TIP Useful Windows shortcut keys

From Computer Evolution Knowledgebase

Jump to: navigation, search

Shortcut keys are keys on the keyboard that can be pressed instead of moving the mouse and going through long processes. For example, most times holding [Alt] on the keyboard and then pressing [F4] will close a window. This usually does the same thing as hitting the X on the top of a window.

Usually programs themselves have custom shortcut keys. For example some programs will close then pressing Ctrl+Q and others close by pressing Ctrl+X. Windows itself has such shortcut keys. Here I shall list a few.

Shortcut keys

  • [Alt]+[F4] - Close the window currently in focus (same as pressing the X on a Window). This does not always work because some programs disallow it.
  • [Window Key]+[E] - Opens Windows Explorer. This is the same as right clicking on My Computer and selecting Explore.
  • [Window Key]+[R] - Opens a Run dialog. This is the same as going to Start->Run.
  • [Window Key]+[D] - Show desktop. This is the same as minimizing every window. Pressing it again will show every window.
  • [Window Key]+[U] - Opens the Windows Utility Manager. This is the same as Start->All Programs->Accessories->Accessibility->Utility Manager.
Personal tools