Abstract

The Windows OS is chock-full of capabilities, with many of these given an associated keyboard shortcut for added convenience. Of course, having these capabilities is one thing, but remembering so many is quite a different story. For your reference, we’ve put together a list of the shortcuts associated with the letter keys, with a few extras as a bonus.

Take note of any that you might have particular use for.

The Alphabet of Windows Shortcuts

  • WinKey + A launches the Action Center.
  • WinKey + B highlights the notification area.
  • WinKey + C launches Cortana in listening mode.
  • WinKey + D toggles Show Desktop and the previous state.
  • WinKey + E launches File Explorer in the Quick Access tab.
  • WinKey + F launches the Microsoft Feedback hub.
  • WinKey + G launches the Game Bar tools, for use during personal time.
  • WinKey + H launches the Dictation toolbar.
  • WinKey + I launches the Settings.
  • WinKey + K launches the Connect pane to connect to wireless displays and devices.
  • WinKey + L locks the device.
  • WinKey + M minimizes all open windows.
  • WinKey + O locks the device’s orientation on tablets and mobile devices.
  • WinKey + P launches the Project pane.
  • WinKey + Q opens Search.
  • WinKey + R displays the run dialog box.
  • WinKey + S launches Cortana in typing mode.
  • WinKey + T cycles through the apps on the taskbar.
  • WinKey + U launches the Ease of Access/Display Center to manage attached displays.
  • WinKey + V pulls up the clipboard app to view things copied to it with Ctrl + C.
  • WinKey + X pulls up the advanced, Secret Start menu.

Moving Around Your Windows

A bit of desktop organization can often help people be more productive, which makes it super helpful that Windows has a few shortcuts dedicated to arranging the windows on your display:

  • WinKey + Left/Right Arrow takes the active window and adjusts it to fill the left or right side of the monitor it is displayed in.
  • WinKey + Shift + Left/Right Arrow moves the active window over to another display.
  • WinKey + Up Arrow maximizes the active window.
  • WinKey + Down Arrow minimizes the active window.

Trust us, Windows comes with a lot more shortcuts for you to explore, which we occasionally go over here. Make sure you check back often for more great technology tips and best practices.

Tags- Computer, Quick Tips, Windows

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The ABCs of Windows-Key Shortcuts

Rafiq Masri

With over 25 years of experience in Information Technology, Rafiq is one of the most accomplished, versatile and certified engineer in the field. He has spent the past 2 ½ decades administering and supporting a wide range of clients and has helped position Network Management, Inc. as a leader in the IT Managed Services space.

Rafiq has built a reputation for designing, building and supporting top notch IT infrastructures to match the business objectives and goals of his clients.

Embracing the core values of integrity, innovation, and reliability, Rafiq has a very loyal client base with some customer relationships dating back 20+ years.

Rafiq holds a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan and has completed graduate programs in Software Engineering and Business at Harvard and George Mason University. Rafiq is a former founder and CEO of Automation, Inc. in Ann Arbor, Michigan as well as a valued speaker on entrepreneurship and technology at industry events such as ExpoTech and others.