Microsoft Windows shortcut keys

Below is a listing of the entire major short cut key in Microsoft Windows as well as the versions of Microsoft Windows they’re supported in. If you’re looking for shortcut keys or information about how to navigate Microsoft Windows using your keyboard instead of the mouse.

Alt + TabXXXXXXXXSwitch between open applications.
Alt + Shift + TabXXXXXXXXSwitch backwards between open applications.
Alt + double-click XXXXXXXDisplay the properties of the object you double click on. For example, doing this on a file would display its properties.
Ctrl + TabXXXXXXXXSwitches between program groups or document windows in applications that support this feature.
Ctrl + Shift + TabXXXXXXXXSame as above but backwards.
Alt +Print ScreenXXXXXXXXCreate a screen shot only for the program you are currently in.
Ctrl + Alt + DelXXXXXXXXReboot the computer and/or bring up the Windows task manager.
Ctrl + EscXXXXXXXXBring up the Windows Start menu. In Windows 3.x this would bring up the Task Manager.
Alt + Esc XXXXXXXSwitch Between open applications on taskbar.
F1XXXXXXXXActivates help for current open application.
F2XXXXXXXXRenames selected Icon.
F3 XXXXXXXStarts find from desktop.
F4 XXXXXXXOpens the drive selection when browsing.
F5 XXXXXXXRefresh Contents.
F10XXXXXXXXActivates menu bar.
Shift + F10 XXXXXXXSimulates right-click on selected item.
F4 XXXXXXXSelect a different location to browse in the Windows Explorer toolbar.
Alt + F4XXXXXXXXCloses Current open program.
Ctrl + F4XXXXXXXXCloses Window in Program.
F6 XXXXXXXMove cursor to different Windows Explorer pane.
Ctrl + Space barXXXXXXXXDrops down the window control menu.
Ctrl + (the ‘+’ key on the keypad)  XXXXXXAutomatically adjust the widths of all the columns in Windows explorer
Alt + Enter XXXXXXXOpens properties window of selected icon or program.
Shift + Del  XXXXXXXDelete programs/files without throwing them into the recycle bin.
Holding ShiftXXXXXXXXBoot Safe Mode or by pass system files as the computer is booting.
Holding Shift XXXXXXXWhen putting in an audio CD, will prevent CD Player from playing.
EnterXXXXXXXXActivates the highlighted program.
Alt + Down arrow XXXXXXXDisplay all available options on drop down menu.
* (on the keypad) XXXXXXXExpands all folders on the currently selected folder or drive in Windows Explorer.
+ (on the keypad) XXXXXXXExpands only the currently selected folder in Windows Explorer.
- (on the keypad) XXXXXXXCollapses the currently selected folder in Windows Explorer.
         

Below is a listing of Windows keys that can be used on computers running a Microsoft Windows operating system and using a keyboard with a Windows key. In the below list of shortcuts, the Windows key is represented by “WINKEY”.

Shortcut Keys Description
WINKEYPressing the Windows key alone will open Start.
WINKEY + F1Opens the Microsoft Windows help and support center.
WINKEY + F3Opens the Advanced find window in Microsoft Outlook.
WINKEY + D Brings the desktop to the top of all other windows.
WINKEY + MMinimizes all windows.
WINKEY + SHIFT + MUndo the minimize done by WINKEY + M and WINKEY + D.
WINKEY + EOpen Microsoft Explorer.
WINKEY + TabCycle through open programs through the taskbar.
WINKEY + FDisplay the Windows Search / Find feature.
WINKEY + CTRL + F Display the search for computers window.
WINKEY + F1Display the Microsoft Windows help.
WINKEY + ROpen the run window.
WINKEY + Pause / Break key Open the system properties window.
WINKEY + UOpen Utility Manager.
WINKEY + LLock the computer (Windows XP and above only).