The Windows Key is your gateway to your PC’s Start menu, but you can use it for much more than that. From quickly opening Settings to managing virtual desktops, your Windows key hides some of your PC’s most convenient shortcuts. In fact, there are 45 Windows keyboard shortcuts that every PC user should know. Note that I’m focusing on Windows 11 here, which means a small number of these shortcuts may not work on older versions of Windows. If you’re looking for more than just Windows keyboard shortcuts, we also have a list of the best Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts. And if you’re on Mac, check out these hidden Mac keyboard shortcuts.
Windows-E: Opens File Explorer.
Windows-I: Opens Windows settings.
Windows-A: Opens Quick Settings, which lets you enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, volume, and other options.
Windows-Ctrl-Enter: Opens Narrator.
Windows-+: launches the magnifying glass and zooms in on your screen. The Windows– (minus) will zoom out.
The Windows-. Or The Windows-;: Opens the emoji picker.
Windows-U: Opens accessibility settings.
Windows-Ctrl-C: toggles color filters. To enable this, go to Settings > Accessibility and activate Keyboard shortcut for color filters And Color filters. Choose a filter and you’re ready to go. I use it to switch to grayscale mode to help reduce my screen time at night.
Windows-Alt-B: Turns HDR on/off (only works if you’re using Xbox Game Bar version 5.721.7292.0 or newer).
Windows-K: Launches the Cast option in the quick settings pane. Useful if you want to quickly stream something to your TV.
Windows-X: Opens the Quick Link menu, where you can access the most commonly used troubleshooting options. This includes Task Manager, Settings, Run, Shutdown and other functions.
Windows-L: Instantly locks your computer.
Windows-N: displays the calendar and notifications.
Windows-R: Opens Run.
Windows-S: Opens Windows Search.
Windows-V: Shows your clipboard history.
Windows Spacebar: Switch between keyboards or input languages.
Windows-ImprtScn: Takes a screenshot of everything visible on the screen.
Windows-F: Takes a screenshot and opens the Windows 11 feedback hub. Allows you to report any bugs or other issues with your computer to Microsoft.
Windows-Shift-S: Takes a screenshot of a custom selection of the screen.
Windows-Alt-ImprtScn: Takes a screenshot of the active window only.
Windows-Alt-R: Records video of the active game window using the Xbox Game Bar.
Windows tab: Opens task view to see your virtual desktops.
Windows-Ctrl-D: Adds a virtual desktop.
Windows-Ctrl-Right Arrow: Switches to the virtual desktop on the right.
Windows-Ctrl-Left Arrow: Switches to the virtual desktop on the left.
Windows-Ctrl-F4: closes the virtual desktop you are using.
Windows-H: Opens voice input.
Windows-Alt-K: Mutes or unmutes your microphone when apps are using the microphone. Useful when participating in a video call or group chat.
Windows-M: Minimizes all open windows.
Windows-Shift-M: Restores all minimized windows to their original state.
Windows-P: Allows you to quickly choose display modes. Useful for people with multiple monitors.
Windows-Ctrl-Q: Opens Quick Assist, a built-in application that lets you control other people’s Windows PCs or lets them control yours. Used for troubleshooting.
Windows Up Arrow: Maximizes the active window.
Windows-Down Arrow: Minimizes the active window.
Windows-Alt-Left or right arrow keys: Aligns the active window to part of the screen. Socket Windows-Alt and press the arrow keys to adjust its position.
Windows-Home: Minimizes all windows other than the active window. Enter again to restore all windows to their original position.
Windows-Shift-Left or right arrow keys: Moves the active application to your secondary monitor.
Windows-Z: Launches Snap Layouts in the upper right corner of the screen. Lets you quickly choose a layout and start adding apps to make the most of your screen space.
The Windows-,: Hold this shortcut to view the desktop. As soon as you release it, your open windows will return to the screen.
Windows-T: Scrolls through apps pinned to your taskbar.
Windows-Alt-Enter: When a taskbar item is selected, this shortcut will open the taskbar settings.
Windows-1: Opens the first app pinned to your taskbar. Replace 1 with any number from 2 to 9 to open the corresponding application.
Windows-W: Opens the widgets pane.
Windows-B: Select the first icon in the system tray, located in the lower right corner of the screen.
