If you know a bit about Windows, then you’re probably also familiar with some of its functions. For example, when you right-click, you can see different options related to what you want to do. Through this, you can copy or cut any text and paste it wherever you need.
However, if you have more knowledge about Windows, things become even easier. You can use keyboard shortcuts — like pressing Ctrl — to manage your tasks more quickly. For instance, you can select text and copy it using Ctrl + C, then paste it wherever you want.
Among all the shortcuts in Windows, the most commonly used one is Ctrl + C.
This combination, located between the Alt and Ctrl keys, is one of Windows’ key functions — it allows you to copy selected text or content instantly. It’s an essential feature that makes working on Windows much faster and more efficient.
If you know about Windows, you can get many benefits from using your computer in your daily life.
We’ve mentioned the 14 most useful and commonly used hotkeys that you can use and incorporate into your everyday computer routine.
Windows 11 Features
To use Windows 11 shortcut keys, it’s important to understand a few things — such as which keys need to be held down and which should be pressed together. The proper order is explained below.
For example, to use Ctrl + C, place one hand on the Ctrl key on your keyboard and then press the C key. If you press only the C key, it will simply type the letter “c.” Don’t worry if that happens — sometimes, when a document is open, you might see multiple “c’s” appear even though you just wanted to copy text.
That’s why it’s important to follow the correct sequence as described. If you press the keys in the proper order, you won’t face any issues.
If a shortcut begins with the Windows key, remember to press and hold the Windows key first. The Windows key doesn’t perform any function until you release it, so holding it first helps ensure it works correctly.
There’s no need to rush!
Hotkeys only work when the full key sequence is completed. So, hold down the Ctrl or Windows key for as long as needed until you perform the intended action.
Windows + D
When you press this shortcut, your screen instantly switches to the desktop.
This is useful when you want to minimize all open windows at once without closing them — for example, if you’re playing a game and someone suddenly walks in!
Windows + Number
How many apps do you have pinned to your taskbar?
By pressing the Windows key + a number, you can quickly open a specific program.
This shortcut opens the app according to its position on the taskbar, from left to right. For example, if your web browser is pinned in the first position, pressing Windows + 1 will open it instantly.
Windows + T
If you’re talking about the space on your taskbar, the Windows + T shortcut lets you switch between all the apps that are currently open on it.
Each time you press this shortcut, it highlights a different program and shows a small preview thumbnail of what that app is displaying.
Windows + A
Do you want to copy the text from any app or window?
To do this, you can use Windows + A, which selects all the text and images available in that window, making it easy for you to copy everything at once.
Windows + Arrow Key
This feature helps you manage the position and size of your open windows more efficiently. If you want to resize or reposition a window quickly, this shortcut makes it easy:
- Windows + Up: Maximizes the window to full screen.
- Windows + Left: Moves the window to the left side of the screen.
- Windows + Right: Moves the window to the right side of the screen.
- Windows + Down: Minimizes the window.
Windows + E
Using this shortcut, you can open File Explorer instantly — where all your pictures, videos, documents, and other files are stored.
With this, you won’t need to search for the File Explorer icon manually.
Windows + Shift + S
If you want to take a screenshot of any specific part of your document or screen, press Windows + Shift + S.
Then simply click and drag your mouse over the area you want to capture. Once you release the mouse, that selected portion will be saved as a screenshot.
The image is automatically copied to your Clipboard, allowing you to paste or use it later.
Additionally, you can also use the Snipping Tool for taking screenshots in Windows.
Windows + V
Press Windows + V to open the Windows clipboard area where your copied items are stored. If you’ve enabled Clipboard History, you’ll see a list of things you copied earlier (text, screenshots, etc.) and can paste any item from that history.
Windows +. (period)
This is a newer feature: press Windows + . to open the emoji panel. It shows a variety of emojis and has a search box so you can find specific ones. The panel also lets you insert symbols (like © or ®) into your text.
Windows + L
Press Windows + L to lock your computer instantly. To get back in, you’ll need to sign in again (enter your password or use your chosen sign-in method). This shortcut is handy when you step away from your PC and don’t want anyone else to access your files or desktop.
Windows + I
Using this shortcut, you can open Windows Settings instantly. It’s a quick way to customize your system.
By pressing Windows + I, you can adjust your apps, privacy settings, and other features according to your preferences — making your PC more personalized.
Windows + U
If you want to adjust or zoom the size of text or apps on your screen, use Windows + U.
This opens the Ease of Access menu, allowing you to modify your screen and accessibility settings to suit your comfort.
Windows + (+), (-), or Esc
If you want to zoom in on text or a part of your screen, press Windows + (+) to open the Magnifier tool.
To zoom out, press Windows + (-), and to exit the magnifier, press Windows + Esc.
These were some of the most useful Windows 10 and 11 shortcut features.
If you’d like to learn more, you can visit Microsoft’s official site to explore the complete list of shortcuts and features.
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