13 Windows Keyboard Shortcuts You Probably Haven’t Heard of

Posted on the 06 March 2015 by Nrjperera @nrjperera

Keyboard shortcuts are not just about saving time, they also come in handy when you’re trying to show off in front of your friends and family.

These are some of the awesome Windows keyboard shortcuts I’ve found to be very useful when going Mouse-free. Please note that some of these shortcuts may not work, depending on the version of Windows or the application you’re using.

Extended Send-To Menu

Usually the send-to menu is limited to only a few options. If you want to access more advanced send-to locations, SHIFT+Right Click on a folder or a file to quickly send files to a whole lot of locations on your computer.

Run Through the Taskbar

Quickly go through the pinned apps on your taskbar with WIN+T. Keep hitting the key to get to the app you want and press enter to launch the selected app.

Quick Access to Task Manager

Most Windows users are used to accessing the task manager with CTRL+ALT+Delete. That takes way too long to get to the task manager. Hit CTRL+SHIFT+Esc to launch the task manager quicker.

Tile Windows View

Hit CTRL+SHIFT+Esc to open up the task manager. Now select all the running apps, right click and select Tile Horizontally or Tile Vertically to view all the running apps at once.

Clear Background Apps

Hit WIN+Home to clear out all the unnecessary apps running the background, leaving only the active windows open.

Snaping Windows

Snap windows using WIN+Arrow Keys for easier viewing of running apps.

Quick Lock

See your mom coming your way? Quickly hide your porn by locking your PC and going to the login screen by pressing WIN+L.

Zoom Everything

Some of the apps doesn’t allow you to zoom in. Use the Windows’ built-in zoom-in feature with WIN+Plus or Minus Sign.

View Desktop

Hit WIN+D to quickly minimize all the open windows and go to the desktop.

Launch Pinned Apps

Quickly a specific pinned app on taskbar with SHIFT+WIN+Number of the app in accordance (1-9).

Text Styling

When typing, hit CTRL+B to bold any selected text. CTRL+I to switch to italics. And use CTRL+Numbers (1-6) to switch between different heading sizes.

Charms (Windows 8)

  • Open the charms = WIN+C
  • Open the Settings charm = WIN+I
  • Open the Devices charm = WIN+K
  • Open the Search charm to search apps = WIN+Q

Virtual Desktops (Windows 10)

Windows 10 comes loading with some sweet new features. In Windows 10, you’ll be able to create a virtual desktop with WIN + CTRL + D and switch between them with WIN + CTRL + LEFT or RIGHT.

 
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