Daily Windows key shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action | Good use case |
|---|---|---|
| Windows key | Open Start | Launch apps quickly |
| Windows key plus E | Open File Explorer | Find files and folders |
| Windows key plus S | Open Search | Search apps settings and documents |
| Windows key plus R | Open Run | Open system tools fast |
| Windows key plus I | Open Settings | Change Windows settings |
| Windows key plus D | Show desktop | Quickly clear the screen |
| Windows key plus L | Lock PC | Protect your session when leaving |
| Windows key plus period | Open emoji and symbols panel | Add emoji symbols and special characters |
| Windows key plus Shift plus S | Open screen snipping | Capture part of the screen |
| Windows key plus V | Open clipboard history | Paste from recent copied items |
Why these shortcuts matter
These shortcuts reduce the number of clicks needed for the same task. Search opens tools faster than browsing menus. Clipboard history saves repeated copying. Locking the PC protects privacy in shared spaces.
Clipboard history can keep copied text and images. Avoid copying passwords or sensitive private information into clipboard history unless you understand your settings and device security.
Official Microsoft support page for default Windows keyboard shortcuts.
Windows key questions
It locks the PC so another person cannot use the current session without signing in.