Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11

Keyboard shortcuts can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency by allowing you to perform tasks quickly without navigating through menus. Windows 11 offers a variety of shortcuts for different functions, ranging from basic operations to advanced features. This guide lists essential keyboard shortcuts that every Windows 11 user should know.

Introduction

Windows 11 introduces a sleek interface and new features, but many familiar keyboard shortcuts remain the same, along with some new ones. Mastering these shortcuts can save you time and streamline your workflow, whether you're managing windows, accessing settings, or performing routine tasks. This guide provides a comprehensive list of essential keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11.

General Shortcuts

  • Win: Open or close the Start menu.
  • Win + A: Open the Quick Settings menu.
  • Win + C: Open Microsoft Teams.
  • Win + D: Show or hide the desktop.
  • Win + E: Open File Explorer.
  • Win + F: Open Feedback Hub.
  • Win + G: Open the Xbox Game Bar.
  • Win + H: Launch voice typing.
  • Win + I: Open the Settings app.
  • Win + K: Open the Quick Settings menu to connect to wireless displays and audio devices.
  • Win + L: Lock your PC or switch accounts.
  • Win + M: Minimize all windows.
  • Win + P: Open the Project menu to connect to a second display or projector.
  • Win + R: Open the Run dialog box.
  • Win + S: Open the Search box.
  • Win + U: Open Accessibility settings.
  • Win + V: Open the Clipboard history (requires Clipboard history to be enabled).
  • Win + X: Open the Quick Link menu (equivalent to right-clicking the Start button).
  • Win + Z: Open the Snap Layouts flyout.
  • Win + . (period): Open the Emoji panel.
  • Win + , (comma): Peek at the desktop.
  • Win + +/-: Zoom in or out using the Magnifier.
  • Win + Esc: Close the Magnifier.

Window Management

  • Win + Up Arrow: Maximize the window.
  • Win + Down Arrow: Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window.
  • Win + Left Arrow: Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen.
  • Win + Right Arrow: Maximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen.
  • Win + Shift + Up Arrow: Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.
  • Win + Shift + Down Arrow: Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically while maintaining width.
  • Win + Home: Minimize all windows except the active one (restores all windows on the second stroke).

Virtual Desktops

  • Win + Ctrl + D: Add a new virtual desktop.
  • Win + Ctrl + Left Arrow: Switch to the previous virtual desktop.
  • Win + Ctrl + Right Arrow: Switch to the next virtual desktop.
  • Win + Ctrl + F4: Close the current virtual desktop.

Taskbar Shortcuts

  • Win + T: Cycle through apps on the taskbar.
  • Win + Number (1-9): Open the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
  • Win + Shift + Number (1-9): Open a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
  • Win + Alt + Number (1-9): Open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar.
  • Win + Ctrl + Shift + Number (1-9): Open a new instance of the app as an administrator.

Accessibility Shortcuts

  • Win + U: Open Accessibility settings.
  • Win + Enter: Turn Narrator on or off.
  • Win + Ctrl + C: Turn color filters on or off (color filters must be enabled in Accessibility settings).
  • Win + Plus (+): Open Magnifier and zoom in.
  • Win + Minus (-): Zoom out in Magnifier.
  • Win + Esc: Exit Magnifier.

Additional Tips

  • Customization: You can customize some keyboard shortcuts by using third-party software like AutoHotkey.
  • Practice: Regularly practice using these shortcuts to become more familiar and comfortable with them, enhancing your overall productivity.

Conclusion

You have successfully learned essential keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11. By integrating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you can perform tasks more efficiently and navigate the system with greater ease. Regularly refer to this guide to master these shortcuts and improve your productivity.


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