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Tips to assist your productivity in the workplace or at home!
Microsoft Windows shortcut keys I use and would like to pass on !
I hope you find this information as helpful as I did!
Example, if it says Alt + F, you would hold down the Alt key and strike the F key, then release both keys at the same time.
Shortcut Keys
Description
Alt + Tab
Switch between open applications.
Alt + Shift + Tab
Switch backwards between open applications.
Alt + double-click
Display the properties of the object you double-click on. For example, doing this on a file would display its properties.
Ctrl + Tab
Switches between program groups or document windows in applications that support this feature.
Ctrl + Shift + Tab
Same as above but backwards.
Alt + Print Screen
Create a screen shot only for the program you are currently in.
Ctrl + Alt + Del
Reboot the computer and/or bring up the Windows task manager.
Ctrl + Esc
Bring up the Windows Start menu. In Windows 3.x this would bring up the Task Manager.
Alt + Esc
Switch Between open applications on taskbar.
F1
Activates help for current open application.
F2
Renames selected Icon.
F3
Starts find from desktop.
F4
Opens the drive selection when browsing.
F5
Refresh Contents.
F10
Activates menu bar.
Shift + F10
Simulates right-click on selected item.
F4
Select a different location to browse in the Windows Explorer toolbar.
Alt + F4
Closes Current open program.
Ctrl + F4
Closes Window in Program.
F6
Move cursor to different Windows Explorer pane.
Ctrl + Space bar
Drops down the window control menu.
Ctrl + (the '+' key on the keypad)
Automatically adjust the widths of all the columns in Windows explorer
Alt + Enter
Opens properties window of selected icon or program.
Shift + Del
Delete programs/files without throwing them into the recycle bin.
Holding Shift
Boot Safe Mode or by pass system files as the computer is booting.
Holding Shift
When putting in an audio CD, will prevent CD Player from playing.
Enter
Activates the highlighted program.
Alt + Down arrow
Display all available options on drop down menu.
* (on the keypad)
Expands all folders on the currently selected folder or drive in Windows Explorer.
+ (on the keypad)
Expands only the currently selected folder in Windows Explorer.
- (on the keypad)
Collapses the currently selected folder in Windows Explorer.
Windows key keyboard shortcuts
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 (Start) key. In the below list of shortcuts, the Windows/Start key is represented by "WINKEY".
Shortcut Keys
Description
WINKEY (Start Key) or
Pressing the Windows key alone will open Start.
WINKEY + F1
Opens the Microsoft Windows help and support center.
WINKEY + F3
Opens the Advanced find window in Microsoft Outlook.
WINKEY + D
Brings the desktop to the top of all other windows.
WINKEY + M
Minimizes all windows.
WINKEY + SHIFT + M
Undo the minimize done by WINKEY + M and WINKEY + D.
WINKEY + E
Open Microsoft Explorer.
WINKEY + Tab
Cycle through open programs through the taskbar.
WINKEY + F
Display the Windows Search / Find feature.
WINKEY + CTRL + F
Display the search for computers window.
WINKEY + F1
Display the Microsoft Windows help.
WINKEY + R
Open the run window.
WINKEY + Pause / Break key
Open the system properties window.
WINKEY + U
Open Utility Manager.
WINKEY + L
Lock the computer (Windows XP and above only).
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