Keyboard Short Cuts for Windows Users
I know the basics when it comes to shortcuts and quick keys on Windows:
Ctrl + C = Copy
Ctrl + V = Paste
Alt + F4 = Close Application Window
Alt + Tab = Switch to another open application
Yeah, yeah, yeah… boring old school, right?
Well how about Windows+D, did you know that one (Show/Hide the desktop). Or how about [Ctrl] + [alt] + [up/down/left/right arrow] to rotate screen? Or how about Ctrl + W to close a browser tab?
That’s the kind of thing that really surprises me. How can I have worked in Windows for this long and not know this stuff? Evidently, it’s not just me. Aibek at MakeUseOf.com has documented a couple of cool tricks that you might find useful in his article Some Cool Keyboard Tricks That Few People Know About.
Have fun with these. Don’t forget to check the comments section on his post. A few people put some sneaky ones in there.
One thing I always find (although not technically a keyboard shortcut) is that I see users right-clicking links in a web page and selecting open in a new tab from the menu. This is really tedious especially when opening lots of links. Luckily, it has a simple solution: when hovering over said link, click the mouse wheel – easy!
Thanks, Dave. Since you’ve pointed that out, I’ve used it at least four times in the past hour. Problem is, the damn scroll wheel button is so small, my finger keeps slipping off.
The new ones I’ve used the most since posting:
Windows+E to open Windows Explorer
Windows+D to minimize to desktop
Just discovered another one when I accidently entered Ctrl+E, set my cursor directly to the search box.
– Mark
Received another one from @WorTony on twitter:
Windows+R opens the Run dialog window.
Windows+L for a quick way to lock your machine.
In Windows 7 if you have programs pinned to the task bar:
– [Windows] + [1-0] Opens or Minimizes/Restores the program pinned in that position
– For example say you have 4 programs pinned (e.g. Outlook, Windows Explorer, Photoshop, Firefox) pressing [Windows] + [3] launches Photoshop. If Photoshop is already open pressing [Windows] + [3] will either minimize or restore the Photoshop window.
[Windows] + L will lock the desktop
Windows+E will launch Windows Explorer.