Basic PC shortcut Keys
Basic PC shortcut keys
Below is a list of some of the most commonly used basic shortcut keys that work with IBM compatible computers and software. We highly recommended that all users keep a reference to these shortcut keys or try to memorize them. Doing so will dramatically increase your productivity.
Besides the special character shortcuts listed here, some are also on the number keys (below the F1 - F12 keys). You can enter these special characters by pressing the Shift key and the number key that has the special character listed on it.
|
Shortcut Keys |
Description |
|
Alt+F |
File
menu options in the current program. |
|
Alt+E |
Open Edit options
in the current program. |
|
Alt+Tab |
Switch
between open programs. |
|
F1 |
View
help information (F1 is used by almost every Windows program to display
help). |
|
F2 |
Rename a
selected file. |
|
F5 |
Refresh the
current program window. |
|
Ctrl+D |
Bookmarks the
current page in most Internet browsers. |
|
Ctrl+N |
Create
a new or blank document in some software, or open a new tab in
most Internet browsers. |
|
Ctrl+O |
Open a
file in the current software. |
|
Ctrl+A |
Select
all text. |
|
Ctrl+B |
Change
selected text to be bold. |
|
Ctrl+I |
Change
selected text to be in italics. |
|
Ctrl+U |
Change
selected text to be underlined. |
|
Ctrl+F |
Open find window
for current document or window. |
|
Ctrl+S |
Save the
current document file. |
|
Ctrl+X |
Cut selected
items. |
|
Shift+Del |
Cut
selected items. |
|
Ctrl+C |
Copy selected
item. |
|
Ctrl+Ins |
Copy
selected item |
|
Ctrl+V |
Paste |
|
Shift+Ins |
Paste |
|
Ctrl+Y |
Redo the
last action. |
|
Ctrl+Z |
Undo the
last action. |
|
Ctrl+K |
Insert hyperlink for
the selected text. |
|
Ctrl+P |
Print the
current page or document. |
|
Home |
Goes
to the beginning of the current line. |
|
Ctrl+Home |
Goes
to the beginning of the document. |
|
End |
Goes
to the end of the current line. |
|
Ctrl+End |
Goes
to the end of the document. |
|
Shift+Home |
Highlights from
the current position to the beginning of the line. |
|
Shift+End |
Highlights
from the current position to end of the line. |
|
Ctrl+Left arrow |
Moves
one word to the left at a time. |
|
Ctrl+Right arrow |
Moves
one word to the right at a time. |
|
Ctrl+Esc |
Open
the Start menu. |
|
Ctrl+Shift+Esc |
Open
Windows Task Manager. |
|
Alt+F4 |
Close
the currently active program. |
|
Alt+Enter |
Open
the properties for the selected item (file, folder, shortcut,
etc.). |
|
Windows
key + CTRL + D |
Add a virtual desktop |
|
Windows
key + CTRL + Arrow right |
Switch to the virtual desktop on the
right |
|
Windows
key + CTRL + Arrow left |
Switch to the virtual desktop on the
left |
|
Windows
key + CTRL + F4 |
Close the current virtual desktop |
|
Windows
key + A |
Open Action center on the right of the
screen |
|
Windows
key + S |
Open Search and place the cursor in
the input field |
|
Windows
key + Tab |
Open Task view (Task view then remains
open) |
|
Windows
key + X |
Open the Admin menu in the left-hand
bottom corner of the screen |
|
Windows
key + Q |
Open Search using Cortana and voice
control |
|
Alt
+ TAB |
Hold: Opens Task view |
|
Windows key |
Open the Start menu |
|
Windows key + D |
Switch to desktop view |
|
Windows key + E |
Open Windows
Explorer |
|
Windows key + U |
Open Ease of Access
Center (magnifier, screen keyboard, high contrast etc.) |
|
Windows key + L |
Lock the computer |
|
Windows key + I |
Open settings /
information |
|
Windows key + H |
Share content (if
supported by the active app) |
|
Windows key + S |
Open Search |
|
CTRL + C or CTRL + INS |
Copy the selected element |
|
CTRL + X |
Cut the selected element |
|
CTRL + V or SHIFT + INS |
Paste the selected element |
|
CTRL + Z |
Undo an action |
|
Alt + F4 |
Close the active element or end
the active app |
