Windows Shortcuts

These general Microsoft Windows Shortcuts are useful every day.

These shortcuts usually use the modifier keys: Win (Windows), Shift (Shift) and Ctrl (Control). While they are specific to Windows, many can be used on an Apple computer using the Option and Command keys in place of the Windows and Control keys.

The Windows Key

Since Windows 8 was introduce, the traditional Start menu disappeared and then was partially reintroduced. There is a much faster way to search for the program or file that you want. Just press the Windows key on your keyboard and start typing. Not only will it bring up the program, but also the most recent or pinned files

The Windows Key Shortcuts

You can run shortcuts on your PC by holding down the Windows (Win) key and then tapping another key. Here are some of the most useful shortcuts to use all the time.

Win + E = Open a new Explorer Window (A folder)

Win + D = Show the Desktop (Minimises all windows). Press again to bring them back.

Win + P = Shows you multiple display options eg: connecting to a projector

Win+ I = Brings up the Windows Settings panel (Windows 10 only)

Win + L = Locks the computer so you have to sign back in. Handy if you're popping away from your PC

Win + U = Display settings

Win + M = Minimise all Windows

The Taskbar

The taskbar is the bar that runs along the bottom of screen in windows. When you launch a program its icon will sit on the taskbar. You can pin programms so they always sit on the taskbar which is useful for programs you use most often.

1. Launch the program you want to Pin

2. Right click on the program icon on the Taskbar.

3. Click on Pin to Taskbar

You can also pin the files you want to have regular access to.

1. Right click on the program on the Taskbar. You will see the list of the most recent files for that program.

2. Hover over the document or item you want pin and you will see the pin icon come up. Click on the pin icon and that item will stay at the top of the list.

Launch a program from the Taskbar Shortcuts

You can launch any of the first 10 programs sitting on your Taskbar using the Windows Key followed by the numbers above the alphabet keys (not the number pad). In the image below the first program is the Folder (Windows Explorer) so Win + 8 will launch Word.

Multiple Monitors

If you have multiple monitors these shortcuts can be super useful. These use the Windows (Win) key and the Shift (Shift) key.

Win + Arrow Keys = Snaps the window to the sides, upper or lower areas of the current screen. These shortcuts can be used no matter how many monitors you have.

Shift + Win + Arrow Left or Right = Sends the current window to the next monitor.

General Windows Shortcuts

The following keys can be used in almost any Windows program.

Ctrl + C = Copy the selected item(s). Copies to the Clipboard, a temporary save than can only hold one thing at a time

Ctrl + V = Paste the item from the Clipboard.

Ctrl + X = Cut the item and place it into the Clipboard (Can be pasted)

Ctrl + F = Find or Search

Ctrl + B = Bolds/Unbolds text. If text it highlighted, it will bold/unbold that text. If no text is highlighted, it will bold the text typed from then on.

Ctrl + U = Underlines text (works the same as Bold/Unbold)

Ctrl + I = Italics Text

Ctrl + P = Print. Brings up the print window.

Shift + Arrow Left or Right = Highlight text one letter/character at a time by holding down the Shift button and tapping the Left Arrow (to highlight to the left) or Right Arrow keys

Ctrl + S = Save

The reason we have highlighted the Ctrl + S = Save shortcut is that is will probably save your work from being lost if you follow the following practice.

1. Start your new document and immediately save it to the place you want it to sit.

2. Now every time you want to save your progress, press Ctrl + S

For best practice, your files should be saved to a location that syncs to the cloud. For Macs, the shortcut is Command + S

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