Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts: Essential Hotkeys for Productivity

Keyboard shortcuts are an excellent way to speed up tasks in Windows 10, allowing you to perform actions quickly without relying on your mouse. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the most useful shortcuts that will help you save time and work more efficiently.

Basic Windows 10 Shortcuts

  • Win + D — Minimize all windows and show the desktop.
  • Win + L — Lock your PC or switch user.
  • Alt + Tab — Switch between open windows.
  • Win + E — Open File Explorer.
  • Win + I — Open the Settings menu.
  • Win + R — Open the Run dialog box.
  • Win + Pause — Open the System Properties window.

Window Management Shortcuts

  • Win + Left/Right Arrow — Snap the current window to the left or right half of the screen.
  • Win + Up/Down Arrow — Maximize or minimize the current window.
  • Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow — Move the current window to another monitor (if multiple monitors are connected).
  • Alt + F4 — Close the active window.
  • Win + Tab — Open Task View (overview of all open windows and desktops).

Virtual Desktop Shortcuts

  • Win + Ctrl + D — Create a new virtual desktop.
  • Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow — Switch between virtual desktops.
  • Win + Ctrl + F4 — Close the current virtual desktop.

Application Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + Shift + Esc — Open Task Manager.
  • Win + X — Open the Quick Access Menu.
  • Win + P — Open display settings for screen projection (useful for external monitors).
  • Win + V — Open the Clipboard History (if enabled).
  • Win + Shift + S — Capture a screenshot of a selected area.

Command Prompt Shortcuts

  • Ctrl + C — Copy selected text.
  • Ctrl + V — Paste copied text.
  • Ctrl + A — Select all text.
  • Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys — Highlight text word by word or line by line.

Tips for Using Keyboard Shortcuts

If you’re new to keyboard shortcuts, start by learning a few of the most useful ones. Gradually incorporate them into your daily workflow. Over time, you’ll find yourself relying on them more often, which will help streamline your tasks and boost your efficiency.

Keep in mind that some shortcuts might not work if they are disabled in Windows settings or if they are overridden by third-party applications. Make sure to check your settings and adjust them if necessary.