(Article Updated on 31st January 2019)

One of the best things about Windows 8 – stay with me now! – was how easy it was to use the OS with keyboard shortcuts. Once you learned and utilized the shortcuts, it did make Windows 8 and 8.1 that much easier, and natural, to use.

The same can be said about any operating system, including Windows 10, and we’ve put together a long list of keyboard shortcuts for you to use.

Let’s look at the Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts that’ll make using Microsoft’s latest OS easier for you. We’ll be adding keyboard shortcuts as they become available, change and are found by savvy Windows 10 users. Keep this page bookmarked for easy future access.

Also Read: How to Assign a Keyboard Shortcut to Any Windows Application

Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts

Here’s a list of Windows 10 keyboard shortcut you should learn and use as you get to know your operating system.

Snapping

  • Windows Key + Left: Snap window to the left
  • Windows Key + Right: Snap window to the right
  • Windows Key + Up: Snap window up
  • Windows Key + Down: Snap window down

Virtual Desktops/Task View

  • Windows Key + CTRL + D: Create new virtual desktop
  • Windows Key + CTRL + Left: Scroll left through virtual desktops
  • Windows Key + CTRL + Right: Scroll right through virtual desktops
  • Windows Key + CTRL + F4: Close current virtual desktop
  • Windows Key + TAB: See all virtual desktops

Cortana

  • Windows Key + Q: Open Cortana for voice input
  • Windows Key + S: Open Cortana for typed input

Settings

  • CTRL + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager
  • Windows Key + R: Open Run
  • Windows Key + I: Open PC settings
  • Windows Key + A: Open Notification Areas
  • Windows Key + X: Open Win-X Menu
  • Windows Key + U: Open Ease of Access Center
  • Windows Key + Space: Switch keyboard and input language

Command Prompt

  • Shift + Left: Highlight text to left of cursor
  • Shift + Right: Highlight text to right of cursor
  • CTRL + Shift + L: Highlight blocks of text to left of cursor
  • CTRL + Shift + R: Highlight blocks of text to right of cursor
  • CTRL + C: Copy highlighted text to clipboard
  • CTRL + V: Paste text from clipboard
  • CTRL + A: Select all text after prompt

Windows Explorer

  • Windows Key + E: Launch Windows Explorer
  • Alt + Up: Go up one level in Windows Explorer
  • Alt + L: Go to previous folder in Windows Explorer
  • Alt + R: Go to next folder in Windows Explorer

Active Apps/Windows

  • Windows Key + Comma: Hide all apps and programs to show desktop
  • Windows Key + D: Minimize all apps and programs to go to desktop
  • CTRL + Shift + M: Restore all minimized windows
  • Windows Key + Home: Minimize all windows, except active window
  • Alt + Tab: Switch between windows
  • Alt + F4: Close current window
  • Windows Key + Shift + L: Move window to left monitor/screen
  • Windows Key + Shift + R: Move window to right monitor/screen
  • Windows Key + (Any) Number Key: Open app pinned in numbered position on Taskbar
  • Windows Key + Shift + (Any) Number Key: Launch new instance of app in numbered position on Taskbar
  • Windows Key + CTRL + (Any) Number Key: Launch new, administrator-run instance of app in numbered position on Taskbar

Files

  • Shift + DEL: Delete selected files without going to Recycle Bin
  • Alt + Enter: Show Properties of selected file

Display

  • Windows Key + Print Screen: Take screenshot, saved to Pictures folder automatically
  • Windows Key + P: Switch display modes
  • Windows Key + Plus: Zoom in with Magnifier
  • Windows Key + Minus: Zoom out with Magnifier

Game DVR

  • Windows Key + G: Open Game DVR
  • Windows Key + Alt + G: Start recording
  • Windows Key + Alt + R: Stop recording

Miscellaneous

  • Windows Key + L: Lock computer

Thanks to the Windows Insider program, Windows Insiders and everyone who’s contributed to discovering new Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts.

Conclusion

By using keyboard shortcuts in Windows 10, you can take full command of the various ways you use the OS. This can be true of any computer you use.

If you switch computers throughout the day for work or play, knowing shortcuts can put you at ease when using Windows 10 as you get used to it. Keep this list handy and start using shortcuts to see how to take total control of Windows 10.