Tools

Windows keyboard shortcuts (selection):

Shortcuts can be used to trigger certain commands without using a mouse, only by a combination of two or more keys. This makes it possible to perform actions with the keyboard in less time (or if no mouse is available).

 

Keyboard symbols The representation of the symbols can vary slightly on different keyboards. (Windows, US layout):

Symbol	Position
	The CTRL key is located at the bottom left of the English keyboard.
	The WINDOWS key is displayed with the Windows logo.
	The ALT key is located to the left of the space bar.
	The ALT GR key (Alt Graph) is located to the right of the space bar (replaceable by CTRL + ALT).
	The TAB key is symbolized by two horizontal arrows and can be found on the left side of the keyboard.
	SHIFT is the key normally used to enter uppercase letters. As a rule, it is indicated by an arrow pointing upwards.
	ESC is located on the top left of the keyboard.
	F1 to F12: Function keys in the upper line of the keyboard.
	LEFT arrow key
	RIGHT arrow key
	ENTER or RETURN key
	DELETE key (center, right area)
	HOME: Cursor control start (middle, right area)
	END: Cursor control (center, right area)
	PRINT SCREEN symbolizes the Print key (top line, right area).

The display with a + indicates the use together with other keys:

1. Press and hold the key to the left of +.

2. Press the key to the right of +.

3. Release both keys and the command is executed

 

General

Shortcut	Action
CTRL+A	Select all items in a document or window
CTRL+C	Copy the selected item
CTRL+X	Cut the selected item
CTRL+V	Paste the selected item
CTRL+Z	Undo an action
CTRL+F	Opens the search for files and folders
ALT+TAB	Switch between open apps
ALT+F4	Close the active item, or exit the active app
WINDOWS+L	Lock your PC
WINDOWS+D	Display and hide the desktop
F2	Rename the selected item
F5	Refresh the active window
F10	Activate the Menu bar in the active app
CTRL+F4	Close the active document (in apps that are full-screen and let you have multiple documents open at the same time)
CTRL+A	Select all items in a document or window
CTRL+HOME	Move the cursor to the beginning of the item (Mark mode)
CTRL+END	Move the cursor to the end of the item (Mark mode)
SHIFT+DELETE	Delete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first

 

Dialogue

Shortcut	Action
CTRL+TAB	Move forward through tabs
CTRL+SHIFT+TAB	Move back through tabs
TAB	Move forward through options
SHIFT+TAB	Move back through options
SPACEBAR	Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box

 

Windows logo key

Shortcut	Action
WINDOWS+A	Open Action center
WINDOWS+E	Open File Explorer
WINDOWS+I	Open Settings
WINDOWS+M	Minimize all windows
WINDOWS+R	Open the Run dialog box
WINDOWS+S	Open search
WINDOWS+FULL STOP	Open emoji panel
WINDOWS+CTRL+F	Search for PCs (if you're on a network)

 

Explorer

Shortcut	Action
CTRL+N	Open a new window
CTRL+SHIFT+N	Create a new folder
ALT+P	Display the preview panel
ALT+ENTER	Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item
F11	Maximize or minimize the active window
RIGHT	Display the current selection (if it's collapsed), or select the first sub folder
LEFT	Collapse the current selection (if it's expanded), or select the folder that the folder was in

 

System

Shortcut	Action
ALT+SHIFT	Switches between the input languages
CTRL+ALT+DELETE	Dialog with links to lock, shutdown, change password, etc.
CTRL+SHIFT+ESC	Opens the task manager
PRINT SCREEN	Copy screen shot of the entire desktop to the clipboard
ALT+PRINT SCREEN	Copy screen shot of active window to clipboard
WINDOWS+PRINT SCREEN	Save screen shot as PNG file under %userprofile%\Pictures\Screenshots
WINDOWS+F1	Windows Help (Windows 10: Browser with Bing)

 

[Sources: support.microsoft.com, Wikipedia, heise.de]