Essential Windows 11 Shortcuts for 2024
Sometimes life's greatest joys are found in the journey itself, not just in reaching the destination in the shortest time possible. On road trips, in relationships, and when mowing the lawn, we should make the most of every moment, and avoid shortcuts. These fleeting moments once gone, will never return. When it comes to computing, however, shortcuts are clearly preferable to savoring the journey.
No one wants to spend more time than necessary navigating endless menus or scrolling in search of something that may never materialize. In short, shortcuts (combinations of keys) are a key part to streamlining your workflow and maximizing your productivity.
To help you with this, we’re going to cover the essential Windows shortcut keys that you need to know in 2024. Read on to discover what shortcuts are, and why you should be using them. Once we’ve covered the basics, we’ll drop the knowledge of a range of Windows shortcuts that will make your life better.
What are shortcuts?
As the name suggests, shortcuts are ways to get where you’re going at a faster speed than taking the regular route. In Windows there are often several ways to arrive at the same destination. Shortcuts use a combination of keys to complete tasks that otherwise might require trawling through menus or accessing system settings. This might make more sense with a concrete example: you’re getting display issues after updates and need to restart your graphics driver. Taking the traditional route through the device manager would require you to:
- Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
- Next, expand the Display adapters.
- Right-click your graphics driver (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA) and select Disable device.
- After disabling it, right-click it again and select Enable device to restart it.
Alternatively, take the shortcut to restart your graphics driver, simply hit:
- Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B
As this tasty example shows, for those in the know, shortcuts provide fast, simple routes to a range of everyday computing tasks including file management and editing, desktop management, navigation and searching, as well as several more specialized functions.
Why take the shortcut?
Let’s face it, repeating the same task over and over quickly becomes a drag. By minimizing the time we spend doing repetitive actions in Windows 11, we can maximize our workday and amplify our productivity. By integrating shortcuts into your daily routine, you’ll reach your destination quicker, cut down on excessive mouse usage, and enjoy a smoother, more refreshing Windows experience. What’s more, keeping your PC organized, as well as performing complex tasks swiftly with a few keystrokes will contribute to an enjoyable and dynamic computing experience.
Essential shortcuts for Windows 11
Now that we’ve discussed the basics, let’s get stuck into the must-know shortcuts for Windows 11 in 2024. If you use a PC daily, then over a lifetime, basic editing and file management shortcuts could potentially save you up to a year of full-time work.
The first section, Basic editing and file management may include some shortcuts that you already know. If so, that’s great, feel free to skip to the next section. Equally, if these are all new to you, welcome to the world of shortcuts. Take your time, and enjoy the journey!
1. Basic editing and file management
- Ctrl + C – Copy the selected item.
- Ctrl + X – Cut the selected item.
- Ctrl + V – Paste the copied or cut item.
- Ctrl + Z – Undo the last action.
- Ctrl + Y – Redo the last undone action.
- Ctrl + D – Delete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin.
- Shift + Delete – Permanently delete the selected item.
2. Window and desktop management
Navigate your PC like a seasoned sailor on the ocean with these window and desktop management shortcuts. Master these shortcuts to move the active windows where you want them. Hit the shortcut key to minimize the window, then the shortcut key to maximize a window and see how much time you can save!
- Alt + Tab – Switch between open applications.
- Alt + F4 – Close the active window or application.
- Windows + D – Show or hide the desktop.
- Windows + Up Arrow – Maximize the active window.
- Windows + Down Arrow – Minimize or restore the active window.
- Windows + Left/Right Arrow – Snap the active window to the left or right side of the screen.
- Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow – Move the active window to another monitor (for multi-monitor setups).
- Alt + Space – Open the window menu for the active window (minimize, maximize, etc.).
3. System and task management
Optimize your computer’s performance and keep things organized with system and task management shortcuts. Execute admin tasks with ease and keep track of security options with the strike of a few keys.
- Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Open Task Manager.
- Ctrl + Alt + Delete – Open the security options screen (lock, switch user, Task Manager, etc.).
- Windows + I – Open the Settings app.
- Windows + R – Open the Run dialog box.
- Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B – Restart your graphics driver.
4. Navigation and search
Find what you’re looking for without searching all over your computer. For multilingual users the switch input language shortcut is a super time saver.
- Windows + E – Open File Explorer.
- Windows + S – Open Search.
- Windows + T – Cycle through apps on the taskbar.
- Windows + Number (1-9) – Launch or switch to the app in the corresponding taskbar position.
- Windows + Spacebar – Switch input languages or keyboard layouts.
5. Virtual desktops
Manage multiple desktops on your PC via these handy shortcuts. Separate your tasks and cut through the clutter to quickly create and switch between virtual desktops.
- Windows + Tab – Open Task View (see open windows and virtual desktops).
- Windows + Ctrl + D – Create a new virtual desktop.
- Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow – Switch between virtual desktops.
6. Accessibility and screen management
Swiftly adjust settings and navigate your screen, as well as access the assistive technologies Windows 11 provides with these handy shortcuts.
- Windows + +/- (Plus/Minus) – Zoom in or out using the Magnifier.
- Windows + G – Open Xbox Game Bar for screen capture and gaming tools.
- Windows + H – Activate voice dictation.
- Windows + P – Open projection settings (extend, duplicate, etc.).
7. Special functions
These special functions deliver rapid commands including the window screenshot shortcut key. Learn these special function shortcuts for an elevated PC experience.
- Windows + L – Lock your computer.
- F2 – Rename the selected item.
- Ctrl + Shift + N – Create a new folder in File Explorer.
- Windows + Shift + S – Take a screenshot using Snip & Sketch.
- Alt + Enter – Show properties for the selected item.
Shortcut to success
There’s no shortcut to learning these shortcuts. While they may take a while to master, once you’ve got a hang of using them, they’ll revolutionize your Windows experience. Equipped with these shortcuts, you’ll soon become a computer commander, not a mere PC user.
As we mentioned above, start simple and build your way up to the more advanced shortcuts. With the shortcut know-how, you’ll be able to perform a range of tasks seamlessly, streamline your workflow and maximize your performance. What are you waiting for? Start shortcutting today!
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Edmund is an English copywriter based in New Taipei City, Taiwan. He is a widely published writer and translator with two decades of experience in the field of bridging linguistic and cultural gaps between Chinese and English.
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