If you remember the time when computers used DOS (disk operating system) before modern Windows, you might also know how to use keyboard shortcuts to get things done faster. They’re quick tricks for doing repetitive tasks, kind of like how things were in the DOS days. If you haven’t tried using shortcuts yet, it’s a good idea to start now. It is especially useful if you work in a professional setting where being fast and productive is important.
For those of us who still think of ourselves as a bit “old-school,” we know that keyboard shortcuts are not just about the basics. There are some really useful shortcuts that not everyone knows about. For example, you can use them to quickly start recording your screen with the Xbox Game Bar or open File Explorer in a snap. Let’s explore these lesser-known shortcuts and see how they can make your busy day a bit easier.
Table of Contents
What are Keyboard Shortcuts?
Keyboard shortcuts consist of key combinations crafted to execute specific tasks on your computer. They serve as valuable tools for users aiming to boost productivity and streamline their work processes.
Benefits
Here’s why using keyboard shortcuts is great:
- Instead of clicking through menus, shortcuts help you get things done way faster.
- They make you work quicker, like switching between apps, copying text, or making a new document without moving your hands around too much.
- If you use a mouse a lot, you might get hand pain. Shortcuts can help with that, keeping your hands, wrists, and fingers feeling better.
- If using a mouse is hard for someone, like those with disabilities, shortcuts make it easier to do things on the computer.
- Some computer tasks are tricky to find in menus. Shortcuts make them easy to do with just a few keys.
- Shortcuts are the same across different programs. This makes it easier to learn new software and get really good at using it.
Lesser-known Windows Shortcuts
Here are some handy keyboard shortcuts you might not know about:
Ctrl+W: Close
Close whatever you’re looking at, like a File Explorer window or a browser tab, without searching for the close button.
F2: Rename or Edit
To rename a file, highlight it and hit F2. In programs like Microsoft Excel, it lets you edit the content of the cell you’re in.
Win+X: Open a Hidden Menu
Access the Quick Link menu to jump to areas like Device Manager or open the PowerShell command prompt window for advanced commands.
Win+Shift+Enter: Make UWP Apps Fullscreen
For apps from the Microsoft Store, make them fullscreen with this shortcut.
Win+; or Win+. : Emoji and Kaomoji
Quickly insert emojis or kaomojis into your text using the on-screen emoji keyboard.
Shift (Hold while Restarting): Troubleshoot Options
Access troubleshooting options like safe mode or system recovery by holding Shift while restarting your PC.
Alt+Tab: Switch Screens/Tabs
Switch between open tabs or screens. Holding Alt and tapping Tab allows you to choose between multiple screens.
Ctrl+H: Find and Replace
Handy for finding and replacing words in your documents, like fixing a misspelled name in an essay.
Win+D: Show Desktop
Quickly minimize all open tabs or windows and show the desktop for easy access to files or applications.
PowerPoint Shortcuts
Here are useful keyboard shortcuts for PowerPoint on Windows when creating or editing presentations:
Insert a New Slide
Press `Ctrl+M` to add a new slide.
Navigate to the Next Slide
Use `Page down` to move forward.
Navigate to the Previous Slide
Move backward with `Page up`.
Zoom Out
To zoom out, use `Ctrl+Minus sign (-)`.
Zoom In
Zoom in using `Ctrl+Plus sign (+)`.
Zoom to Fit
Press `Ctrl+Alt+O` to fit the slide to the screen.
Make a Copy of the Selected Slide
Duplicate a slide with `Ctrl+Shift+D`.
Open a Presentation
Access a presentation using `Ctrl+O`.
Close a Presentation
Close the current presentation with `Ctrl+D`.
Save a Presentation with a Different Name, Location, or Format
Save with variations using `Ctrl+Shift+S`.
Cancel a Command (e.g., Save As)
Use `Esc` to cancel an ongoing command.
Open a Recent File
Quickly access a recent file with `Ctrl+O`.
Google Docs Shortcuts
Here are some useful keyboard shortcuts for Google Docs:
Document Navigation
Show Document Outline
Windows/Linux: `Ctrl + Alt`, press A then H
Mac: `Control + Command`, press A then H
Move to Next Heading
Windows/Linux: `Ctrl + Alt`, press N then H
Mac: `Control + Command`, press N then H
Move to Previous Heading
Windows/Linux: `Ctrl + Alt`, press P then H
Mac: `Control + Command`, press P then H
Document Tools
Open Revision History
Windows/Linux: `Ctrl + Alt + Shift + H`
Mac: `Command + Option + Shift + H`
Open Explore Tool
Windows/Linux: `Ctrl + Alt + Shift + I`
Mac: `Command + Option + Shift + I`
Open Spelling/Grammar Check
Windows/Linux: `Ctrl + Alt + X`
Mac: `Command + Alt + X`
Open Dictionary
Windows/Linux: `Ctrl + Shift + Y`
Mac: `Command + Shift + Y`
Check Word Count
Windows/Linux: `Ctrl + Shift + C`
Mac: `Command + Shift + C`
Spelling and Formatting
Move to the Next Misspelling
Windows/Linux: `Ctrl + ‘`
Mac: `Command + ‘`
Move to the Previous Misspelling
Windows/Linux: `Ctrl + ;`
Mac: `Command + ;`
Header and Footer
Insert or Move to Header:
Windows/Linux: Hold `Ctrl + Alt`, press O then H
Mac: Hold `Ctrl + Command`, press O then H
Insert or Move to Footer:
Windows/Linux: Hold `Ctrl + Alt + O`, then press F
Mac: Hold `Ctrl + Command + O`, then press F
Discovering and using these special keyboard shortcuts is like finding secret tricks to make your computer work faster and better. As you start using them in your daily computer tasks, you’ll see how much time and effort they can save. So, go ahead and try them out!
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FAQs
- Can I create my own keyboard shortcuts?
Yes, in Windows and macOS, you can customize shortcuts for certain applications through system settings.
- Are keyboard shortcuts the same on Mac and Windows?
Many are similar, but Mac often uses the Command (⌘) key instead of Ctrl. Some shortcuts are unique to each system.
- How can I memorize keyboard shortcuts more easily?
Start with a few shortcuts that you use often, then gradually add more over time. Keeping a list nearby can also help.
- Do all applications support keyboard shortcuts?
Most major software supports shortcuts, but some applications have their own unique sets of shortcuts.
- Can I disable certain keyboard shortcuts?
Yes, in some cases. Windows and macOS allow you to modify or disable shortcuts in accessibility settings or through third-party software.
