Using Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11

Posted on by Jeff Feiertag

Looking for Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts? Here is a handy list, courtesy of cnet.com.

  • Windows key + M: Minimize all open windows.
  • Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows.
  • Windows key + Home: Minimize all windows except the selected or currently active window.
  • Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize selected window.
  • Windows key + Shift + Up arrow: Maximizes the active window vertically while maintaining its width.
  • Windows key + Down arrow: Minimize selected window.
  • Windows key + Left arrow: Snap selected window to the left half of the screen.
  • Windows key + Right arrow: Snap selected window to the right half of the screen.
  • Windows key + Alt + Up: Snap selected window to top half of the screen.
  • Windows key + Alt + Down: Snap selected window to bottom half of the screen.
  • Windows key + Shift + Left arrow or Right arrow: Move selected window to the left or right monitor.
  • Windows key + Tab: Open Task view (virtual desktops).
  • Windows key + Ctrl + D: Add new virtual desktop.
  • Windows key + Ctrl + Right arrow: Move to the next virtual desktop (to the right).
  • Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow: Move to the previous virtual desktop (to the left).
  • Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Close current virtual desktop.
  • Windows key + S: Open Cortana in text mode, so you can type in the search bar. (Windows key + Q does the same thing.)
  • Windows key + C: Open Microsoft Copilot.
  • Windows key + E: Open File Explorer.
  • Windows key + F: Open the Windows 10 Feedback Hub.
  • Windows key + Ctrl + F: Search for PCs on a network.
  • Windows key + H: Open the Share sidebar.
  • Windows key + I: Open the Settings menu.
  • Windows key + K: Open the Connect sidebar (for connecting to new Bluetooth devices or Miracast).
  • Windows key + L: Lock your computer.
  • Windows key + O: Lock screen orientation.
  • Windows key + P: Open presentation or projection sidebar.
  • Windows key + R: Open the Run window.
  • Windows key + U: Open Ease of Access center.
  • Windows key + W: Open the Windows Ink Workspace for scribbling on tablets or touchscreen laptops.
  • Windows key + (+) or (-): Zoom in and out with magnifier.
  • Windows key + Esc: Exit magnifier.
  • F2: Rename a selected item.
  • F3: Quickly search for files in File Explorer.
  • F4: Highlight the address bar in File Explorer.
  • F5: Refresh your active window.
  • F6: Cycle through elements (tab, buttons, search bar, etc.) in a window or your desktop.
  • Alt + F8: Show login password on the start screen.
  • F10: Activate the menu bar in the active window.