Windows 10 remains the everyday system on millions of PCs, and its keyboard shortcuts are the quickest way to work on it like a professional. This guide lists the complete Windows 10 keyboard shortcut keys — the Action Center, Cortana, Timeline and virtual desktop shortcuts that defined Windows 10, plus window snapping, File Explorer, Command Prompt and screenshot shortcuts — each one explained in simple language so you can start using them today.
Windows 10 Special Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Windows + A | Open the Action Center (notifications and quick action buttons) |
| Windows + C | Open Cortana in listening mode (where Cortana is available) |
| Windows + S | Open Search and type your query |
| Windows + Tab | Open Task View with Timeline (windows, desktops and recent activity) |
| Windows + H | Open the Share charm for the current app / dictation in text fields (build dependent) |
| Windows + . (period) or Windows + ; | Open the emoji panel |
| Windows + V | Open clipboard history (enable it once in Settings → System → Clipboard) |
| Windows + Shift + S | Open Snip & Sketch to capture part of the screen |
| Windows + G | Open the Game Bar |
| Windows + Alt + G | Record the last moments of gameplay (Game Bar background recording) |
| Windows + Alt + R | Start or stop Game Bar recording |
Window Snapping and Switching Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open windows |
| Alt + Esc | Cycle through windows in the order they were opened |
| Windows + Left Arrow | Snap window to the left half (press again for the corner quadrant) |
| Windows + Right Arrow | Snap window to the right half (press again for the corner quadrant) |
| Windows + Up Arrow | Maximize the window |
| Windows + Down Arrow | Restore the window, then minimize it |
| Windows + Shift + Left / Right Arrow | Move the window to another monitor |
| Windows + M | Minimize all windows |
| Windows + Shift + M | Restore minimized windows |
| Windows + D | Show or hide the desktop |
| Windows + Home | Minimize all windows except the active one ("shake" by keyboard) |
| Alt + F4 | Close the current app |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
| Windows + T | Cycle through taskbar apps (then press Enter to open) |
| Windows + Number (1–9) | Launch the taskbar app at that position |
Virtual Desktop Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Windows + Ctrl + D | Add a new virtual desktop |
| Windows + Ctrl + Left / Right Arrow | Switch between virtual desktops |
| Windows + Ctrl + F4 | Close the current virtual desktop |
System and Settings Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Windows + I | Open Settings |
| Windows + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows + R | Open Run |
| Windows + L | Lock the PC |
| Windows + X | Open the advanced Start (WinX) menu — Device Manager, Disk Management, Terminal and more |
| Windows + Pause | Display the System Properties / About window |
| Windows + K | Open Connect (wireless display/audio devices) |
| Windows + P | Project screen options (Duplicate, Extend, Second screen only) |
| Windows + U | Open Ease of Access settings |
| Windows + Enter | Open Narrator |
| Windows + Plus / Minus | Zoom in or out with Magnifier |
| Windows + Esc | Exit Magnifier |
| Print Screen | Copy the whole screen to the clipboard |
| Windows + Print Screen | Save a full screenshot to Pictures → Screenshots |
| Alt + Print Screen | Copy the active window's screenshot to the clipboard |
File Explorer Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + N | New File Explorer window |
| Ctrl + W | Close the current window |
| Alt + Left / Right Arrow | Back / forward through visited folders |
| Alt + Up Arrow | Move up one folder level |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder |
| F2 | Rename the selected item |
| F5 | Refresh the current folder view |
| Alt + Enter | Properties of the selected item |
| Alt + D | Select the address bar |
| Ctrl + F or F3 | Select the search box |
| Shift + Delete | Delete permanently without the Recycle Bin |
| Ctrl + Shift + Number (1–8) | Change the folder view (icons, list, details and more) |
Command Prompt Shortcuts (Windows 10)
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V | Copy and paste inside Command Prompt (enabled by default in Windows 10) |
| Ctrl + F | Open Find in the Command Prompt window |
| Ctrl + M | Enter Mark mode (select text with the keyboard) |
| Alt + Selection (drag) | Select a rectangular block of text |
| Ctrl + Up / Down Arrow | Scroll the window one line up or down |
| Ctrl + Page Up / Page Down | Scroll one page up or down |
| F7 | Show the command history list |
Tips for Windows 10 Users
Three habits give the biggest speed gain on Windows 10. First, snap windows with Windows + Arrow keys and fill all four corners when comparing documents. Second, use virtual desktops — one for your main work, one for communication apps — and move with Windows + Ctrl + Arrow. Third, learn Windows + X: it is the fastest route to Device Manager, Disk Management, Power Options and an administrator Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take a screenshot of part of the screen in Windows 10?
Press Windows + Shift + S. Choose rectangular, freeform, window or full-screen snip; the capture is copied to the clipboard and a notification lets you open it in Snip & Sketch for editing.
How do I see all open windows and my recent files together?
Press Windows + Tab to open Task View. Along with windows and virtual desktops, Windows 10 shows your Timeline of recently used files and websites.
What is the shortcut for the Action Center?
Windows + A opens the Action Center with your notifications and quick actions such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Night light and Airplane mode.
How can I open Task Manager without Ctrl + Alt + Delete?
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc — it opens Task Manager directly in one step.
By Umar Farooq, Tech Know.
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