You have probably been using a computer for many years at work and at home, and you are likely familiar with some basic keyboard shortcuts by now. You know that these shortcuts add efficiency to your work by saving on mouse clicks and eliminating the need for extraneous gestures like repeatedly selecting options from specific menus. But, how many shortcuts do you really remember and use? There are hundreds available, and many applications even allow you to create your own. With that in mind, we guarantee there are some “greatest hits” shortcuts that you are not using.

Ready to learn some new tricks? Our list below is your “cheat sheet” for the top keyboard shortcuts that will save you time as you use your Windows-based PC during the workday. Bookmark this page (just type Ctrl + D now) and use it to jog your memory!

The Basics: Easy Control Shortcuts

  1. Ctrl + X - Cut the selected item
  2. Ctrl + C (or Ctrl + Insert) - Copy the selected item
  3. Ctrl + V (or Shift + Insert) - Paste the selected item
  4. Ctrl + Z - Undo the last performed action
  5. Ctrl + A - Highlight everything in the current folder, document, or page (“Select All” command)
  6. Ctrl + F - “Find” command; in most programs, including all browsers and most Office apps, this opens a search window that allows you to locate specific characters, words, or phrases.
  7. Ctrl + S - “Save” command; in most programs, this will allow you to save an open document, file, or webpage.
  8. Ctrl + P - “Print” command; allows you to print the current page or document
  9. Ctrl + Backspace - Delete the word to the left of your cursor
  10. Ctrl + End - Move your cursor to the end of a document or page
  11. Ctrl + Home - Move your cursor to the beginning of a document or page

Next Steps: F Keys

  1. F2 - Rename the selected item
  2. F3 - Search for a file or folder in File Explorer
  3. F4 - Display the address bar list in File Explorer
  4. F5 - Refresh the active window
  5. F6 - Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
  6. F10 - Activate the Menu bar in the active app

Just a Few More You Should Know

  1. Esc - “Escape” command; allows you to stop or leave the current task
  2. Ctrl + Right Arrow - Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word
  3. Ctrl + Left Arrow - Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word
  4. Ctrl + Down Arrow - Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph
  5. Ctrl + Up Arrow - Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph
  6. Ctrl + Alt + Tab - Use the arrow keys to switch between all open apps
  7. Alt + Esc - Cycle through items in the order in which they were opened
  8. Alt + F4 - Close any opened/active Windows app or close the active document
  9. Shift + F10 - Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
  10. Ctrl + Esc - Open Windows Start Menu
  11. Ctrl + Shift + Esc - Open Windows Task Manager
  12. Windows Logo Key + M - Minimize all windows
  13. Windows Logo Key + L - Lock your PC

Has this list been helpful to you? At Frogworks, we dedicate ourselves to helping our clients work smarter and be more productive. If you’re in the Greater Washington D.C. area and are looking for a dependable IT partner, we would love to connect with you. Get in touch today.