Even if you are an experienced Windows user, there are bound to be some shortcuts that you have not discovered yet or you just do not use them as often as you should. Even those who are new to the platform can learn a thing or two from this list of Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts. Here are some of the most useful ones that will help you perform your daily tasks much more efficiently and faster, whether it is opening a program, changing window focus, or minimizing all windows in one simple gesture.
There are all kinds of keyboard shortcuts you can use, from copying text to taking screenshots, to opening notifications, and more. Let’s take a look at some of the most useful ones.
Shortcuts for File Manager
Windows 11’s File Explorer is a core feature that lets you view and manage all the files on your computer. To make this process easier and faster, you can use keyboard shortcuts.
| Shortcut Keys | Description |
| ALT+D | Set Focus to address bar. |
| CTRL+N | Open a new window (Will work in browser). |
| CTRL+E | Set focus to the search bar. |
| CTRL+W | Close the active window. |
| CTRL + mouse scroll wheel | Change the size of folder and file icons. |
| Ctrl + Shift + E | Displays all the folders in the parent directory of the current active folder |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder. |
| Alt + Enter | View properties of the selected file or folder. |
| Alt + P | Show the preview panel. |
Keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11 features and apps
Although you may already be familiar with the Windows key on your keyboard to open the Start menu, did you know that you can combine it with other keys in Windows 11 to open specific applications and features? The following are the most notable uses of this key in Windows 11.
| Shortcut Keys | Description |
| Windows key + A | Open the Quick settings Panel. |
| Windows Key + C | Open Cortana |
| Windows Key + E | Open File Manager |
| Windows Key + D | Hide or Show Desktop |
| Windows Key + G | Open XBOX Game Bar |
| Windows Key + Tab | Shows Task View. |
| Windows Key + L | Locks the screen. |
| Windows Key + V | Opens Clipboard History. |
| Windows Key + I | Opens the Settings menu. |
| Windows Key + F | Opens the Feedback hub. |
| Windows Key + H | Opens the dictation toolbar. |
| Windows Key + P | Opens the projection settings. |
| Windows Key + C (Windows Key + Q) | Opens Windows Search. |
| Windows Key + X | Opens the secondary start menu. |
| Windows Key + <number> | Opens the app in the taskbar relative to the number input. |
| Windows Key + Alt + <number> | Opens the right-click menu for the app in the taskbar relative to the number input. |
| Windows Key + U | Opens Ease of Access in the Settings menu. |
| Windows Key + Print Screen | Takes a screenshot of the desktop. |
| Windows Key + CTRL + F | Opens the Find Computers window. |
| Windows Key + CTRL + D | Creates a virtual desktop. |
| Windows Key + CTRL + Left Arrow | Switches to the virtual desktop on the left. |
| Windows Key + CTRL + Right Arrow | Switches to the virtual desktop on the right. |
| Windows Key + CTRL + F4 | Closes the active virtual desktop. |
| Windows Key + Space | Switches between installed languages (for writing text). |
Other Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts
| Shortcut Keys | Description |
| CTRL + C | Copy Selected item or text |
| CTRL + V | Past copied or cut content from clipboard |
| CTRL + A | Select All items or text in a page, windows, or document |
| CTRL + X | Cut the selected text or item. |
| CTRL + Z | Undo last action |
| F2 | Rename the selected folder or file |
| F4 | Display the address bar in File manager |
| F5 | Refresh the device |
| F6 | Cycle through screen elements |
| F10 | Activate menu bar in the active app or window |
| F11 | Full screen |
| CTRL + F4 | Close opened Windows, app, or document |
The above-mentioned Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts will help you do things faster and more efficiently.
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