CNET - Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 73 Keyboard Shortcuts to Take Your Windows 11 Mastery to the Next Level
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Colin Howard
Jan 29, 2026, 12:46:53 PM (2 days ago) Jan 29
to post AVIP list
Greetings,
I'm soon going to use W11, this list is a great help to me and, I suspect
other new W11 users, such as something which growls in Gosport!
The era of Windows 10 has officially ended, with support being discontinued
back in October. This means for many users, it's time to install and get
acquainted with Windows 11. Learning a new OS always takes time, but one of
the best features of Windows 11 is the massive library of keyboard shortcuts
available.
You're probably already familiar with staples like Ctrl+C for copying and
Ctrl+V for pasting, but those barely scratch the surface. Windows 11 is
packed with dozens of lesser-known key combinations that unlock advanced
functionality. From expertly managing snap layouts to instantly calling up
hidden system menus, the right shortcut can transform your efficiency. If
your goal is to minimize time spent navigating menus and maximize
productivity, mastering these key combos is essential.
First, let's be clear. Even if you've never used Windows 11 before, you can
easily use it to surf the web, watch videos, listen to all those important
podcasts and play music. It's not incredibly difficult. If you want to be a
Windows 11 pro, knowing the keyboard shortcuts is the way to go.
If you're struggling with picking out the keyboard shortcuts for yourself,
don't worry -- we're here to help. Many of them carry over from earlier
versions of Microsoft's operating system, including Windows 10.
Some of these shortcuts are rather basic, such as undoing a previous action,
but we've made sure our guide also includes lesser-known shortcuts.
Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET
as a preferred Google source.
Windows 11 basic shortcuts
To start, here are the Windows 11 hotkeys you'll probably use most often.
Ctrl + A: Select all items in a window.
Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy selected or highlighted item (text, images
and so on).
Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste selected or highlighted item.
Ctrl + X: Cut selected or highlighted item.
Ctrl + Z: Undo previous action.
Ctrl + Y: Redo action.
Ctrl + N: When File Explorer is your current window, open a new File
Explorer window with the same folder path as the current window.
Windows key + F1: Open "how to get help in windows" Bing search in default
browser.
Alt + F4: Close the current app or window.
Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps or windows.
Shift + Delete: Delete selected item permanently (skip the Recycle Bin).
Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar shortcuts
You can use these keyboard shortcuts to open, close and otherwise control
the Start menu and the taskbar.
Windows key or Ctrl + Esc: Open Start menu.
Windows key + X: Open the secret Start menu.
Windows key + T: Cycle through the apps (including pinned apps) on the
taskbar.
Windows key + [Number]: Open the app pinned in the [number] position on the
taskbar. For example, if you have Edge pinned in the first position on the
taskbar and you click Windows key + 1, Edge will open. If the app is already
open, a new instance or window will open.
Windows key + Alt + [Number]: Open the right-click menu for the app pinned
in the [number] position on the taskbar.
Windows key + D: Show or hide desktop (Windows key + , will display the
desktop briefly).
Watch this: Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
05:19
Windows 11 screenshots shortcuts
Windows 11 also has several ways to take a screenshot, including three
keyboard shortcuts.
PrtScn: Take a screenshot of your entire screen and save it to your
clipboard.
Windows key + PrtScn: Take a screenshot of your entire desktop and save it
to a folder on your computer.
Windows key + Shift + S: Open the Snipping Tool menu to take a screenshot of
only a section of your screen.
Watch this: Windows 11: 4 quick ways to take a screenshot on your PC
01:20
Windows 11 emoji shortcuts: Add emojis, GIFs, and symbols with emoji panel
These shortcuts are activated any time you are in a text entry field.
Windows key + . (period): Bring up the emoji keyboard
Select emojis with the mouse or search for a specific emoji to add to text
input screen
Tap the GIF button to search for and add GIFs to your text input screen
Windows 11 desktop shortcuts: Snap Assist and virtual desktops
These shortcuts control how individual windows act on your desktop,
including virtual desktops.
Windows key + M: Minimize all open windows.
Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows.
Windows key + Home: Minimize all windows except the selected or currently
active window.
Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize selected window.
Windows key + Shift + Up arrow: Maximizes the active window vertically while
maintaining its width.
Windows key + Down arrow: Minimize selected window.
Windows key + Left arrow: Snap selected window to the left half of the
screen.
Windows key + Right arrow: Snap selected window to the right half of the
screen.
Windows key + Alt + Up: Snap selected window to top half of the screen.
Windows key + Alt + Down: Snap selected window to bottom half of the screen.
Windows key + Shift + Left arrow or Right arrow: Move selected window to the
left or right monitor.
Windows key + Tab: Open Task view (virtual desktops).
Windows key + Ctrl + D: Add new virtual desktop.
Windows key + Ctrl + Right arrow: Move to the next virtual desktop (to the
right).
Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow: Move to the previous virtual desktop (to
the left).
Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Close current virtual desktop.
All the Windows 11 shortcuts using the Windows key
These keyboard shortcuts use the Windows logo key to perform various tasks,
such as launching both Windows and third-party apps.
Windows key + A: Open the Action Center.
Windows key + S: Open Cortana in text mode, so you can type in the search
bar. (Windows key + Q does the same thing.)
Windows key + C: Open Microsoft Copilot
Windows key + E: Open File Explorer.
Windows key + F: Open the Windows 10 Feedback Hub.
Windows key + Ctrl + F: Search for PCs on a network.
Windows key + G: Open the Game bar.
Windows key + H: Open the Share sidebar.
Windows key + I: Open the Settings menu.
Windows key + K: Open the Connect sidebar (for connecting to new Bluetooth
devices or Miracast).
Windows key + L: Lock your computer.
Windows key + O: Lock screen orientation.
Windows key + P: Open presentation or projection sidebar.
Windows key + R: Open the Run window.
Windows key + U: Open Ease of Access center.
Windows key + W: Open the Windows Ink Workspace for scribbling on tablets or
touchscreen laptops.
Windows key + (+) or (-): Zoom in and out with magnifier.
Windows key + Esc: Exit magnifier.
Windows 11 shortcuts using the F keys
The F keys at the top of your keyboard can perform a number of actions when
used with other keys, but they're also useful on their own.
F2: Rename a selected item.
F3: Quickly search for files in File Explorer.
F4: Highlight the address bar in File Explorer.
F5: Refresh your active window.
F6: Cycle through elements (tab, buttons, search bar, etc.) in a window or
your desktop.
Alt + F8: Show login password on the start screen.
F10: Activate the menu bar in the active window.
Windows 11 shortcuts for the Windows Command Prompt
You can use these keyboard shortcuts inside the Windows Command Prompt.
Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy selected text to the clipboard.
Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste copied text inside the Command Prompt.
Ctrl + A: Select all text on the current line. (If the current line has no
text, all text inside the Command Prompt will be selected.)
Ctrl + Up or Down: Move screen one line up or down.
Ctrl + F: Search Command Prompt via Find window.
Ctrl + M: Enter Mark mode (allows you to select text with mouse). Once Mark
mode is enabled, you can use the arrow keys to move the cursor around.
Shift + Up or Down: Move cursor up or down one line and select text.
Shift + Left or Right: Move cursor left or right one character and select
text.
Ctrl + Shift + Left or Right: Move cursor left or right one word and select
text.
Shift + Page Up or Page Down: Move cursor up or down one screen and select
text.
Shift + Home or End: Move cursor to beginning or end of current line and
select text.
Ctrl + Shift + Home/End: Move cursor to beginning or end of screen buffer
and select text and beginning or end of Command Prompt's output.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/become-a-windows-11-pro-with-these-73-keyboard-shortcuts/
David Goldfield,
Blindness Assistive Technology Specialist
http://www.DavidGoldfield.com
Director of Marketing,
Blazie Technologies
http://www.BlazieTech.com
JAWS Certified, 2022
NVDA Certified Expert
Subscribe to the Tech-VI announcement list to receive blindness technology
news, events and information.
Email: tech-vi+...@groups.io
http://www.DavidGoldfield.com
Colin Howard, living in Southern England.
I'm soon going to use W11, this list is a great help to me and, I suspect
other new W11 users, such as something which growls in Gosport!
The era of Windows 10 has officially ended, with support being discontinued
back in October. This means for many users, it's time to install and get
acquainted with Windows 11. Learning a new OS always takes time, but one of
the best features of Windows 11 is the massive library of keyboard shortcuts
available.
You're probably already familiar with staples like Ctrl+C for copying and
Ctrl+V for pasting, but those barely scratch the surface. Windows 11 is
packed with dozens of lesser-known key combinations that unlock advanced
functionality. From expertly managing snap layouts to instantly calling up
hidden system menus, the right shortcut can transform your efficiency. If
your goal is to minimize time spent navigating menus and maximize
productivity, mastering these key combos is essential.
First, let's be clear. Even if you've never used Windows 11 before, you can
easily use it to surf the web, watch videos, listen to all those important
podcasts and play music. It's not incredibly difficult. If you want to be a
Windows 11 pro, knowing the keyboard shortcuts is the way to go.
If you're struggling with picking out the keyboard shortcuts for yourself,
don't worry -- we're here to help. Many of them carry over from earlier
versions of Microsoft's operating system, including Windows 10.
Some of these shortcuts are rather basic, such as undoing a previous action,
but we've made sure our guide also includes lesser-known shortcuts.
Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET
as a preferred Google source.
Windows 11 basic shortcuts
To start, here are the Windows 11 hotkeys you'll probably use most often.
Ctrl + A: Select all items in a window.
Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy selected or highlighted item (text, images
and so on).
Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste selected or highlighted item.
Ctrl + X: Cut selected or highlighted item.
Ctrl + Z: Undo previous action.
Ctrl + Y: Redo action.
Ctrl + N: When File Explorer is your current window, open a new File
Explorer window with the same folder path as the current window.
Windows key + F1: Open "how to get help in windows" Bing search in default
browser.
Alt + F4: Close the current app or window.
Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps or windows.
Shift + Delete: Delete selected item permanently (skip the Recycle Bin).
Windows 11 Start menu and taskbar shortcuts
You can use these keyboard shortcuts to open, close and otherwise control
the Start menu and the taskbar.
Windows key or Ctrl + Esc: Open Start menu.
Windows key + X: Open the secret Start menu.
Windows key + T: Cycle through the apps (including pinned apps) on the
taskbar.
Windows key + [Number]: Open the app pinned in the [number] position on the
taskbar. For example, if you have Edge pinned in the first position on the
taskbar and you click Windows key + 1, Edge will open. If the app is already
open, a new instance or window will open.
Windows key + Alt + [Number]: Open the right-click menu for the app pinned
in the [number] position on the taskbar.
Windows key + D: Show or hide desktop (Windows key + , will display the
desktop briefly).
Watch this: Windows 11 Tips and Hidden Features
05:19
Windows 11 screenshots shortcuts
Windows 11 also has several ways to take a screenshot, including three
keyboard shortcuts.
PrtScn: Take a screenshot of your entire screen and save it to your
clipboard.
Windows key + PrtScn: Take a screenshot of your entire desktop and save it
to a folder on your computer.
Windows key + Shift + S: Open the Snipping Tool menu to take a screenshot of
only a section of your screen.
Watch this: Windows 11: 4 quick ways to take a screenshot on your PC
01:20
Windows 11 emoji shortcuts: Add emojis, GIFs, and symbols with emoji panel
These shortcuts are activated any time you are in a text entry field.
Windows key + . (period): Bring up the emoji keyboard
Select emojis with the mouse or search for a specific emoji to add to text
input screen
Tap the GIF button to search for and add GIFs to your text input screen
Windows 11 desktop shortcuts: Snap Assist and virtual desktops
These shortcuts control how individual windows act on your desktop,
including virtual desktops.
Windows key + M: Minimize all open windows.
Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows.
Windows key + Home: Minimize all windows except the selected or currently
active window.
Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize selected window.
Windows key + Shift + Up arrow: Maximizes the active window vertically while
maintaining its width.
Windows key + Down arrow: Minimize selected window.
Windows key + Left arrow: Snap selected window to the left half of the
screen.
Windows key + Right arrow: Snap selected window to the right half of the
screen.
Windows key + Alt + Up: Snap selected window to top half of the screen.
Windows key + Alt + Down: Snap selected window to bottom half of the screen.
Windows key + Shift + Left arrow or Right arrow: Move selected window to the
left or right monitor.
Windows key + Tab: Open Task view (virtual desktops).
Windows key + Ctrl + D: Add new virtual desktop.
Windows key + Ctrl + Right arrow: Move to the next virtual desktop (to the
right).
Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow: Move to the previous virtual desktop (to
the left).
Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Close current virtual desktop.
All the Windows 11 shortcuts using the Windows key
These keyboard shortcuts use the Windows logo key to perform various tasks,
such as launching both Windows and third-party apps.
Windows key + A: Open the Action Center.
Windows key + S: Open Cortana in text mode, so you can type in the search
bar. (Windows key + Q does the same thing.)
Windows key + C: Open Microsoft Copilot
Windows key + E: Open File Explorer.
Windows key + F: Open the Windows 10 Feedback Hub.
Windows key + Ctrl + F: Search for PCs on a network.
Windows key + G: Open the Game bar.
Windows key + H: Open the Share sidebar.
Windows key + I: Open the Settings menu.
Windows key + K: Open the Connect sidebar (for connecting to new Bluetooth
devices or Miracast).
Windows key + L: Lock your computer.
Windows key + O: Lock screen orientation.
Windows key + P: Open presentation or projection sidebar.
Windows key + R: Open the Run window.
Windows key + U: Open Ease of Access center.
Windows key + W: Open the Windows Ink Workspace for scribbling on tablets or
touchscreen laptops.
Windows key + (+) or (-): Zoom in and out with magnifier.
Windows key + Esc: Exit magnifier.
Windows 11 shortcuts using the F keys
The F keys at the top of your keyboard can perform a number of actions when
used with other keys, but they're also useful on their own.
F2: Rename a selected item.
F3: Quickly search for files in File Explorer.
F4: Highlight the address bar in File Explorer.
F5: Refresh your active window.
F6: Cycle through elements (tab, buttons, search bar, etc.) in a window or
your desktop.
Alt + F8: Show login password on the start screen.
F10: Activate the menu bar in the active window.
Windows 11 shortcuts for the Windows Command Prompt
You can use these keyboard shortcuts inside the Windows Command Prompt.
Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy selected text to the clipboard.
Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste copied text inside the Command Prompt.
Ctrl + A: Select all text on the current line. (If the current line has no
text, all text inside the Command Prompt will be selected.)
Ctrl + Up or Down: Move screen one line up or down.
Ctrl + F: Search Command Prompt via Find window.
Ctrl + M: Enter Mark mode (allows you to select text with mouse). Once Mark
mode is enabled, you can use the arrow keys to move the cursor around.
Shift + Up or Down: Move cursor up or down one line and select text.
Shift + Left or Right: Move cursor left or right one character and select
text.
Ctrl + Shift + Left or Right: Move cursor left or right one word and select
text.
Shift + Page Up or Page Down: Move cursor up or down one screen and select
text.
Shift + Home or End: Move cursor to beginning or end of current line and
select text.
Ctrl + Shift + Home/End: Move cursor to beginning or end of screen buffer
and select text and beginning or end of Command Prompt's output.
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/become-a-windows-11-pro-with-these-73-keyboard-shortcuts/
David Goldfield,
Blindness Assistive Technology Specialist
http://www.DavidGoldfield.com
Director of Marketing,
Blazie Technologies
http://www.BlazieTech.com
JAWS Certified, 2022
NVDA Certified Expert
Subscribe to the Tech-VI announcement list to receive blindness technology
news, events and information.
Email: tech-vi+...@groups.io
http://www.DavidGoldfield.com
Colin Howard, living in Southern England.
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