Best Windows 11 Shortcuts: 50 Most Used Right Now

Take a closer look and boost productivity

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Key notes

  • Spending time on a laptop or a desktop is a daily task for millions of individuals across the globe.
  • There are plenty of keyboard shortcuts that you can master and have in your arsenal right away.
  • This guide lists some of the best Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts that can help you swiftly glide through your PC using just your keyboard.

If you spend a lot of time on your computer using the keyboard, either for work or study, then knowing keyboard shortcuts gives you an edge to do things quickly and boosts your productivity.

Windows 11 is the latest operating system offered by Microsoft, and it sure does come with plenty of options that will enhance your productivity.

From resizing a window to minimizing it to closing a window to opening the Run command, etc., a keyboard shortcut is available for basically everything that will keep you from reaching for your mouse.

In this guide, we will share some of the best Windows 11 shortcuts that will help you swiftly navigate your Windows 11 PC simply by using keyboard combinations. So, let us check them out.

How do I create a shortcut in Windows 11?

Although Windows 11 comes with many keyboard shortcuts, most of which you won’t find the need to use, did you know that you can also create a keyboard shortcut of your own in Windows 11?

But there is a catch. Windows 11 doesn’t offer a native way of creating custom keyboard shortcuts. Instead, thanks to the versatility Windows OS provides, you can take the help of third-party software called WinHotKey.

If you are interested, check out the steps below to learn how to use WinHotKey to create Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts.

  1. Download WinHotKey and install it on your PC.
  2. Launch the program.
  3. Click on the New Hotkey button on the top.
  4. Type in the description for the hotkey.
  5. Under I want WinHotKey to drop-down, select Launch an application.
  6. Press Browse.
  7. Select the app that you wish to open using the HotKey.
  8. Click OK.
  9. Select the keyboard shortcut from the drop-down list.
  10. You can also select hotkeys such as Alt, Ctrl, Shift, or Windows along with your hotkey.
  11. You can tweak the keyboard shortcut further by clicking the Advanced button.
  12. Click OK to exit the Advanced window, and again press OK to add the new hotkey to the keyboard shortcut.

Using the WinHotKey application, you can set keyboard shortcuts to open third-party apps and Windows programs.

If interested, check out this guide to understand why the keyboard starts doing shortcuts on its own.

What are the most used Windows 11 shortcuts?

Newly added Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts

Shortcut KeyFunction
Win + NOpens the notifications panel.
Win + AAccess Quick Settings (Earlier Action Center).
Win + WAccess Widgets.
Win + ZOpen Snap layout/templates.
Win + Up ArrowMove the active window to the top half.
Win + Down ArrowMove the active window to the bottom half.
Win + Left/Right ArrowMove the active window to the left/right half.
Win + COpen Microsoft Teams chat.

Windows key combo shortcuts

Shortcut KeyFunction
WinOpens the Start menu.
Win + F1Opens Windows help and support.
Win + B Show hidden icons in the action bar.
Win + DDisplay the desktop.
Win + EOpens the file explorer.
Win + HOpen the voice typing menu.
Win + IOpens the Windows Settings menu.
Win + KOpen the casting menu.
Win + LLocks your PC.
Win + MMinimizes all windows.
Win + PChoose a display to project.
Win + QOpen the Windows Search menu.
Win + ROpens the Run dialogue.
Win + TCycle through the apps on your Taskbar.
Win + UOpens Accessibility settings.
Win + VOpens Clipboard.
Win + XOpens the Quick Settings menu.
Win + ,Quickly peek at the desktop.
Win + PauseShows information about your PC.
Win + 0-9 Open pinned apps in the taskbar according to their number position.
Win + Ctrl + OOpens the on-screen keyboard.
Win + SpacebarChange the input language and keyboard layout.
Win + .Opens the emoji picker.
Win + Shift + SOpens the Windows Snip Tool
Win + Ctrl + DCreate a new virtual desktop.
Win + Ctrl + F4Close the active virtual desktop.
Win + TabOpens the tasks view.

File Explorer shortcuts

Shortcut keyFunction
Alt + DCopy the Address bar.
Ctrl + NOpens a new File Explorer window when inside a File Explorer.
Ctrl + EAccess the File Explorer search bar.
Ctrl + WCloses the active window.
Ctrl + Mouse ScrollSwitch between the file and folder view.
F4Switch to address/location bar.
F5Refresh the File Explorer.
F6Jump between the right/left pane.
Ctrl + Shift + NCreate a new folder.
Ctrl + Shift + EShows all folders above the selected folder
Alt + PShow/Hide preview panel in File Explorer.
Alt + EnterDisplays the Properties menu box for the selected item.
Shift + F10Show the classic context menu for the selected item.
BackspaceGo back to the previous folder.
Alt + Left/Right ArrowGo to the next or previous folder.
Alt + Up arrowGo to the parent folder/directory.
HomeDisplays the top item of the active window.
EndDisplays the bottom item of the active window.

Most useful keyboard shortcuts

Shortcut keyFunction
Ctrl + ASelect all items.
Ctrl + CCopy an item.
Ctrl + XCut an item.
Ctrl + VPaste an item.
Ctrl + ZUndo changes.
Ctrl + YRedo changes.
Ctrl + Shift + Drag the iconCreate a shortcut.
Shift + Select with the mouse.Select multiple items.
Ctrl + OOpen a file in the current application.
Ctrl + SSave the file.
Ctrl + Shift + SOpen Save As.
Ctrl + NOpen the new window for the current app.
Alt + TabSwitch between running apps.
Alt + F4Close the active window.
Alt + F8Display your password on the login screen.
Shift + DelDelete the selected item permanently.
Ctrl + DelDelete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin.
F5Refresh the active window.
F10Open the Menu Bar for the active app.
Ctrl + PDisplays the Print screen.
Ctrl + Shift + EscOpen Task Manager.
F11Enter or Exit full-screen mode.

Accessibility keyboard shortcuts

Shortcut keyFunction
Win + UOpen Ease of Access center.
Win + -Zoom out using Magnifier.
Win + +Zoom in using Magnifier
Ctrl + Alt + DSwitch Magnifier to docked mode.
Ctrl + Alt + LSwitch lens mode in Magnifier.
Ctrl + Alt + FSwitch Magnifier to full-screen mode.
Ctrl + Alt + Mouse scrollZoon in/out in Magnifier.
Alt + Ctrl + Arrow keysPan in Magnifier.
Win + EscExit Magnifier.
Win + EnterOpen Narrator.
Win + Ctrl + OOpen the on-screen keyboard.
Alt + Shift + PrntscSwitch High Contrast On/Off.
Alt + Shift + Num LockSwitch mouse Keys On/Off.

How can I fix Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts not working?

While there are a plethora of keyboard shortcuts available to use in Windows 11, you may come across an issue that prevents you from using them.

There can be several reasons behind the Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts not working problem. However, below are some quick solutions that could help you fix the issue on your end.

  • Run keyboard troubleshooter
    1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
    2. Scroll down and select Troubleshoot.
    3. Click Other troubleshooters.
    4. Press the Run button for the Keyboard troubleshooter.
  • Turn of Sticky Keys
    1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
    2. Click on Accessibility from the right pane.
    3. Select Keyboard.
    4. Turn off the toggle for Sticky Keys.
  • Update keyboard drivers: As always advised, keeping all of your PC drivers up to date ensures that you have access to all the latest features and fixes that come along with them. For example, a bug could conflict with the Windows OS, which you can quickly fix by updating your drivers.

If you want to add emojis to your Outlook email, read this guide to find step-by-step instructions.

When the Alt + Shift shortcut is not working, read this guide to fix it or to find alternatives.

That’s all from this guide. Let us know in the comments below which keyboard shortcuts are the ones that you make use of every day or commonly use.

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