Mastering keyboard shortcuts can dramatically boost your efficiency in Windows 11. Here are 20 powerful shortcuts that will help you work smarter and faster.
📁 Launch File Explorer #
Windows Key + E
Use Windows Key + E anytime to instantly open a new File Explorer window.
🧰 Open Task Manager #
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
A faster alternative to Ctrl + Alt + Delete. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to directly open Task Manager.
⚙️ Open Windows Settings #
Windows Key + I
Skip the Start Menu—Windows Key + I takes you straight to Settings.
📋 View Clipboard History #
Windows Key + V
Windows stores multiple copied items. Press Windows Key + V to open Clipboard History and paste older content.
You can also pin items for later use.
😀 Insert Emojis Anywhere #
Windows Key + Semicolon ( ; )
Press Windows Key + ; to open the emoji panel and insert emojis, symbols, and GIFs.
🎤 Voice Typing (Dictation) #
Windows Key + H
Use voice typing in any app with Windows Key + H.
You can enable automatic punctuation in settings.
🛠️ Open Power User Menu #
Windows Key + X
This menu gives quick access to system tools like Device Manager, Disk Management, and Terminal.
🔒 Lock Your PC #
Windows Key + L
Use it at work or at home—lock your PC instantly when stepping away.
🔊 Open Sound Settings (Volume Mixer) #
Ctrl + Windows Key + V
Quickly switch audio devices or adjust volume per application using this shortcut.
🪟 Snap Windows for Multitasking #
Windows Key + Arrow Keys
- Snap left:
Windows + Left Arrow - Snap right:
Windows + Right Arrow - Snap up/down:
Windows + Alt + Up/Down Arrow
You can combine snaps to place windows into screen quadrants.
🧩 Activate Snap Layouts #
Windows Key + Z
Press Windows Key + Z to open Snap Layouts. Then press the number key to arrange windows instantly.
🎮 Toggle Fullscreen in Games #
Alt + Enter
Switch between fullscreen and windowed mode in many PC games using Alt + Enter.
🖥️ Switch Between Virtual Desktops #
Windows Key + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow
Navigate multiple virtual desktops without opening Task View.
🖱️ Move Windows Between Monitors #
Windows Key + Shift + Arrow Keys
Move the focused window between monitors:
- Left monitor:
Windows + Shift + Left Arrow - Right monitor:
Windows + Shift + Right Arrow
📜 Open Classic Context Menu #
Shift + Right Click (in File Explorer)
Opens the classic Windows context menu hidden in Windows 11.
✏️ Faster Text Editing #
Use Ctrl for word-level navigation:
- Delete previous word:
Ctrl + Backspace - Jump between words:
Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow - Highlight words:
Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys - Highlight entire line:
Shift + Home / End
🔄 Reopen Closed Browser Tabs #
Ctrl + Shift + T
Works in all major browsers—reopens the last closed tab.
↩️ Reverse Alt + Tab Navigation #
Shift + Alt + Tab
Cycle backward through open windows.
You can also use Arrow Keys to jump between thumbnails.
📝 Quickly Rename Files #
F2
Select a file → press F2 → rename instantly.
Press Tab afterward to rename the next file.
📸 Save a Screenshot as a File #
Windows Key + Print Screen
Takes a screenshot and saves it immediately in: