Windows 11 is built for speed, but most people still do everything with the mouse — clicking through menus for actions that take half a second with the keyboard. This complete list of Windows 11 keyboard shortcut keys covers the new shortcuts Microsoft added for Windows 11 (Snap layouts, Widgets, Quick Settings, Chat and the new emoji panel) along with the window management, virtual desktop, File Explorer and accessibility shortcuts every user should know. Every shortcut below is explained in plain words, so you know exactly what it does before you press it.
New and Special Windows 11 Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Windows + Z | Open Snap layouts for the current window (arrange windows in ready-made grids) |
| Windows + W | Open the Widgets panel (weather, news, calendar, photos) |
| Windows + N | Open the Notification Center and calendar |
| Windows + A | Open Quick Settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, brightness, volume, Focus) |
| Windows + C | Open Copilot / Microsoft Teams Chat (depends on build and region) |
| Windows + H | Start voice typing (dictation) in any text box |
| Windows + . (period) | Open the emoji, GIF, kaomoji and symbols panel |
| Windows + V | Open clipboard history (paste older copied items, pin items) |
| Windows + Shift + S | Open the Snipping Tool to capture a screenshot of a selected area |
| Windows + Alt + B | Turn HDR on or off (on supported displays) |
Window Management and Multitasking Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Windows + Tab | Open Task View (all open windows and virtual desktops) |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps (hold Alt, press Tab repeatedly) |
| Windows + Left / Right Arrow | Snap the window to the left or right half of the screen |
| Windows + Up Arrow | Maximize the window |
| Windows + Down Arrow | Restore or minimize the window |
| Windows + Shift + Left / Right Arrow | Move the window to the monitor on the left or right |
| Windows + M | Minimize all windows |
| Windows + Shift + M | Restore the windows minimized with Windows + M |
| Windows + D | Show the desktop (press again to bring windows back) |
| Windows + Home | Minimize every window except the active one |
| Windows + , (comma) | Peek at the desktop while you hold the keys |
| Alt + F4 | Close the active app or window (on the desktop: open Shut Down dialog) |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager directly |
| Windows + Number (1–9) | Open or switch to the app pinned at that position on the taskbar |
Virtual Desktop Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Windows + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop and switch to it |
| Windows + Ctrl + Right Arrow | Switch to the virtual desktop on the right |
| Windows + Ctrl + Left Arrow | Switch to the virtual desktop on the left |
| Windows + Ctrl + F4 | Close the current virtual desktop (its windows move to the previous desktop) |
System, Settings and Search Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Windows | Open or close the Start menu |
| Windows + S | Open Search |
| Windows + Q | Open Search (same as Windows + S) |
| Windows + I | Open Settings |
| Windows + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows + R | Open the Run box |
| Windows + L | Lock your PC |
| Windows + X | Open the Power User (Quick Link) menu |
| Windows + Pause/Break | Open Settings → System → About (device specifications) |
| Windows + K | Open Cast / Connect (wireless displays and devices) |
| Windows + P | Choose a presentation display mode (PC screen only, Duplicate, Extend, Second screen) |
| Windows + U | Open Accessibility settings |
| Windows + G | Open Xbox Game Bar |
| Windows + Alt + R | Start or stop screen recording with Game Bar |
| Print Screen (PrtScn) | Capture the full screen (with the Windows 11 setting, opens Snipping Tool) |
| Windows + Print Screen | Capture the full screen and save it to Pictures → Screenshots |
| Alt + Print Screen | Capture only the active window to the clipboard |
File Explorer Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + N | Open a new File Explorer window |
| Ctrl + W | Close the current File Explorer window or tab |
| Ctrl + T | Open a new tab in File Explorer |
| Alt + Left / Right Arrow | Go back / forward in folder history |
| Alt + Up Arrow | Go to the parent folder |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder |
| F2 | Rename the selected file or folder |
| Alt + Enter | Open Properties of the selected item |
| Shift + Delete | Delete permanently (skip the Recycle Bin) |
| Ctrl + E or F3 | Jump to the search box |
| Ctrl + L or Alt + D | Select the address bar (type a path directly) |
Accessibility Shortcuts
| Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Windows + Plus (+) | Open Magnifier and zoom in |
| Windows + Minus (-) | Zoom out in Magnifier |
| Windows + Esc | Close Magnifier |
| Windows + Ctrl + Enter | Start Narrator (screen reader) |
| Windows + Ctrl + C | Turn color filters on or off |
| Right Shift (hold 8 seconds) | Turn Filter Keys on or off |
| Shift (press 5 times) | Turn Sticky Keys on or off |
| Windows + Ctrl + O | Open the On-Screen Keyboard |
Tips to Remember Windows 11 Shortcuts Faster
You do not need to memorize this whole list in one day. Start with the five you will use hourly — Windows + V (clipboard history), Windows + Shift + S (screenshots), Windows + Z (snap layouts), Alt + Tab (app switching) and Windows + D (desktop). Turn on clipboard history once (Windows + V shows the option) and it will change how you copy and paste forever. Virtual desktops are the second habit worth building: keep one desktop for work and one for personal apps, and switch with Windows + Ctrl + Arrow instead of hunting through windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new screenshot shortcut in Windows 11?
Press Windows + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool and capture a rectangle, a freeform area, a window or the full screen. The screenshot goes to the clipboard and also appears as a notification you can click to edit.
How do I open clipboard history in Windows 11?
Press Windows + V. The first time, Windows asks you to turn history on; after that, every copied text and image stays in the panel and you can paste any older item, or pin items you reuse.
What does Windows + Z do?
It opens Snap layouts — ready-made window arrangements (side by side, grids of three or four). Pick a layout and Windows guides the other windows into the remaining spaces.
How do I lock Windows 11 quickly?
Press Windows + L. Your session locks instantly and the sign-in screen appears — the fastest habit for office safety.
By Umar Farooq, Tech Know.
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