Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts make it easier to move control windows start applications and work on documents without using the mouse. Learning just a few of these combinations can save a lot of time in the run.
This guide includes Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts and also shows some advanced tips such as making your own special keys. These shortcuts will help you work quicker be more productive and feel more sure of yourself when using your computer.
General Windows 11 Shortcuts
| Keyboard Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Windows | Open or close the Start menu |
| Windows + A | Open Quick Settings |
| Windows + C | Open Microsoft Teams/Chat or the available Windows feature |
| Windows + D | Show or hide the desktop |
| Windows + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows + F | Open Feedback Hub |
| Windows + G | Open Xbox Game Bar |
| Windows + H | Start voice typing |
| Windows + I | Open Settings |
| Windows + K | Open Cast/Connect options |
| Windows + L | Lock the computer |
| Windows + N | Open notifications and calendar |
| Windows + P | Open display/project options |
| Windows + Q | Open Search |
| Windows + R | Open the Run dialog |
| Windows + S | Open Windows Search |
| Windows + U | Open Accessibility settings |
| Windows + W | Open Widgets |
| Windows + X | Open the Quick Link menu |
| Windows + Z | Open Snap Layouts |
Windows 11 File Explorer Shortcuts
File Explorer becomes much easier to navigate with keyboard commands. These shortcuts are especially useful when working with folders and files.
| Keyboard Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Windows + E | Open File Explorer |
| Ctrl + N | Open a new File Explorer window |
| Ctrl + W | Close the current window |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder |
| Ctrl + C | Copy selected item |
| Ctrl + X | Cut selected item |
| Ctrl + V | Paste copied or cut item |
| Ctrl + A | Select everything |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo the previous action |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo an action |
| F2 | Rename selected item |
| F4 | Display the address bar list |
| F5 | Refresh the current window |
| Alt + Left Arrow | Go back |
| Alt + Right Arrow | Go forward |
| Alt + Up Arrow | Move to the parent folder |
| Ctrl + Shift + E | Expand all folders in the navigation pane |
| Alt + Enter | Open properties for the selected item |
Window Management Shortcuts
Windows 11 includes useful shortcuts for arranging and switching between open applications.
| Keyboard Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps |
| Alt + F4 | Close the active window |
| Windows + Tab | Open Task View |
| Windows + Up Arrow | Maximize the active window |
| Windows + Down Arrow | Minimize or restore the active window |
| Windows + Left Arrow | Snap window to the left |
| Windows + Right Arrow | Snap window to the right |
| Windows + Home | Minimize all windows except the active one |
| Windows + Shift + Left Arrow | Move the active window to another monitor |
| Windows + Shift + Right Arrow | Move the active window to another monitor |
| Windows + M | Minimize all windows |
| Windows + Shift + M | Restore minimized windows |
Virtual Desktop Shortcuts
Virtual desktops are useful when you want to separate work, personal tasks, or different projects.
| Keyboard Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Windows + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
| Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow | Switch to the desktop on the left |
| Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow | Switch to the desktop on the right |
| Windows + Ctrl + F4 | Close the current virtual desktop |
| Windows + Tab | Open Task View |
Screenshot and Screen Recording Shortcuts
Taking screenshots in Windows 11 does not require opening a separate application every time.
| Keyboard Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Windows + Shift + S | Open the Snipping Tool capture menu |
| Windows + PrtScn | Capture the entire screen and save the screenshot |
| PrtScn | Copy a screenshot of the screen to the clipboard |
| Alt + PrtScn | Copy a screenshot of the active window |
| Windows + G | Open Xbox Game Bar for supported screen recording features |
Text Editing Shortcuts
These commands work in many Windows applications, including text editors, browsers, and office software.
| Keyboard Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + A | Select all text |
| Ctrl + C | Copy selected text |
| Ctrl + X | Cut selected text |
| Ctrl + V | Paste text |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo |
| Ctrl + F | Find text |
| Ctrl + H | Find and replace in supported apps |
| Ctrl + Left Arrow | Move the cursor one word left |
| Ctrl + Right Arrow | Move the cursor one word right |
| Home | Move to the beginning of a line |
| End | Move to the end of a line |
| Ctrl + Home | Move to the beginning of a document |
| Ctrl + End | Move to the end of a document |
Accessibility Shortcuts
Windows 11 provides keyboard commands that make accessibility features easier to access.
| Keyboard Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Windows + U | Open Accessibility settings |
| Windows + Plus (+) | Open Magnifier and zoom in |
| Windows + Minus (-) | Zoom out with Magnifier |
| Windows + Esc | Close Magnifier |
| Windows + Ctrl + Enter | Start Narrator |
| Right Shift for 8 seconds | Turn Filter Keys on or off |
| Shift 5 times | Turn Sticky Keys on or off |
| Left Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen | Turn High Contrast on or off |
Taskbar Shortcuts
You can also control pinned applications on the Windows 11 taskbar using keyboard combinations.
| Keyboard Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Windows + T | Move focus to the taskbar |
| Windows + 1–9 | Open or switch to the corresponding pinned app |
| Windows + Shift + 1–9 | Open a new instance of the corresponding pinned app |
| Windows + Ctrl + 1–9 | Switch to the last active window of the corresponding app |
| Windows + Alt + 1–9 | Open the app’s Jump List |
| Windows + B | Focus the notification area |
Clipboard and Emoji Shortcuts
Windows 11 also has shortcuts for quickly accessing copied content and symbols.
| Keyboard Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Windows + V | Open clipboard history |
| Windows + . (Period) | Open emoji panel |
| Windows + ; (Semicolon) | Open emoji panel |
| Windows + H | Start voice typing |
Clipboard history may need to be enabled before it can store multiple copied items.
Command Prompt and System Shortcuts
Some shortcuts are particularly helpful when working with Windows administration and system tools.
| Keyboard Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Windows + R | Open Run |
| Windows + X | Open Quick Link menu |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
| Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Open the Windows security screen |
| Windows + Pause | Open system information on supported configurations |
| Windows + L | Lock the PC |
| Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B | Reset the graphics driver |
The graphics driver shortcut can be useful when the screen becomes unresponsive or displays a temporary graphics problem.
Browser and Common Application Shortcuts
Many Windows 11 users spend a significant amount of time in web browsers and other applications. These common shortcuts work across many programs, although individual apps can use different commands.
| Keyboard Shortcut | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + T | Open a new tab |
| Ctrl + W | Close the current tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + T | Reopen the last closed tab |
| Ctrl + Tab | Move to the next tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + Tab | Move to the previous tab |
| Ctrl + L | Select the address bar |
| Ctrl + D | Bookmark the current page in supported browsers |
| Ctrl + R | Refresh the page |
| Ctrl + Plus (+) | Zoom in |
| Ctrl + Minus (-) | Zoom out |
| Ctrl + 0 | Return zoom to default |
| Ctrl + F | Find text on the current page |
| F11 | Enter or exit full-screen mode in supported apps |
Why Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts Matter
Keyboard shortcuts are more than a way to work faster. They can reduce repetitive mouse movements and make common Windows functions easier to access.
For example, Windows + E opens File Explorer instantly, while Windows + I takes you directly to Settings. If you frequently switch between applications, Alt + Tab can be considerably quicker than searching for an open window with the mouse.
Learning even 10 to 15 shortcuts can make everyday computer use noticeably smoother.
Also Read: Device Manager Keyboard Shortcut for All Windows Versions
Final Thoughts
Windows 11 offers shortcuts for almost every part of the operating system, from opening apps and managing windows to taking screenshots and switching between virtual desktops. You do not need to memorize the entire list at once.
Start with frequently used combinations such as Windows + E, Windows + I, Windows + R, Windows + V, Windows + Shift + S, Alt + Tab, and Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Once these become familiar, add more shortcuts based on the tasks you perform regularly.
A small collection of well-chosen keyboard shortcuts can make Windows 11 feel faster, simpler, and much easier to navigate.
Note: Product details, pricing, and availability may change over time. While we try to keep information accurate, please verify details from the official website before purchasing. Some content may be assisted by AI tools like ChatGPT, and some articles may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission at no extra cost to you. Reviews, opinions, and feature highlights are based on official specifications and publicly available information at the time of writing.
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