Learn builtin Windows keyboard shortcuts

Essential Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 10 and Windows 11

While Hot Keyboard provides a unique way to operate Windows with keyboard shortcuts, there are many standard shortcuts you may use. Take a look on below lists and learn new ways to be faster and more professional

Keyboard shortcuts are powerful tools that enhance productivity and navigation speed on Windows operating systems. While Windows 10 and Windows 11 share many core shortcuts, Windows 11 introduces a few new combinations that align with its modern interface and features. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the most useful and commonly used keyboard shortcuts in both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

🔹 Common Keyboard Shortcuts (Both Windows 10 & 11)

Shortcut	Function
Ctrl + C	Copy the selected item
Ctrl + X	Cut the selected item
Ctrl + V	Paste the copied/cut item
Ctrl + Z	Undo an action
Ctrl + Y	Redo an undone action
Ctrl + A	Select all items
Alt + Tab	Switch between open apps
Alt + F4	Close the active window
Windows + D	Show or hide the desktop
Windows + L	Lock your PC
Windows + E	Open File Explorer
Windows + I	Open Settings
Windows + S	Open Search
Windows + R	Open Run dialog
Windows + P	Project screen
Windows + Arrow Keys	Snap windows
Windows + M	Minimize all windows

🔹 Windows 10-Specific Shortcuts

Shortcut	Function
Windows + Tab	Open Task View
Ctrl + Windows + D	Create new virtual desktop
Ctrl + Windows + Left/Right	Switch virtual desktops
Windows + Ctrl + F4	Close current virtual desktop
Windows + Number (1–9)	Open pinned taskbar app

🔹 Windows 11-Specific Shortcuts

Shortcut	Function
Windows + W	Open Widgets panel
Windows + Z	Open Snap Layouts
Windows + A	Open Quick Settings
Windows + N	Open Notification Center
Windows + C	Open Teams Chat
Windows + Alt + Up/Down	Snap vertically

🔹 File Explorer Shortcuts (Both Versions)

Shortcut	Function
Alt + D	Focus address bar
Ctrl + N	New window
Ctrl + Shift + N	New folder
F2	Rename item
F5	Refresh
Alt + Enter	Item properties

🔹 Accessibility Shortcuts

Shortcut	Function
Windows + U	Open Accessibility Settings
Windows + Plus (+)	Open Magnifier
Windows + Ctrl + Enter	Start Narrator
Windows + Esc	Exit Magnifier
Shift (five times)	Toggle Sticky Keys

📌 Conclusion

Whether you're using Windows 10 or Windows 11, mastering keyboard shortcuts is a surefire way to work more efficiently. While Windows 11 introduces some new combinations tailored to its redesigned interface, most shortcuts remain consistent across versions. With regular use, these shortcuts can dramatically streamline your day-to-day computing tasks.