Windows- Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard Shortcuts Overview
Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide an alternate way to do something you would typically do with a mouse by using the keys on your keyboard. Knowing these keyboard shortcuts will save you a lot of time.
Using Keyboard Shortcuts
In Help topics, a plus sign (+) between two or more keys indicates that those keys should be pressed in combination. For example:
- Ctrl + A means to press and hold Ctrl and then press A.
- Ctrl + Shift + A means to press and hold Ctrl and Shift and then press A.
Common Keyboard Shortcuts
Here are several common keyboard shortcuts that you will use the most:
- Ctrl + C to Copy
- Ctrl + X to Cut
- Ctrl + V to Paste
- Alt + Tab to switch between open apps
- F11 or Windows logo key + Up arrow to Maximize Window
- Windows logo key + L to Lock your PC
Find Program Shortcuts
Most programs have the option to use shortcut keys.
To view the commands that have keyboard shortcuts, open the menu.
All shortcuts available will be shown next to the command items.
Using Notepad on Windows as an example, you can see shortcut keys for the commands.
Choose Menus, Commands, and Options
In a program, you can open a menu and choose the commands and other options just by using your keyboard.
Example: Paint (Windows)
Click on the program window, and then click ALT on your keyboard.
Options will show up like the example below:
After clicking ALT, you can then click the letter/number of the menu you want to open.
Press Alt then F to open the File menu, then press P to choose the Print command. This trick works in dialog boxes, too. Whenever you see an underlined letter attached to an option in a dialog box (example: the P in Print in the above image), it means you can press Alt plus that letter to choose that option.
This can be done with any program that has shortcut keys available.
View the video below to see it in action.
Useful Shortcuts
The following table lists some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts. For a more detailed list, see Keyboard shortcuts.
| Press this | To do this |
| Windows logo key | Open the Start menu |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open programs or windows |
| Alt + F4 | Close the action item, or exit the active program |
| Ctrl + S | Save the current file or document (works in most programs) |
| Ctrl + C | Copy the selected item |
| Ctrl + X | Cut the selected item |
| Ctrl + V | Paste the selected item |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo an action |
| Ctrl + A | Select all items in a document or window |
| F1 | Display Help for a program or Windows |
| Windows logo key | Display Windows Help and Support |
| Esc | Cancel the current task |
| F11 or Windows logo key | Maximize Window |
| Windows logo key | Open Task View |
| Windows logo key | Display and hide the desktop |
| Windows logo key | Open the Quick Link menu |
| Windows logo key | Lock your PC |
Using Navigation Keys
The navigation keys allow you to move the cursor, move around in documents and webpages, and edit text. The following table lists some common functions of these keys.
| Press this | To do this |
Left Arrow, Right Arrow, Up Arrow, or Down Arrow | Move the cursor or selection one space or line in the direction of the arrow, or scroll a webpage in the direction of the arrow |
| Home | Move the cursor to the end of a line or move to the top of a webpage |
| End | Move the cursor to the end of a line or move to the bottom of a webpage |
| Ctrl + Home | Move to the top of a document |
| Ctrl + End | Move to the bottom of a document |
| Page Up | Move the cursor or page up one screen |
| Page Down | Move the cursor or page down one screen |
| Delete | Delete the character after the cursor, or the selected text; in Windows, delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin. |
| Insert | Turn Insert mode off or on. When Insert mode is on, text that you type is inserted at cursor. When Insert mode is off, text that you type replaces existing characters. |
Using the Numeric Keypad
The numeric keypad arranges the numerals 0 through 9, the arithmetic operators + (addition), -(subtraction), * (multiplication), and / (division), and the decimal point as they would appear on a calculator or adding machine. These characters are duplicated elsewhere on the keyboard, of course, but the keypad arrangement allows you to rapidly enter numerical data or mathematical operations with one hand.
Numeric Keyboard
To use the numeric keypad to enter numbers, press Num Lock. Most keyboards have a light that indicates whether Num Lock is on or off. When Num Lock is off, the numeric keypad functions as a second set of navigation keys (these functions are printed on the keys next to the numerals or symbols).
You can use your numeric keypad to perform simple calculations with Calculator.
Three Odd Keys
So far, we've discussed almost every key you're likely to use. But for the truly inquisitive, let's explore the three most mysterious keys on the keyboard: PrtScn, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break.
PrtScn (or Print Screen)
- A long time ago, this key actually did what it says—it sent the current screen of text to your printer. Nowadays, pressing PrtScn captures an image of your entire screen (a "screenshot") and copies it to the Clipboard in your computer's memory. From there you can paste it (Ctrl + V) into Microsoft Paint or another program and, if you want, print it from that program.
- Tip: Press Alt + PrtScn to capture an image of just the active window, instead of the entire screen.
ScrLk (or Scroll Lock)
- In most programs, pressing Scroll Lock has no effect. In a few programs, pressing Scroll Lock changes the behavior of the arrow keys and the Page Up and Page Down keys; pressing these keys causes the document to scroll without changing the position of the cursor or selection. Your keyboard might have a light indicating whether Scroll Lock is on.
Pause/Break
- This key is rarely used. In some older programs, pressing this key pauses the program or, in combination with Ctrl, stops it from running.
Other Keys
Some modern keyboards come with "hotkeys" or buttons that give you quick, one-press access to programs, files, or commands. Other models have volume controls, scroll wheels, zoom wheels, and other gadgets. For details about these features, check the information that came with your keyboard or computer, or go to the manufacturer's website.
Tips For Using Your Keyboard Safely
Using your keyboard properly can help avoid soreness or injury to your wrists, hands, and arms, particularly if you use your computer for long periods. Here are a few tips to help improve keyboard use:
- Place your keyboard at elbow level. Your upper arms should be relaxed at your sides.
- Center your keyboard in front of you. If your keyboard has a numeric keypad, you can use the spacebar as the centering point.
- Type with your hands and wrists floating above the keyboard, so that you can use your whole arm to reach for distant keys instead of stretching your fingers.
- Avoid resting your palms or wrists on any type of surface while typing. If your keyboard has a palm rest, use it only during breaks from typing.
- While typing, use a light touch and keep your wrists straight.
- When you're not typing, relax your arms and hands.
Related Articles
Update Your PC- Windows
How To Update Windows Welcome! In this article, we will take a look at how to make sure your computer is properly updated, so the installation of Omni programs and applications runs smoothly on your Omni Day. When installing certain programs, ...Getting Started with the Omniverse - Updating Windows PCs
Windows Updates Frequently Asked Questions Why should I regularly update my PC? How do I check for updates on my Windows PC? Should I install optional updates? Do I need to restart my PC after installing updates? Updating Your Windows PC At Omni, you ...Windows- Split Screen on Windows 10
Click the below image to view video instructions on Split Screen for Windows 10. Split Screen Windows Below is a description of how to set up multiple windows or applications using the split-screen features in Windows 10: Click and hold the title bar ...Windows- Locking and Unlocking the Screen
If you're working on any of Omni's projects/tools and you need to leave your computer for a little while, you can protect your work by "locking" your computer. Locking your computer keeps your files safe while you are away from your computer. A ...Global Protect - Security Scan
Windows PC typically run their own Defender security scans, but occasionally you will need to run the security scan yourself. In the windows search bar, type virus and threat protection, click on it. Click Quick Scan Once the scan is complete, go ...