Keyboard Shortcuts You Didn't Know About

Do you remember the time when computers used DOS (disk operating system) before modern Windows? Because if you know, you might also know many keyboard shortcuts. These shortcuts help you get work done faster, and they are also helpful for repetitive tasks. And this was exactly how it all used to happen back in the DOS days. If you haven’t started using any keyboard shortcuts, now might be the right time to learn some. If you work in a professional space, working faster and being productive might help you in the long run.

People who consider themselves a bit old-school or traditional know that knowing shortcuts is far from that. Because there are so many cool shortcuts out there that a lot of people are not aware of. For instance, you have shortcuts to screen record your Xbox Game Bar or File Explorer in the blink of an eye, and many others like that. Let’s take a look at some of these underrated shortcuts and how you can use them to make your busy day more productive.

What are Keyboard Shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts have a variety of combinations that you can use to execute certain tasks on your computer. These shortcuts can come in handy tp help you increase your productivity and simplify your work process.

Benefits

Here’s why using keyboard shortcuts is great:

Using keyboard shortcuts helps a great deal in general, and here’s why:
You don’t have to click through menus when you use shortcuts and this way you get things done a lot faster.
They make tasks like switching between apps, copying text, and making a new document a lot easier. And you manage to do all of this without moving your hands too much.
As for using a mouse, when used a lot, you can get hand and wrist pain. Shortcuts help with that because you can keep your hands, wrists, and fingers in one place.
People with disabilities can have trouble using a mouse and shortcuts help with that.
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.

Hidden Windows keyboard shortcuts that can save time. Source: Due

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.

Essential PowerPoint shortcuts for creating presentations faster. Source: ClassPoint

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`

Time-saving shortcuts for navigating and editing in Google Docs. Source: Wired Innovator

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 keywords makes life a lot easier. Your computer works faster, your work is done quicker, and you feel better. Once you start using all these shortcuts, there is no going back. So, go ahead, give them a try, and let us know in the comments if you know any new shortcuts.

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FAQs

Can I create my own keyboard shortcuts?

Yes, Windows and macOS allow you to create custom shortcuts for certain tasks in the system settings.

Are keyboard shortcuts the same on Mac and Windows?

Most are similar, but Mac usually uses the Command (⌘) key instead of Ctrl. Shortcuts are unique to each system.

How can I memorize keyboard shortcuts more easily?

You can start with shortcuts that you use on a regular basis and then gradually add more over time once you feel ready. If you can keep a list nearby, that is even better.