If you're a Windows 10 user, you probably already know that using keyboard shortcuts can save you a lot of time and make your workflow more efficient. However, with so many shortcuts available, it can be hard to keep track of them all. That's why we've compiled this ultimate guide to all the Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts you need to know.
Note: Most of these keyboard shortcuts work across all versions of Windows 10, but some may not work on older versions.
These keyboard shortcuts can be used anywhere in Windows 10.
Essential shortcuts
| Function | Windows Shortcut | For Mac Shortcut |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl+C | Command+C |
| Paste | Ctrl+V | Command+V |
| Cut | Ctrl+X | Command+X |
| Undo | Ctrl+Z | Command+Z |
| Redo | Ctrl+Y or Ctrl+Shift+Z | Command+Shift+Z or Command+Y |
| Select All | Ctrl+A | Command+A |
| Find | Ctrl+F | Command+F |
| Save | Ctrl+S | Command+S |
| New File | Ctrl+N | Command+N |
| Open File | Ctrl+O | Command+O |
| Close Window | Alt+F4 | Command+W |
| Quit Application | Alt+F4 | Command+Q |
| Task Manager | Ctrl+Shift+Esc | N/A |
| Switch between open windows | Alt+Tab | Command+Tab |
| Take a Screenshot | Win+Print Screen | Command+Shift+3 (full screen) or Command+Shift+4 (selected area) |
| Zoom in | Ctrl++ | Command++ |
| Zoom out | Ctrl+- | Command+- |
Desktop Shortcut
Here are some commonly used desktop shortcut keys:
| Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows key | Open the Start menu or toggle between the Start menu and the last-used app |
| Windows key + D | Show or hide the desktop |
| Windows key + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows key + L | Lock your computer |
| Windows key + R | Open the Run dialog box |
| Windows key + S | Open the search bar |
| Windows key + Tab | Open Task View |
| Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Open the Task Manager |
| Ctrl + C | Copy selected item |
| Ctrl + X | Cut selected item |
| Ctrl + V | Paste selected item |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo an action |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open windows |
| Alt + F4 | Close the active window |
| F2 | Rename the selected item |
| F5 | Refresh the active window |
Note: These shortcut keys may vary depending on the operating system and version.
File Explorer Shortcut
These are commonly used File Explorer shortcut keys that every Windows 10 user has to know.
| Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|
| Windows key + E | Opens File Explorer |
| Alt + Up arrow | Goes up one folder level |
| F2 | Renames a selected file or folder |
| Ctrl + C | Copies selected item(s) |
| Ctrl + X | Cuts selected item(s) |
| Ctrl + V | Pastes copied or cut item(s) |
| Ctrl + Z | Undoes the last action |
| Ctrl + A | Selects all items in the current window |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Creates a new folder |
| Delete | Deletes selected item(s) |
| Shift + Delete | Deletes selected item(s) permanently without moving to the Recycle Bin |
| F11 | Toggles full-screen mode on and off |
| Alt + Enter | Opens the Properties dialog box for the selected item(s) |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Opens Task Manager directly |
Command Prompt Shortcuts
These keyboard shortcuts can enhance your efficiency while working with Command Prompt.
| Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+C | Stop the current command |
| Ctrl+A | Select all text in the current line |
| Ctrl+V | Paste text from the clipboard |
| Ctrl+F | Open the find dialog box |
| Ctrl+M | Enter Mark mode |
| F1 | Display Command Prompt Help |
| F2 | Edit the current command line |
| F3 | Repeat the last command |
| F4 | Delete the current command line |
| F5 | Cycle through previously entered commands |
| F6 | Cycle through Command Prompt's autocomplete options |
| F7 | Display a list of previously entered commands |
| F8 | Search the command history for a specific string |
| F9 | Enter a specific command from the command history |
| Tab | Auto-complete a partially typed command or filename |
| Shift+Arrow | Highlight text in the command prompt |
| Ctrl+Shift+Arrow | Highlight text in the command prompt by whole words |
| Alt+F4 | Close Command Prompt |
Windows Shortcuts
Using the Windows key in combination with other keys enables you to carry out various practical tasks, such as opening Settings, File Explorer, the Run command, apps pinned in the Taskbar, or accessing specific features like Narrator or Magnifier. Additionally, you can perform tasks like controlling windows and virtual desktops, capturing screenshots, locking the computer, and more.
The following is a comprehensive collection of the most frequently used keyboard shortcuts that involve the Windows key.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + A | Open the Action Center |
| Win + B | Highlight the notification area |
| Win + C | Launch Cortana in listening mode |
| Win + D | Show the desktop |
| Win + E | Open File Explorer |
| Win + F | Open the search bar |
| Win + G | Open the Game Bar |
| Win + H | Open the Share menu |
| Win + I | Open Settings |
| Win + K | Open the Connect pane |
| Win + L | Lock the computer |
| Win + M | Minimize all windows |
| Win + P | Choose a presentation display mode |
| Win + R | Open the Run dialog box |
| Win + S | Open the search bar |
| Win + T | Cycle through apps on the taskbar |
| Win + U | Open the Ease of Access Center |
| Win + X | Open the Quick Link menu |
| Win + Z | Show the app commands available in the app |
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