Navigation shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows key plus S | Open Search |
| Windows key plus E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows key plus R | Open Run |
| Windows key plus I | Open Settings |
| Windows key plus D | Show desktop |
Window shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Alt plus Tab | Switch apps |
| Windows key plus Tab | Open Task View |
| Windows key plus Left arrow | Snap left |
| Windows key plus Right arrow | Snap right |
| Windows key plus Up arrow | Maximize |
| Windows key plus Down arrow | Restore or minimize |
File and text shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl plus C | Copy |
| Ctrl plus X | Cut |
| Ctrl plus V | Paste |
| Ctrl plus Z | Undo |
| Ctrl plus A | Select all |
| F2 | Rename selected file |
| Ctrl plus Shift plus N | Create new folder |
Capture and system shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows key plus Shift plus S | Open screen snipping |
| Windows key plus V | Open clipboard history |
| Ctrl plus Shift plus Esc | Open Task Manager |
| Windows key plus L | Lock PC |
| Windows key plus U | Open accessibility settings |
Official Microsoft support page for default Windows keyboard shortcuts.
These tips are for normal Windows productivity, accessibility, maintenance, and learning. Do not use computer tricks to bypass school, work, family, or system rules without permission.
Some shortcuts can behave differently in apps because apps may use their own shortcut rules.
Cheat sheet questions
No. Memorize the shortcuts you use weekly. Keep the rest as reference.