The usage of a computer is more comfortable if one knows the correct keyboard shortcuts. It helps perform the necessary tasks by pressing several buttons without the need to keep on accessing menu bars and other settings. There are shortcuts for file management, application management, screenshots, and window management in Windows 11.
Knowledge about Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts is helpful both for productivity at the workplace, during virtual classes, and in performing routine computer-based tasks. The following article provides some useful shortcuts that one may include in their routine practice.
Start with these common shortcuts to perform basic tasks faster.
Keyboard shortcuts for personal computers function in various Windows applications, though some applications may have other key sequences. Using just a few keyboard shortcuts each day will help you memorize them.
Windows 11 includes several shortcuts that help you open tools and move around your computer.
Windows + E: Open File Explorer to access files and folders.
Windows + I: Open Settings.
Windows + S: Open Windows Search.
Windows + R: Open the Run dialog box.
Windows + L: Lock your computer.
Windows + D: Show or hide the desktop.
Windows + X: Open the Quick Link menu.
Windows + Tab: Open Task View to see open windows and desktops.
For instance, by using the shortcut Windows + E, one can quickly locate the document without going through the desktop icons.
Application switching is a process that is done by office workers and students frequently. The following hotkeys help do multiple tasks easily.
Alt+Tab: Switch applications. Click the Alt key and then press the Tab key to move to another window.
Windows+Tab: Launch the Task View to see all opened windows and virtual desktops.
Windows+Ctrl+D: Create a new virtual desktop.
Windows+Ctrl+Left/Right arrow: Move to another virtual desktop.
Virtual desktops can be used in case when there is a need to separate various work activities. For instance, you can use one desktop to work with spreadsheets and emails, and another one to do some research.
Tasking between different applications is something that office people and even students do quite frequently. Here are some shortcuts which can help in multitasking.
Alt+Tab: Use this combination to switch between open applications. Use Alt and Tab keys to choose the other window.
Windows+Tab: Press these keys together to open Task View and see what you have opened.
Windows+Ctrl+D: This shortcut creates a new virtual desktop.
Windows+Ctrl+Left arrow or right arrow: Use this shortcut to task between virtual desktops.
A virtual desktop is a good way of separating the work activities. It can be used to keep all your spreadsheets and emails on one desktop and use another desktop for research.
There are Snap functions in Windows 11 which can be helpful while using several apps at once. It can be especially useful for comparing several documents or using a spreadsheet along with a browser.
Windows + Left arrow: Snap the active window to the left.
Windows + Right arrow: Snap the active window to the right.
Windows + Up arrow: Maximize the active window.
Windows + Down arrow: Minimize the active window.
Windows + Z: Access Snap layouts.
For instance, put the browser window on one side of the monitor and the Word document on the other one. You will have an opportunity to browse the Internet and take notes simultaneously.
File management can be done quickly through keyboard shortcuts in File Explorer.
Be careful with Shift + Delete because it bypasses the Recycle Bin in normal File Explorer use. Check your selection before using it.
Screenshots come in handy when reporting bugs, making tutorials, or exchanging information with co-workers.
Windows + Shift + S: Access screen snipping tools to be able to choose either to select a part, take a window, or take the screen.
Alt + PrtScn: Take a snapshot of the active window to the clipboard.
Windows + PrtScn: Save a screenshot of the screen to the Screenshots folder within the Pictures.
The use of these shortcuts makes it easier not to have to launch a screenshot program separately. After taking a screenshot, one is able to paste the image into a document or message application.
While the regular clipboard contains copied information, there is an additional option called clipboard history on Windows 11.
One should press Windows key + V to access clipboard history. In case it is the first time you have used it, you should follow the instructions for enabling the function.
Clipboard history gives one an option to select any of the recently copied information instead of copying the same thing over and over again. Clipboard history can prove useful while preparing reports and transferring many text files between programs.
It should be kept in mind that copied information may contain sensitive data.
Text creation such as emails, reports, and documentation is made simple by having a way to edit text without having to use the mouse.
Home: Go to the start of a line in many text areas.
End: Go to the end of a line.
Ctrl + Left Arrow or Right Arrow: Go to the next word in many text editors.
Shift + Arrow Keys: Select text.
Ctrl + Backspace: Go back one word in many text editors.
Ctrl + Y: Undo an action in many applications that support undoing actions.
These useful shortcuts for Windows 11 are quite useful when editing lengthy texts.
Utilization of keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 will enable one to boost their computer productivity effortlessly. These shortcuts can help in carrying out various functions ranging from opening applications, working with files, organizing windows, taking screenshots among other operations which will minimize clicking.
One should start by learning five shortcuts that will work perfectly for one's routine and keep on practicing them.