Windows shortcuts that I use a lot
This weeks post is one with a lot less text! I really dislike having to click around in the UI of an OS/application to get things done and I love it whenever that I can take a shortcut to shave off a few seconds of the time that I would need otherwise! It happens regularly that I see other people working and see them struggle with the manual actions, which can get really time consuming from time to time.
At those moments, I really love pointing out that "there is a better way" to their approach. (yes, I can't help it...). When I initiate such an "intervention" and when the reaction is positive, one of the next topics typically is where that person can find an overview to learn more. Until now, I did not have a concise (and personal) answer. So that is why I took some time to write down (from memory) the shortcuts that I use the most on a day-to-day basis. I will continue adding shortcuts when I use one that is not yet on the list!
General operations
| Context | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Deleting a file of Folder | Shift + Del | Deletes a file or folder from the machine |
| CopyOperation | Ctrl + C | Copies a text, file or folder from the machine |
| Cutting operation | Ctrl + X | Cut a text, file or folder (to paste it somewhere else) |
| Paste operation | Ctrl + V | Paste a text, file or folder |
| Windows Clipboard history (from W10-1909) |
Win + V | Shows your cut/copy history and from here: 1. you can paste those items 2. you can pin entries if you need them regularly 3. You can also delete specific entries |
| Deleting a file of Folder | Shift + Del | Deletes a file or folder from the machine |
| Ctrl + P | Print the opened file or document | |
| Save | Ctrl + S | Save whatever you have open at the moment |
| Refresh | F5 |
Management screens
| Context | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Task Manager | Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Opens windows Task Manager |
| Open "run window" | Win + R | Provides you with a location where you can start applications |
| Add remove programs | 1. Win + R 2. appwiz.cpl |
Opens (legacy) Add/Remove Programs |
| Windows basic information | Win + Pause/Break | View basic information about your computer(system) |
| System management "backdoor" | Win + X (Or right click on Win logo) |
Opens a context menu that shows 1. Apps and Features 2. Mobility Center 3. Power options 4. Event Viewer 5. System 6. Event Viewer 7. ... |
Useful Windows shortcuts (uncategorized)
| Context | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Emoticons picker | Win + ; | Posted about it here |
| Run as admin | Ctrl + Shift + Run application | Starts your application "As admin" |
| Open context menu | Shift + F10 | Opens the context menu (eg in explorer), same as right click |
| Open "extended" context menu | Shift + Right Click |
Window operations
| Context | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Virtual desktop overview | Win + Tab | Shows your virtual desktops and the apps/windows/files that 1. you have open at the moment 2. that you had open in the past (to be able to return easily to these) |
| Switch applications | Alt + Tab | Switch between active windows |
| Minimize all windows | Win + M | |
| Show desktop | Win + D | Minimizes all screens and shows desktop ➡️doing this again re-appears the windows |
| Temporarily hide windows | 1. Win + , 2. hold Win (as long as you want to hide |
|
| Move Window to left edge of current screen | Win + Left Arrow | |
| Move Window to right edge of current screen | Win + Right Arrow | |
| Maximize Window | Win + Up Arrow | |
| Minimalize Window | Win + Down Arrow | |
| Move Window to screen on the left | Win + Shift + Left Arrow | |
| Move Window to screen on the right | Win + Shift + Right Arrow | |
| Close tab | Ctrl + W | |
| Manage Displays | Win + P | Allows to easily extend/duplicate/... the physical screens. |
So here you are, I hope it helps you too!