Essential Computer Shortcuts: Increase Your Productivity Keyboard shortcuts can increase your productivity by reducing the time you spend navigating menus and options. Whether you're using Windows, macOS, or specific apps, these shortcuts can help your workflow. Below is a comprehensive list of important keyboard shortcuts for Windows and macOS users.
Windows Keyboard Shortcuts
General Shortcuts
Ctrl + C: Copy the selected item.
Ctrl + X: Cut the selected element.
Ctrl + V: Paste the copied or cut element.
Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
Ctrl + Y: Redo the last undone action.
Ctrl + A: Select all items.
Ctrl + S: Save the document or file.
Ctrl + P: Print text or file.
Alt + Tab: Switch between open programs.
Windows key + D: Show or hide the desktop.
Windows key + L: Lock the computer.
Windows Key + E: Open File Explorer.
Windows Key + I: Open Settings.
Windows key + R: Open the Run dialog box.
Windows key + M: Minimize all open windows.
File Explorer Shortcuts
Alt + D: Focus on the address bar in File Explorer.
Ctrl + N: Open a new window in File Explorer.
Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder.
K2: Change the name of the file or folder.
K5: Refresh the current window.
Desktop Shortcuts
Windows Key + 1-9: Open or switch to a program pinned to the taskbar at the corresponding number.
Windows key + T: Scroll through programs on the taskbar.
Virtual Desktop Shortcut
Windows Key + Ctrl + D: Create a new virtual desktop.
Windows key + Ctrl + left/right arrow: Switch between virtual desktops.
Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Close the current virtual desktop.
macOS Keyboard Shortcuts
General Shortcuts
Command (⌘) + C: Duplicate the selected item.
Command (⌘) + X: Cut the selected element.
Command (⌘) + V: Paste the copied or cut item.
Command (⌘) + Z: Undo the last action.
Command (⌘) + Shift + Z: Redo the last undone action.
Command (⌘) + A: Select all items.
Command (⌘) + S: Save the text or file.
Command (⌘) + P: Print the text or file.
Command (⌘) + Tab: Switch between open programs.
Command (⌘) + Space: Open Simple Search.
Command (⌘) + H: Hide program windows to the front.
Command (⌘) + Option + H: Hide all other application windows.
Command (⌘) + M: Minimize the previous window.
Command (⌘) + Option + M: Minimize all windows.
Explorer Shortcuts
Command (⌘) + N: Open a new Search window.
Command (⌘) + Shift + N: Create a new folder.
Command (⌘) + I: Get information about the selected item.
Command (⌘) + Option + T: Show or hide the toolbar.
Command (⌘) + R: Display the original element (if alias is specified).
Mission Control Shortcuts
Control + Up Arrow: Enter Mission Control.
Control + Down Arrow: Show all windows in the current program.
Control + left/right arrow: Switch between spaces (virtual desktop).
Screenshot Shortcuts
Command (⌘) + Shift + 3: Take screenshot of the entire screen.
Command (⌘) + Shift + 4: Snap the selected part of the screen.
Command (⌘) + Shift + 5: Open the image toolbar.
Command (⌘) + Shift + 6: Bring up the touch bar (if present).
Application-number shortcuts
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Ctrl + B (Windows) / Command (⌘) + B (macOS): bold text.
Ctrl + I (Windows) / Command (⌘) + I (macOS): Paste text.
Ctrl + U (Windows) / Command (⌘) + U (macOS): Underline text.
Ctrl + F (Windows) / Command (⌘) + F (macOS): Open the Find dialog box.
Ctrl + K (Windows) / Command (⌘) + K (macOS): Insert link.
Browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge)
Ctrl + T (Windows) / Command (⌘) + T (macOS): Open a new tab.
Ctrl + W (Windows) / Command (⌘) + W (macOS): Close the current tab.
Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows) / Command (⌘) + Shift + T (macOS): Open the last closed tab.
Ctrl + L (Windows) / Command (⌘) + L (macOS): Focus on the address bar.
Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) / Command (⌘) + Shift + N (macOS): Open a new incognito/private window.
Tips for using keyboard shortcuts
Keep practicing: The more you use shortcuts, the easier they will become.
Customize Shortcuts: Many programs allow you to customize keyboard shortcuts to suit your workflow.
Cheat sheet: A list of shortcuts will help you remember better.
By knowing these keyboard shortcuts, you can navigate your computer better and increase your productivity.
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