. Windows logo key + Minus (-) Zoom out in Magnifier. Windows logo key + Esc Close Magnifier. Windows logo key + forward slash (/) Begin IME reconversion. Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B Wake PC from blank or black screen. Windows logo key + PrtScn Save full screen screenshot to file. Windows logo key + Alt + PrtScn Save screenshot of game window in focus to file (using Xbox Game Bar). Command Prompt keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert) Copy the selected text. Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert) Paste the selected text. Ctrl + M Enter Mark mode. Alt + selection key Begin selection in block mode. Arrow keys Move the cursor in the direction specified. Page up Move the cursor by one page up. Page down Move the cursor by one page down. Ctrl + Home (Mark mode) Move the cursor to the beginning of the buffer. Ctrl + End (Mark mode) Move the cursor to the end of the buffer. Ctrl + Up arrow Move up one line in the output history. Ctrl + Down arrow Move down one line in the output history. Ctrl + Home (History navigation) If the command line is empty, move the viewport to the top of the buffer. Otherwise, delete all the characters to the left of the cursor in the command line. Ctrl + End (History navigation) If the command line is empty, move the viewport to the command line. Otherwise, delete all the characters to the right of the cursor in the command line. Dialog box keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this F4 Display the items in the active list. Ctrl + Tab Move forward through tabs. Ctrl + Shift + Tab Move back through tabs. Ctrl + number (number 19) Move to nth tab. Tab Move forward through options. Shift + Tab Move back through options. Alt + underlined letter Perform the command (or select the option) that is used with that letter. Spacebar Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box. Backspace Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box. Arrow keys Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons. File Explorer keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Alt + D Select the address bar. Ctrl + E Select the search box. Ctrl + F Select the search box. Ctrl + N Open a new window. Ctrl + W Close the active window. Ctrl + mouse scroll wheel Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons. Ctrl + Shift + E Display all folders above the selected folder. Ctrl + Shift + N Create a new folder. Num Lock + asterisk (*) Display all subfolders under the selected folder. Num Lock + plus (+) Display the contents of the selected folder. Num Lock + minus (-) Collapse the selected folder. Alt + P Display the preview panel. Alt + Enter Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item. Alt + Right arrow View the next folder. Alt + Up arrow View the folder that the folder was in. Alt + Left arrow View the previous folder. Backspace View the previous folder. Right arrow Display the current selection (if it's collapsed), or select the first subfolder. Left arrow Collapse the current selection (if it's expanded), or select the folder that the folder was in. End Display the bottom of the active window. Home Display the top of the active window. F11 Maximize or minimize the active window. Virtual desktops keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Windows logo key + Tab Open Task view. Windows logo key + Ctrl + D Add a virtual desktop. Windows logo key + Ctrl + Right arrow Switch between virtual desktops youve created on the right. Windows logo key + Ctrl + Left arrow Switch between virtual desktops youve created on the left. Windows logo key + Ctrl + F4 Close the virtual desktop you're using. Taskbar keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Shift + click a taskbar button Open an app or quickly open another instance of an app. Ctrl + Shift + click a taskbar button Open an app as an administrator. Shift + right-click a taskbar button Show the window menu for the app. Shift + right-click a grouped taskbar button Show the window menu for the group. Ctrl + click a grouped taskbar button Cycle through the windows of the group. Settings keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Windows logo key + I Open settings. Backspace Go back to the settings home page. Type on any page with search box Search settings. Additional keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide an alternative way to do something that youd typically do with a mouse. Click an option below, and it'll open to display a table of related shortcuts: Copy, paste, and other general keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Ctrl + X Cut the selected item. Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert) Copy the selected item. Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert) Paste the selected item. Ctrl + Z Undo an action. Alt + Tab Switch between open apps. Alt + F4 Close the active item, or exit the active app. Windows logo key + L Lock your PC. Windows logo key+ D Display and hide the desktop. F2 Rename the selected item. F3 Search for a file or folder in File Explorer. F4 Display the address bar list in File Explorer. F5 Refresh the active window. F6 Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop. F10 Activate the Menu bar in the active app. Alt + F8 Show your password on the sign-in screen. Alt + Esc Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened. Alt + underlined letter Perform the command for that letter. Alt + Enter Display properties for the selected item. Alt + Spacebar Open the shortcut menu for the active window. Alt + Left arrow Go back. Alt + Right arrow Go forward. Alt + Page Up Move up one screen. Alt + Page Down Move down one screen. Ctrl + F4 Close the active document (in apps that are full-screen and let you have multiple documents open at the same time). Ctrl + A Select all items in a document or window. Ctrl + D (or Delete) Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin. Ctrl + R (or F5) Refresh the active window. Ctrl + Y Redo an action. Ctrl + Right arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word. Ctrl + Left arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word. Ctrl + Down arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph. Ctrl + Up arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph. Ctrl + Alt + Tab Use the arrow keys to switch between all open apps. Alt + Shift + arrow keys When a group or tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it in the direction specified. Ctrl + Shift + arrow keys When a tile is in focus on the Start menu, move it into another tile to create a folder. Ctrl + arrow keys Resize the Start menu when it's open. Ctrl + arrow key (to move to an item) + Spacebar Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop. Ctrl + Shift with an arrow key Select a block of text. Ctrl + Esc Open Start. Ctrl + Shift + Esc Open Task Manager. Ctrl + Shift Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are available. Ctrl + Spacebar Turn the Chinese input method editor (IME) on or off. Shift + F10 Display the shortcut menu for the selected item. Shift with any arrow key Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document. Shift + Delete Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first. Right arrow Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu. Left arrow Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu. Esc Stop or leave the current task. PrtScn Take a screenshot of your whole screen and copy it to the clipboard. Note
Use PrtScn key to open screen snipping Windows logo key keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Windows logo key Open or close Start. Windows logo key+ A Open Action center. Windowslogo key+ B Set focus in the notification area. Windows logo key+ C Open Cortana in listening mode.
Windows logo key+ Shift + C Open the charms menu. Windows logo key+ D Display and hide the desktop. Windows logo key+ Alt + D Display and hide the date and time on the desktop. Windows logo key+ E Open File Explorer. Windows logo key+ F Open Feedback Hub and take a screenshot. Windows logo key+ G Open Game bar when a game is open. Windows logo key+ H Start dictation. Windows logo key+ I Open Settings. Windows logo key+ J Set focus to a Windows tip when one is available. Windows logo key+ K Open the Connect quick action. Windows logo key+ L Lock your PC or switch accounts. Windows logo key+ M Minimize all windows. Windows logo key+ O Lock device orientation. Windows logo key+ P Choose a presentation display mode. Windows logokey + Ctrl + Q OpenQuick Assist. Windows logo key+ R Open the Run dialog box. Windows logo key+ S Open search. Windows logo key+ Shift + S Take a screenshot of part of your screen. Windows logo key+ T Cycle through apps on the taskbar. Windows logo key+ U Open Ease of Access Center. Windows logo key+ V Open the clipboard. Note
Windows logo key+ Shift + V Cycle through notifications. Windows logo key+ X Open the Quick Link menu. Windows logo key + Y Switch input between Windows Mixed Reality and your desktop. Windows logo key+ Z Show the commands available in an app in full-screen mode. Windows logo key + period (.) or semicolon (;) Open emoji panel. Windows logo key+ comma (,) Temporarily peek at the desktop. Windows logo key+ Pause Display the System Properties dialog box. Windows logo key+ Ctrl + F Search for PCs (if you're on a network). Windows logo key+ Shift + M Restore minimized windows on the desktop. Windows logo key+ number Open the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app. Windows logo key+ Shift + number Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Windows logo key+ Ctrl + number Open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Windows logo key+ Alt + number Open the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Windows logo key+ Ctrl + Shift + number Open the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator. Windows logo key+ Tab Open Task view. Windows logo key+ Up arrow Maximize the window. Windows logo key+ Down arrow Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window. Windows logo key+ Left arrow Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen. Windows logo key+ Right arrow Maximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen. Windows logo key+ Home Minimize all except the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke). Windows logo key+ Shift + Up arrow Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen. Windows logo key+ Shift + Down arrow Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width. Windows logo key+ Shift + Left arrow or Right arrow Move an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another. Windows logo key + Spacebar Switch input language and keyboard layout. Windows logo key + Ctrl + Spacebar Change to a previously selected input. Windows logo key+ Ctrl + Enter Turn on Narrator. Windows logo key + Plus (+) Open Magnifier. Windows logo key+ forward slash (/) Begin IME reconversion. Windows logo key + Ctrl + V Open shoulder taps. Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B Wake PC from blank or black screen. Command Prompt keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert) Copy the selected text. Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert) Paste the selected text. Ctrl + M Enter Mark mode. Alt + selection key Begin selection in block mode. Arrow keys Move the cursor in the direction specified. Page up Move the cursor by one page up. Page down Move the cursor by one page down. Ctrl + Home (Mark mode) Move the cursor to the beginning of the buffer. Ctrl + End (Mark mode) Move the cursor to the end of the buffer. Ctrl + Up arrow Move up one line in the output history. Ctrl + Down arrow Move down one line in the output history. Ctrl + Home (History navigation) If the command line is empty, move the viewport to the top of the buffer. Otherwise, delete all the characters to the left of the cursor in the command line. Ctrl + End (History navigation) If the command line is empty, move the viewport to the command line. Otherwise, delete all the characters to the right of the cursor in the command line. Dialog box keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this F4 Display the items in the active list. Ctrl + Tab Move forward through tabs. Ctrl + Shift + Tab Move back through tabs. Ctrl + number (number 19) Move to nth tab. Tab Move forward through options. Shift + Tab Move back through options. Alt + underlined letter Perform the command (or select the option) that is used with that letter. Spacebar Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box. Backspace Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box. Arrow keys Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons. File Explorer keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Alt + D Select the address bar. Ctrl + E Select the search box. Ctrl + F Select the search box. Ctrl + N Open a new window. Ctrl + W Close the active window. Ctrl + mouse scroll wheel Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons. Ctrl + Shift + E Display all folders above the selected folder. Ctrl + Shift + N Create a new folder. Num Lock + asterisk (*) Display all subfolders under the selected folder. Num Lock + plus (+) Display the contents of the selected folder. Num Lock + minus (-) Collapse the selected folder. Alt + P Display the preview panel. Alt + Enter Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item. Alt + Right arrow View the next folder. Alt + Up arrow View the folder that the folder was in. Alt + Left arrow View the previous folder. Backspace View the previous folder. Right arrow Display the current selection (if it's collapsed), or select the first subfolder. Left arrow Collapse the current selection (if it's expanded), or select the folder that the folder was in. End Display the bottom of the active window. Home Display the top of the active window. F11 Maximize or minimize the active window. Virtual desktops keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Windows logo key + Tab Open Task view. Windows logo key + Ctrl + D Add a virtual desktop. Windows logo key + Ctrl + Right arrow Switch between virtual desktops youve created on the right. Windows logo key + Ctrl + Left arrow Switch between virtual desktops youve created on the left. Windows logo key + Ctrl + F4 Close the virtual desktop you're using. Taskbar keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Shift + click a taskbar button Open an app or quickly open another instance of an app. Ctrl + Shift + click a taskbar button Open an app as an administrator. Shift + right-click a taskbar button Show the window menu for the app. Shift + right-click a grouped taskbar button Show the window menu for the group. Ctrl + click a grouped taskbar button Cycle through the windows of the group. Settings keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Windows logo key + I Open settings. Backspace Go back to the settings home page. Type on any page with search box Search settings. Additional keyboard shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide an alternative way to do something that youd typically do with a mouse. Click an option below, and it'll open to display a table of related shortcuts: Top keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains common keyboard shortcuts for Windows8.1 and Windows RT 8.1. Press this key To do this Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert) Copy the selected item Ctrl + X Cut the selected item Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert) Paste the selected item Ctrl + Z Undo an action Alt + Tab Switch between open apps Alt + F4 Close the active item, or exit the active app Windows logo key + L Lock your PC or switch accounts Windows logo key + D Display and hide the desktop New keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains new keyboard shortcuts that you can use in Windows. Press this key To do this Windows logo key + start typing Search your PC Ctrl + plus (+) or Ctrl + minus (-) Zoom in or out of a large number of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen Ctrl + scroll wheel Zoom in or out of a large number of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen Windows logo key + C Open the charms Windows logo key + F Open the Search charm to search files Windows logo key + H Open the Share charm Windows logo key + I Open the Settings charm Windows logo key + K Open the Devices charm Windows logo key + O Lock the screen orientation (portrait or landscape) Windows logo key + Q Open the Search charm to search everywhere or within an open app (if the app supports app search) Windows logo key + S Open the Search charm to search Windows and the web Windows logo key + W Open the Search charm to search settings Windows logo key + Z Show the commands available in the app Note:You can also see some settings and options by going to the Settings charm when the app is open. Windows logo key + spacebar Switch input language and keyboard layout Windows logo key + Ctrl + spacebar Change to a previously selected input Windows logo key + Tab Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) Windows logo key + Ctrl + Tab Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) Windows logo key + Shift + Tab Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order Windows logo key + Shift + period (.) Snaps an app to the left Windows logo key + period (.) Cycle through open apps Esc Stop or exit the current task Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + B Wake PC from black or blank screen. General keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains general keyboard shortcuts in Windows. Press this key To do this F1 Display Help F2 Rename the selected item F3 Search for a file or folder F4 Display the address bar list in File Explorer F5 Refresh the active window F6 Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop F10 Activate the Menu bar in the active app Alt + F4 Close the active item, or exit the active app Alt + Esc Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened Alt + underlined letter Perform the command for that letter Alt + Enter Display properties for the selected item Alt + Spacebar Open the shortcut menu for the active window Alt + Left arrow Back Alt + Right arrow Forward Alt + Page Up Move up one screen Alt + Page Down Move down one screen Alt + Tab Switch between open apps (except desktop apps) Ctrl + F4 Close the active document (in apps that are full-screen and allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously) Ctrl + A Select all items in a document or window Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert) Copy the selected item Ctrl + D (or Delete) Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin Ctrl + R (or F5) Refresh the active window Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert) Paste the selected item Ctrl + X Cut the selected item Ctrl + Y Redo an action Ctrl + Z Undo an action Ctrl + plus (+) or Ctrl + minus (-) Zoom in or out of a large number of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen Ctrl + mouse scroll wheel Change the size of desktop icons or zoom in or out of a large number of items, like apps pinned to the Start screen Ctrl + Right arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word Ctrl + Left arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word Ctrl + Down arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph Ctrl + Up arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph Ctrl + Alt + Tab Use the arrow keys to switch between all open apps Ctrl + arrow key (to move to an item) + Spacebar Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop Ctrl + Shift with an arrow key Select a block of text Ctrl + Esc Open Start Ctrl + Shift + Esc Open Task Manager Ctrl + Shift Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are available Ctrl + Spacebar Turn the Chinese input method editor (IME) on or off Shift + F10 Display the shortcut menu for the selected item Shift with any arrow key Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document Shift + Delete Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first Right arrow Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu Left arrow Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu Esc Stop or leave the current task Windows logo key keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows logo key . Press this key To do this Windows logo key + F1 Open Windows Help and Support Windows logo key Display or hide the Start screen Windows logo key + B Set focus in the notification area Windows logo key + C Open the Charms Windows logo key + D Display and hide the desktop Windows logo key + E Open File Explorer Windows logo key + F Open the Search charm and search for files Windows logo key + H Open the Share charm Windows logo key + I Open the Settings charm Windows logo key + K Open the Devices charm Windows logo key + L Lock your PC or switch people Windows logo key + M Minimize all windows Windows logo key + O Lock device orientation Windows logo key + P Choose a presentation display mode Windows logo key + Q Open the Search charm to search everywhere or within the open app (if the app supports app search) Windows logo key + R Open the Run dialog box Windows logo key + S Open the Search charm to search Windows and the web Windows logo key + T Cycle through apps on the taskbar Windows logo key + U Open Ease of Access Center Windows logo key + V Cycle through notifications Windows logo key + Shift + V Cycle through notifications in reverse order Windows logo key + X Open the Quick Link menu Windows logo key + Z Show the commands available in an app Note:You can also see some settings and options by going to the Settings charm when the app is open. Windows logo key + , Temporarily peek at the desktop Windows logo key + Pause Display the System Properties dialog box Windows logo key + Ctrl + F Search for PCs (if you're on a network) Windows logo key + Shift + M Restore minimized windows on the desktop Windows logo key + number Open the desktop and start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app. Windows logo key + Shift + number Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number Windows logo key + Ctrl + number Open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number Windows logo key + Alt + number Open the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number Windows logo key + Ctrl + Shift + number Open the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator Windows logo key + Tab Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) Windows logo key + Ctrl + Tab Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) Windows logo key + Shift + Tab Cycle through recently used apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order Windows logo key + Ctrl + B Switch to the app that displayed a message in the notification area Windows logo key + Up arrow Maximize the window Windows logo key + Down arrow Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window Windows logo key + Left arrow Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen Windows logo key + Right arrow Maximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen Windows logo key + Home Minimize all but the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke) Windows logo key + Shift + Up arrow Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen Windows logo key + Shift + Down arrow Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width Windows logo key + Shift + Left arrow or Right arrow Move an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another Windows logo key + Spacebar Switch input language and keyboard layout Windows logo key + Ctrl + Spacebar Change to a previously selected input Windows logo key + Enter Open Narrator Windows logo key + Shift + period (.) Cycle through open apps Windows logo key + period (.) Cycle through open apps Windows logo key + / Initiate IME reconversion Windows logo key + Alt + Enter Open WindowsMedia Center Windows logo key + plus (+) or minus (-) Zoom in or out using Magnifier Windows logo key + Esc Exit Magnifier Dialog box keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts that you can use in dialog boxes. Press this key To do this F1 Display Help F4 Display the items in the active list Ctrl + Tab Move forward through tabs Ctrl + Shift + Tab Move back through tabs Ctrl + number (number 19) Move to nth tab Tab Move forward through options Shift + Tab Move back through options Alt + underlined letter Perform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter Spacebar Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box Backspace Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box Arrow keys Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons File Explorer keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Alt + D Select the address bar Ctrl + E Select the search box Ctrl + F Select the search box Ctrl + N Open a new window Ctrl + W Close the current window Ctrl + mouse scroll wheel Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons Ctrl + Shift + E Display all folders above the selected folder Ctrl + Shift + N Create a new folder Num Lock + asterisk (*) Display all subfolders under the selected folder Num Lock + plus (+) Display the contents of the selected folder Num Lock + minus (-) Collapse the selected folder Alt + P Display the preview pane Alt + Enter Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item Alt + Right arrow View the next folder Alt + Up arrow View the folder that the folder was in Alt + Left arrow View the previous folder Backspace View the previous folder Right arrow Display the current selection (if it's collapsed), or select the first subfolder Left arrow Collapse the current selection (if it's expanded), or select the folder that the folder was in End Display the bottom of the active window Home Display the top of the active window F11 Maximize or minimize the active window Taskbar keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with items on the desktop taskbar. Press this key To do this Shift + click a taskbar button Open an app or quickly open another instance of an app Ctrl + Shift + click a taskbar button Open an app as an administrator Shift + right-click a taskbar button Show the window menu for the app Shift + right-click a grouped taskbar button Show the window menu for the group Ctrl + click a grouped taskbar button Cycle through the windows of the group Remote Desktop Connection on the desktop keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Alt + Page Up Move between apps from left to right Alt + Page Down Move between apps from right to left Alt + Insert Cycle through apps in the order that they were started Alt + Home Display the Start screen Ctrl + Alt + Break Switch between a window and full screen Ctrl + Alt + End Display the Windows Security dialog box Ctrl + Alt + Home In full-screen mode, activate the connection bar Alt + Delete Display the system menu Ctrl + Alt + minus (-) on the numeric keypad Place a copy of the active window, within the client, on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing Alt+Print Screen on a local PC) Ctrl + Alt + plus (+) on the numeric keypad Place a copy of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing Print Screen on a local PC) Ctrl + Alt + Right arrow Tab out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host app (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) app. Ctrl + Alt + Left arrow Tab out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host app (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) app. Windows Help viewer keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with the Help viewer. Press this key To do this F3 Move the cursor to the search box F10 Display the Options menu Home Move to the beginning of a topic End Move to the end of a topic Alt + Left arrow Move back to the previously viewed topic Alt + Right arrow Move forward to the next (previously viewed) topic Alt + Home Display the Help and Support home page Alt + A Display the customer support page Alt + C Display the Table of Contents Alt + N Display the Connection Settings menu Ctrl + F Search the current topic Ctrl + P Print a topic App rearranging shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts for rearranging modern apps. Note:Keep the Windows logo key pressed down continuously while you're rearranging apps, from the moment you enter rearrange mode and through all the various rearrange commands. When you're done rearranging, release your finger from the Windows logo key to select the current arrangement. Press this key To do this Windows logo key + . (period) Enter rearrange mode and select apps or dividers across monitors Windows logo key + left arrow Move app divider left Windows logo key + right arrow Move app divider right Windows logo key + up arrow Maximize app Windows logo key + down arrow Close app Windows logo key + Esc Exit rearrange mode Additional keyboard shortcuts
Support for Windows 7 ended on January 14, 2020 We recommend you move to a Windows 11 PC to continue to receive security updates from Microsoft. Learn more Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide an alternative way to do something that youd typically do with a mouse. Click an option below, and it'll open to display a table of related shortcuts: General keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this F1 Display Help Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert) Copy the selected item Ctrl + X Cut the selected item Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert) Paste the selected item Ctrl + Z Undo an action Ctrl + Y Redo an action Delete (or Ctrl + D) Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin Shift + Delete Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first F2 Rename the selected item Ctrl + Right Arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word Ctrl + Left Arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word Ctrl + Down Arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph Ctrl + Up Arrow Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph Ctrl + Shift with an arrow key Select a block of text Shift with any arrow key Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document Ctrl with any arrow key + Spacebar Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop Ctrl + A Select all items in a document or window F3 Search for a file or folder Alt + Enter Display properties for the selected item Alt + F4 Close the active item, or exit the active program Alt + Spacebar Open the shortcut menu for the active window Ctrl + F4 Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously) Alt + Tab Switch between open items Ctrl + Alt + Tab Use the arrow keys to switch between open items Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel Change the size of icons on the desktop Windows logo key + TabCycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D Ctrl+Windows logo key + TabUse the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D Alt + Esc Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened F6 Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop F4 Display the address bar list in Windows Explorer Shift + F10 Display the shortcut menu for the selected item Ctrl + Esc Open the Start menu Alt + underlined letter Display the corresponding menu Alt + underlined letter Perform the menu command (or other underlined command) F10 Activate the menu bar in the active program Right Arrow Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu Left Arrow Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu F5 (or Ctrl + R) Refresh the active window Alt + Up Arrow View the folder one level up in Windows Explorer Esc Cancel the current task Ctrl + Shift + Esc Open Task Manager Shift when you insert a CD Prevent the CD from automatically playing Left Alt + Shift Switch the input language when multiple input languages are enabled Ctrl+Shift Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are enabled Right or Left Ctrl + Shift Change the reading direction of text in right-to-left reading languages Dialog box keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts for use in dialog boxes. Press this key To do this Ctrl + Tab Move forward through tabs Ctrl + Shift + Tab Move back through tabs Tab Move forward through options Shift + Tab Move back through options Alt + underlined letter Perform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter Enter Replaces clicking the mouse for many selected commands Spacebar Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box Arrow keys Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons F1 Display Help F4 Display the items in the active list Backspace Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box Windows logo key keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts that use the Windows logo key Press this key To do this Windows logo key Open or close the Start menu. Windows logo key + PauseDisplay the System Properties dialog box. Windows logo key + DDisplay the desktop. Windows logo key + MMinimize all windows. Windows logo key + Shift + MRestore minimized windows to the desktop. Windows logo key + EOpen Computer. Windows logo key + FSearch for computers (if you're on a network). Windows logo key + LLock your computer or switch users. Windows logo key + ROpen the Run dialog box. Windows logo key + TCycle through programs on the taskbar. Windows logo key + numberStart the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program. Shift+Windows logo key + numberStart a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Ctrl+Windows logo key + numberSwitch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Alt+Windows logo key + numberOpen the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. Windows logo key + TabCycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D. Ctrl+Windows logo key + TabUse the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D. Ctrl+Windows logo key + BSwitch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area. Windows logo key + SpacebarPreview the desktop. Windows logo key + Up ArrowMaximize the window. Windows logo key + Left ArrowMaximize the window to the left side of the screen. Windows logo key + Right ArrowMaximize the window to the right side of the screen. Windows logo key + Down ArrowMinimize the window. Windows logo key + HomeMinimize all but the active window. Windows logo key + Shift + Up ArrowStretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen. Windows logo key + Shift + Left Arrow or Right ArrowMove a window from one monitor to another. Windows logo key + PChoose a presentation display mode. Windows logo key + GCycle through gadgets. Windows logo key + UOpen Ease of Access Center. Windows logo key + XOpen Windows Mobility Center. Windows Explorer keyboard shortcutsPress this key To do this Ctrl + N Open a new window Ctrl + W Close the current window Ctrl + Shift + N Create a new folder End Display the bottom of the active window Home Display the top of the active window F11 Maximize or minimize the active window Ctrl + Period (.) Rotate a picture clockwise Ctrl + Comma (,) Rotate a picture counter-clockwise Num Lock + Asterisk (*) on numeric keypad Display all subfolders under the selected folder Num Lock + Plus Sign (+) on numeric keypad Display the contents of the selected folder Num Lock + Minus Sign (-) on numeric keypad Collapse the selected folder Left Arrow Collapse the current selection (if it's expanded), or select the parent folder Alt + Enter Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item Alt + P Display the preview pane Alt + Left Arrow View the previous folder Backspace View the previous folder Right Arrow Display the current selection (if it's collapsed), or select the first subfolder Alt + Right Arrow View the next folder Alt + Up Arrow View the parent folder Ctrl + Shift + E Display all folders above the selected folder Ctrl + Mouse scroll wheel Change the size and appearance of file and folder icons Alt + D Select the address bar Ctrl + E Select the search box Ctrl + F Select the search box Taskbar keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with items on the desktop taskbar. Press this key To do this Shift + click a taskbar button Open a program or quickly open another instance of a program Ctrl + Shift + click a taskbar button Open a program as an administrator Shift + right-click a taskbar button Show the window menu for the program Shift + right-click a grouped taskbar button Show the window menu for the group Ctrl + click a grouped taskbar button Cycle through the windows of the group Remote Desktop Connection on the desktop keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Remote Desktop Connection. Press this key To do this Alt + Page Up Move between apps from left to right Alt + Page Down Move between apps from right to left Alt + Insert Cycle through programs in the order that they were started in. Alt + Home Display the Start menu. Ctrl + Alt + Break Switch between a window and full screen Ctrl + Alt + End Display the Windows Securitydialog box Alt + Delete Display the system menu. Ctrl + Alt + Minus Sign (-) on the numeric keypad Place a copy of the active window, within the client, on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing Alt+PrtScn on a local computer). Ctrl + Alt + Plus Sign (+) on the numeric keypad Place a copy of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard (provides the same functionality as pressing PrtScn on a local computer). Ctrl + Alt + Right Arrow Tab out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host program (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) program. Ctrl + Alt + Left Arrow Tab out of the Remote Desktop controls to a control in the host program (for example, a button or a text box). Useful when the Remote Desktop controls are embedded in another (host) program. Note:Ctrl+Alt+Break and Ctrl+Alt+End are available in all Remote Desktop sessions, even when you've set up the remote computer to recognize Windows keyboard shortcuts. Paint keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Paint. Press this key To do this Ctrl + N Create a new picture Ctrl + O Open an existing picture Ctrl + S Save changes to a picture F12 Save the picture as a new file Ctrl + P Print a picture Alt + F4 Close a picture and its Paint window Ctrl + Z Undo a change Ctrl + Y Redo a change Ctrl + A Select the entire picture Ctrl + X Cut a selection Ctrl + C Copy a selection to the Clipboard Ctrl + V Paste a selection from the Clipboard Right Arrow Move the selection or active shape right by one pixel Left Arrow Move the selection or active shape left by one pixel Down Arrow Move the selection or active shape down by one pixel Up Arrow Move the selection or active shape up by one pixel Esc Cancel a selection Delete Delete a selection Ctrl + B Bold selected text Ctrl + + Increase the width of a brush, line, or shape outline by one pixel Ctrl + - Decrease the width of a brush, line, or shape outline by one pixel Ctrl + U Underline selected text Ctrl + E Open the Properties dialog box Ctrl + W Open the Resize and Skew dialog box Ctrl + Page Up Zoom in Ctrl + Page Down Zoom out F11 View a picture in full-screen mode Ctrl + R Show or hide the ruler Ctrl + G Show or hide gridlines F10 or Alt Display keytips Shift + F10 Show the current shortcut menu F1 Open Paint Help WordPad keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with WordPad. Press this key To do this Ctrl + N Create a new document Ctrl + O Open an existing document Ctrl + S Save changes to a document F12 Save the document as a new file Ctrl + P Print a document Alt + F4 Close WordPad Ctrl + Z Undo a change Ctrl + Y Redo a change Ctrl + A Select the entire document Ctrl + X Cut a selection Ctrl + C Copy a selection to the Clipboard Ctrl + V Paste a selection from the Clipboard Ctrl + B Make selected text bold Ctrl + I Italicize selected text Ctrl + U Underline selected text Ctrl + = Make selected text subscript Ctrl + Shift + = Make selected text superscript Ctrl + L Align text left Ctrl + E Align text center Ctrl + R Align text right Ctrl + J Justify text Ctrl + 1 Set single line spacing Ctrl + 2 Set double line spacing Ctrl + 5 Set line spacing to 1.5 Ctrl + Shift + > Increase the font size Ctrl + Shift + < Decrease the font size Ctrl + Shift + A Change characters to all capitals Ctrl + Shift + L Change the bullet style Ctrl + D Insert a Microsoft Paint drawing Ctrl + F Find text in a document F3 Find the next instance of the text in the Find dialog box Ctrl + H Replace text in a document Ctrl + Left Arrow Move the cursor one word to the left Ctrl + Right Arrow Move the cursor one word to the right Ctrl + Up Arrow Move the cursor to the line above Ctrl + Down Arrow Move the cursor to the line below Ctrl + Home Move to the beginning of the document Ctrl + End Move to the end of the document Ctrl + Page Up Move up one page Ctrl + Page Down Move down one page Ctrl + Delete Delete the next word F10 Display keytips Shift + F10 Show the current shortcut menu F1 Open WordPad Help Calculator keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Calculator. Press this key To do this Alt + 1 Switch to Standard mode Alt + 2 Switch to Scientific mode Alt + 3 Switch to Programmer mode Alt + 4 Switch to Statistics mode Ctrl + E Open date calculations Ctrl + H Turn calculation history on or off Ctrl + U Open unit conversion Alt + C Calculate or solve date calculations and worksheets F1 Open Calculator Help Ctrl + Q Press the M- button Ctrl + P Press the M+ button Ctrl + M Press the MS button Ctrl + R Press the MR button Ctrl + L Press the MC button % Press the % button F9 Press the +/ button / Press the / button * Press the * button + Press the + button - Press the button R Press the 1/× button @ Press the square root button 09 Press the number buttons (09) = Press the = button . Press the . (decimal point) button Backspace Press the backspace button Esc Press the C button Del Press the CE button Ctrl + Shift + D Clear the calculation history F2 Edit the calculation history Up Arrow key Navigate up in the calculation history Down Arrow key Navigate down in the calculation history Esc Cancel editing the calculation history Enter Recalculate the calculation history after editing F3 Select Degrees in Scientific mode F4 Select Radians in Scientific mode F5 Select Grads in Scientific mode I Press the Inv button in Scientific mode D Press the Mod button in Scientific mode Ctrl + S Press the sinh button in Scientific mode Ctrl + O Press the cosh button in Scientific mode Ctrl + T Press the tanh button in Scientific mode ( Press the ( button in Scientific mode ) Press the ) button in Scientific mode N Press the ln button in Scientific mode ; Press the Int button in Scientific mode S Press the sin button in Scientific mode O Press the cos button in Scientific mode T Press the tan button in Scientific mode M Press the dms button in Scientific mode P Press the pi button in Scientific mode V Press the F-E button in Scientific mode X Press the Exp button in Scientific mode Q Press the x^2 button in Scientific mode Y Press the x^y button in Scientific mode # Press the x^3 button in Scientific mode L Press the log button in Scientific mode ! Press the n! button in Scientific mode Ctrl + Y Press the yx button in Scientific mode Ctrl + B Press the 3x button in Scientific mode Ctrl + G Press the 10x button in Scientific mode F5 Select Hex in Programmer mode F6 Select Dec in Programmer mode F7 Select Oct in Programmer mode F8 Select Bin in Programmer mode F12 Select Qword in Programmer mode F2 Select Dword in Programmer mode F3 Select Word in Programmer mode F4 Select Byte in Programmer mode K Press the RoR button in Programmer mode J Press the RoL button in Programmer mode < Press the Lsh button in Programmer mode > Press the Rsh button in Programmer mode % Press the Mod button in Programmer mode ( Press the ( button in Programmer mode ) Press the ) button in Programmer mode | Press the Or button in Programmer mode ^ Press the Xor button in Programmer mode ~ Press the Not button in Programmer mode & Press the And button in Programmer mode AF Press the AF buttons in Programmer mode Spacebar Toggles the bit value in Programmer mode A Press the Average button in Statistics mode Ctrl + A Press the Average Sq button in Statistics mode S Press the Sum button in Statistics mode Ctrl+S Press the Sum Sq button in Statistics mode T Press the S.D. button in Statistics mode Ctrl+T Press the Inv S.D. button in Statistics mode D Press the CAD button in Statistics mode Windows Journal keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with Windows Journal. Press this key To do this Ctrl + N Start a new note Ctrl + O Open a recently used note Ctrl + S Save changes to a note Ctrl + Shift + V Move a note to a specific folder Ctrl + P Print a note Alt + F4 Close a note and its Journal window Ctrl + Z Undo a change Ctrl + Y Redo a change Ctrl + A Select all items on a page Ctrl + X Cut a selection Ctrl + C Copy a selection to the Clipboard Ctrl + V Paste a selection from the Clipboard Esc Cancel a selection Delete Delete a selection Ctrl + F Start a basic find Ctrl + G Go to a page F5 Refresh find results F5 Refresh the note list F6 Toggle between a note list and a note Ctrl + Shift + C Display a shortcut menu for column headings in a note list F11 View a note in full-screen mode F1 Open Journal Help Windows Help viewer keyboard shortcutsThe following table contains keyboard shortcuts for working with the Help viewer. Press this key To do this Alt + C Display the Table of Contents Alt + N Display the Connection Settings menu F10 Display the Options menu Alt + Left Arrow Move back to the previously viewed topic Alt + Right Arrow Move forward to the next (previously viewed) topic Alt + A Display the customer support page Alt + Home Display the Help and Support home page Home Move to the beginning of a topic End Move to the end of a topic Ctrl + F Search the current topic Ctrl + P Print a topic F3 Move the cursor to the search box Additional keyboard shortcuts
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