Everyone loves a quick way to get things done in Windows, and using keyboard shortcuts is a great way to do it. Here’s a comprehensive list for Windows 10.
Everyone loves a quick way to get things done in Windows. If a mouse tends to slow you down, then here is a comprehensive list of keyboard commands you can use to accomplish almost any task you would normally use a mouse for.
Search the web and Windows with Cortana (keyboard input)
Windows + I
Open Windows 10 settings
Windows + A
Open Windows 10 notifications
Windows + L
Lock your Windows 10 device
Windows + Ctrl + D
Create new virtual desktop
Windows + Ctrl + F4
Close current virtual desktop
Windows + Ctrl + [Left][Right]
Switch between virtual desktops
Windows + [Left][Right][Up][Down]
Position windows on your screenE.g. Windows + [Left] moves the current window to the left half of your screen. If you use Windows + [Up] afterward, the current window will be placed in the upper left quarter of your screen.And, what’s very handy in my opinion: If you release the Windows key after positioning a window, Task View shows up on the opposite side of the positioned window to select and position another app.
Windows + H
Share content (if supported by current app)
Windows + K
Connect to wireless displays and audio devices
Windows + X
Open Start button context menu
Windows key + G
Starts App recording
Windows + D
Show Windows desktop
Windows + E
Open File Explorer
Windows + Space
Switch keyboard input language (if you have added at least a second one)
Windows + Shift + [Left][Right]
Move current Window from one monitor to another (when using a multiple monitor setup)
Windows + [1][2][3][…]
Open programs that are pinned to task barE.g. if first pinned program on your taskbar is Windows Explorer (from left to right); the shortcut Windows + 1 opens Windows Explorer for you
Windows + R
Run a command
Windows + P
Project a screen
Alt + Tab
Switch to previous window
Alt + Space
Restore, move, size, minimize, maximize or close current window. Also works like a charm for Windows 10 modern apps.
Alt + F4
a) Close current window. b) If you’re on your Windows 10 desktop, open Power dialogue to shut down or restart Windows, put your device in sleep mode, or sign out or switch the current user.
CTRL + SHIFT + ESC
Open Task Manager
Alt + underlined menu
Open menu or program. Example, to open the Edit menu in WordPad, press Alt then press E on your keyboard. Repeat the same step for the menu you want to open.
General Windows keyboard shortcuts
Function
Command
Access help system in an application
F1
Activate menu bar
F10
Close a program
Alt + F4
Close current window in Multiple Document interface based programs
CTRL + F4
Access right-click menu in the application
Shift + F10
Launch Start menu
Ctrl + ESC or Windows key
Cut
CTRL + X
Copy
CTRL + C
Paste
CTRL + V
Delete
DEL
Undo
CTRL + Z
System Properties
Windows key + Pause/Break
Bypass auto-play when an external storage device is connected
Hold down SHIFT key while inserting a storage device
Desktop, My Computer, and File Explorer
For selected items, you can use the following shortcuts:
Function
Command
Search
CTRL + F or F3
Rename an item
F2
Delete a folder or files permanently
SHIFT + DEL
Access properties of a file or folder
ALT + ENTER or ALT + double-click
Copy a file
CTRL key while dragging file
Create a shortcut
CTRL + SHIFT while dragging file
Select All
CTRL + A
Refresh contents of a window
F5
View the folder one level up
Backspace key
Close the selected folder and its parent folders
SHIFT key while clicking the close button
Switch between left and right panes
F6
File Explorer commands
Function
Command
Switch between left and right panes
F6
Expand all subfolders under the selected folder
NUMLOCK + ASTERISK when using a numeric keyboard
Expand the selected folder
NUMLOCK + PLUS sign when using a numeric keyboard
Collapse the selected folder
NUMLOCK + MINUS sign when using a numeric keyboard
Expand current selection if it’s collapsed, otherwise select first subfolder
Right arrow
Collapse current selection if it’s expanded, otherwise, select parent folder
Left arrow
Properties dialog commands
Function
Command
Move forward through options
Tab key
Move backward through options
SHIFT + Tab
Move forward through tabs
CTRL + Tab
Move backward through tabs
CTRL + SHIFT + TAB
Open and Save dialog commands
Function
Command
Open the Save In and address bar
CTRL + O and F4
Refresh
F5
Open the folder one level up, if a folder is selected
BACKSPACE
Windows 10 Command Prompt keyboard commands
Text Selection
Function
Command
SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
Moves the cursor to the left one character, extending the selection
SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
Moves the cursor to the right one character, extending the selection
SHIFT + UP ARROW
Selects text up line by line starting from the location of the insertion point
SHIFT + DOWN ARROW
Extends text selection down one line, starting at the location of the insertion point
SHIFT + END
If cursor is in current line being edited* First time extends selection to the last character in the input line.* Second consecutive press extends selection to the right margin; or else Selects text from the insertion point to the right margin.
SHIFT + HOME
If cursor is in current line being edited* First time extends selection to the character immediately after the command prompt.* Second consecutive press extends selection to the left margin; or else Extends selection to the left margin.
SHIFT + PAGE DOWN
Extends selection down one screen
SHIFT + PAGE UP
Extends selection up one screen
CTRL + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW
Extends the selection one word to the right
CTRL + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW
Extends the selection one word to the left
CTRL + SHIFT + HOME
Extend selection to the beginning of the screen buffer
CTRL + SHIFT + END
Extend selection to the end of the screen buffer
CTRL + A
If cursor is in current line being edited (from first typed char to last type char) and line is not empty, and any selection cursor is also within the line being edited Selects all text after the prompt (phase 1); or else Selects the entire buffer (phase 2)
Edit commands
Function
Command
Windows Key + V
Open clipboard history menu
CTRL + V
Paste text into the command line
SHIFT + INS
Paste text into the command line
CTRL + C
Copy selected text to the clipboard
CTRL + INS
Copy selected text to the clipboard
Function
Command
CTRL + M
Enter “Mark Mode” to move cursor within window
ALT
In conjunction with one of the selection key combinations, begins selection in block mode
ARROW KEYS
Move cursor in the direction specified
PAGE KEYS
Move cursor by one page in the direction specified
CTRL + HOME
Move cursor to beginning of buffer
CTRL + END
Move cursor to end of buffer
History navigation keys
Function
Command
CTRL + UP ARROW
Moves up one line in the output history
CTRL + DOWN ARROW
Moves down one line in the output history
CTRL + PAGE UP
Moves up one page in the output history
CTRL + PAGE DOWN
Moves down one page in the output history
Additional commands
Function
Command
CTRL + F
Opens “Find” in console dialog
ALT + F4
Close the console window, of course!
Keyboard Run Commands
Use the following to access locations such as Control Panel items, File Explorer shell folders quickly using the run command.
Opens
Press Windows + R and type:
Open Documents Folder
documents
Open Videos folder
videos
Open Downloads Folder
downloads
Open Favorites Folder
favorites
Open Recent Folder
recent
Open Pictures Folder
pictures
Adding a new Device
devicepairingwizard
About Windows dialog
winver
Add Hardware Wizard
hdwwiz
Advanced User Accounts
netplwiz
Advanced User Accounts
azman.msc
Backup and Restore
sdclt
Bluetooth File Transfer
fsquirt
Calculator
calc
Certificates
certmgr.msc
Change Computer Performance Settings
systempropertiesperformance
Change Data Execution Prevention Settings
systempropertiesdataexecutionprevention
Change Data Execution Prevention Settings
printui
Character Map
charmap
ClearType Tuner
cttune
Color Management
colorcpl
Command Prompt
cmd
Component Services
comexp.msc
Component Services
dcomcnfg
Computer Management
compmgmt.msc
Computer Management
compmgmtlauncher
Connect to a Projector
displayswitch
Control Panel
control
Create A Shared Folder Wizard
shrpubw
Create a System Repair Disc
recdisc
Data Execution Prevention
systempropertiesdataexecutionprevention
Date and Time
timedate.cpl
Default Location
locationnotifications
Device Manager
devmgmt.msc
Device Manager
hdwwiz.cpl
Device Pairing Wizard
devicepairingwizard
Diagnostics Troubleshooting Wizard
msdt
Digitizer Calibration Tool
tabcal
DirectX Diagnostic Tool
dxdiag
Disk Cleanup
cleanmgr
Disk Defragmenter
dfrgui
Disk Management
diskmgmt.msc
Display
dpiscaling
Display Color Calibration
dccw
Display Switch
displayswitch
DPAPI Key Migration Wizard
dpapimig
Driver Verifier Manager
verifier
Ease of Access Center
utilman
EFS Wizard
rekeywiz
Event Viewer
eventvwr.msc
Fax Cover Page Editor
fxscover
File Signature Verification
sigverif
Font Viewer
fontview
Game Controllers
joy.cpl
IExpress Wizard
iexpress
Internet Explorer
iexplore
Internet Options
inetcpl.cpl
iSCSI Initiator Configuration Tool
iscsicpl
Language Pack Installer
lpksetup
Local Group Policy Editor
gpedit.msc
Local Security Policy
secpol.msc
Local Users and Groups
lusrmgr.msc
Location Activity
locationnotifications
Magnifier
magnify
Malicious Software Removal Tool
mrt
Manage Your File Encryption Certificates
rekeywiz
Microsoft Management Console
mmc
Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool
msdt
Mouse
main.cpl
NAP Client Configuration
napclcfg.msc
Narrator
narrator
Network Connections
ncpa.cpl
New Scan Wizard
wiaacmgr
Notepad
notepad
ODBC Data Source Administrator
odbcad32
ODBC Driver Configuration
odbcconf
On-Screen Keyboard
osk
Paint
mspaint
Pen and Touch
tabletpc.cpl
People Near Me
collab.cpl
Performance Monitor
perfmon.msc
Performance Options
systempropertiesperformance
Phone and Modem
telephon.cpl
Phone Dialer
dialer
Power Options
powercfg.cpl
Presentation Settings
presentationsettings
Print Management
printmanagement.msc
Printer Migration
printbrmui
Printer User Interface
printui
Private Character Editor
eudcedit
Problem Steps Recorder
psr
Programs and Features
appwiz.cpl
Protected Content Migration
dpapimig
Region and Language
intl.cpl
Registry Editor
regedit
Registry Editor 32
regedt32
Remote Access Phonebook
rasphone
Remote Desktop Connection
mstsc
Resource Monitor
resmon
Resultant Set of Policy
rsop.msc
SAM Lock Tool
syskey
Screen Resolution
desk.cpl
Securing the Windows Account Database
syskey
Services
services.msc
Set Program Access and Computer Defaults
computerdefaults
Share Creation Wizard
shrpubw
Shared Folders
fsmgmt.msc
Signout
logoff
Snipping Tool
snippingtool
Sound
mmsys.cpl
Sound recorder
soundrecorder
SQL Server Client Network Utility
cliconfg
Sticky Notes
stikynot
Stored User Names and Passwords
credwiz
Sync Center
mobsync
System Configuration
msconfig
System Configuration Editor
sysedit
System Information
msinfo32
System Properties
sysdm.cpl
System Properties (Advanced Tab)
systempropertiesadvanced
System Properties (Computer Name Tab)
systempropertiescomputername
System Properties (Hardware Tab)
systempropertieshardware
System Properties (Remote Tab)
systempropertiesremote
System Properties (System Protection Tab)
systempropertiesprotection
System Restore
rstrui
Task Manager
taskmgr
Task Scheduler
taskschd.msc
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Management
tpm.msc
Turn Windows features on or off
optionalfeatures
User Account Control Settings
useraccountcontrolsettings
Utility Manager
utilman
Volume Mixer
sndvol
Windows Action Center
wscui.cpl
Windows Activation Client
slui
Windows Anytime Upgrade Results
windowsanytimeupgraderesults
Windows Disc Image Burning Tool
isoburn
Windows Explorer
explorer
Windows Fax and Scan
wfs
Windows Firewall
firewall.cpl
Windows Firewall with Advanced Security
wf.msc
Windows Journal
journal
Windows Media Player
wmplayer
Windows Memory Diagnostic Scheduler
mdsched
Windows Mobility Center
mblctr
Windows Picture Acquisition Wizard
wiaacmgr
Windows PowerShell
powershell
Windows PowerShell ISE
powershell_ise
Windows Remote Assistance
msra
Windows Repair Disc
recdisc
Windows Script Host
wscript
Windows Update
wuapp
Windows Update Standalone Installer
wusa
Versione Windows
winver
WMI Management
wmimgmt.msc
WordPad
write
XPS Viewer
xpsrchvw
The name and terminology used for certain commands and functions have been revised in Windows 10, along with their locations. The following table provides how you can find and access them.
Original Name
New Name, Location, and Functions
Windows Explorer
File Explorer – (Press Windows key + E to launch)
Favorites Navigation Pane (Windows Explorer)
Quick Access
Folder options
Options (Files Explorer > View tab > Options)
Recent Items
Located in File Explorer > This PC > Recent Files
Computer or My Computer
This PC
Control Panel
Settings (classic Control Panel can still be accessed – Windows key + X then click Control Panel)
View Available Networks
Network Flyout – Notification or Show Available Networks (Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Additional settings
Action Center
Located in the System Tray; Manage incoming email, system, social media notifications
Start menu
Start
Task View
Create and Manage multiple desktops
Aero Snap
Snap Assist – easily manage open windows on screen
All Programs
All Apps
Shutdown/Turn off computer
Power
Switch Users
Located at the top of the Start represented by your account name
There’s a lot here to remember, so make sure to bookmark this page so you can keep coming back to refresh your memory or learn new shortcuts you haven’t used before.
Are you a Keyboard Kung Fu practitioner? What are your favorite key combos that you use? Leave a comment below so we can update our list.
27 Comments
27 Comments
MarjCunningham
Wow, what an extensive list! Thank you for ferreting out all these keyboard shortcuts!
This listing of run commands is incorrect. Many commands, such as Windows Update (wuapp) have been replaced with “ms-settings:command”, Windows Update being “ms-settings:windowsupdate”. Please review your article for accuracy.
File these under the ‘Press Windows + R and type:’ section…
shell:startup to open the startup folder
shell:profile to open your profile folder
shell:printersfolder
just search for windows shell: commands for a full list
Really appreciate the “Keyboard Run Commands
Use the following to access locations such as Control Panel items, File Explorer shell folders quickly using the run command.” part.
This is so awesome. Thanks!
Also, there is a list of Control Panel commands for the Run Dialog Box. If you just type control and {ENTER} it will pull up the classic control panel. But many of the settings in there have their own name, like ‘Control Printers’. I don’t know whether that is one of them, but they are along those lines. I will add them here if I find them. (I was looking for them when I found this).
MarjCunningham
Wow, what an extensive list! Thank you for ferreting out all these keyboard shortcuts!
Don Anderson
All that and not a note on how to print, change size of the page etc.
Windows 10 makes it difficult to print a page
Don
Brian Burgess
Ctrl + P
mahesh
thank you for listing the shortcut keywords thanks alot…
TechieSmurf
This listing of run commands is incorrect. Many commands, such as Windows Update (wuapp) have been replaced with “ms-settings:command”, Windows Update being “ms-settings:windowsupdate”. Please review your article for accuracy.
Martin
CTRL + SHIFT + N. I use it very often to create a new folder. The advantage is, you can stay on the keyboard and immediately name the new Folder.
CTRL + SHIFT + BACKSPACE is another usefull shortcut, to delete the whole word to the left of the cursor.
Mickey Mouse
Backspace does NOT take you one folder up. It takes you a folder BACK. This is one of the most annoying things M$ changed :-(
Ripper
Alt + UpArrow Will take you up the folder tree. Very Useful!
dinehs
how can find computer configuration from “run” command
Soumo Dev Acharya
type msinfo32 in run command
G McCaddon
Command Line Run: SlidetoShutdown to activate the slide to shutdown on Windows 8.1 and 10. Handy for remote shutdowns.
Sorbel
File these under the ‘Press Windows + R and type:’ section…
shell:startup to open the startup folder
shell:profile to open your profile folder
shell:printersfolder
just search for windows shell: commands for a full list
Steve Krause
Nice – Thanks for sharing the tips Sorbel!
-S
Alex Fairbanks
These commands have been around since Windows 95:
Several of your commands are inaccurate.
CTRL+INSERT or CTRL+C Copy
SHIFT+INSERT or CTRL+V Paste
SHIFT+DELETE or CTRL+X Cut
Hold SHIFT while Dragging a File/Folder Force Move a File/Folder (Shows –> Arrow)
Hold ALT while Dragging a File/Folder Force Shortcut a File/Folder (Shows Curved Arrow)
Hold CTRL while Dragging a File/Folder Force Copy a File/Folder (Shows + Arrow)
In File Explorer,
Press F6 or Tab Shift through different options
Press SHIFT+F6 or SHIFT+Tab Shift through different options the other way
plus a bonus
File has dashed outline:
Space To Select It
F2 Edits Name
viral
Thanks,
nice work with this key.
Thaiza
thanks for the list. It’s improving me…
Lesetja
How do I access safe mode on Windows 10, to access files. If windows has crashed as a result of virus?
NB: Sticky keys is on.
kay
tap “shift” 5 times to turn on or off sticky keys
BillGates
May 23, 2019
Hi,
Really appreciate the “Keyboard Run Commands
Use the following to access locations such as Control Panel items, File Explorer shell folders quickly using the run command.” part.
Thanks and have a nice day !
naufal
Useful!!!
Rajeev
“Shutdown” on Windows 10 by clicking “Power” is like Hibernate on Windows xp. Include “Shift + Power” to “Completely Sutdown” in your list.
Rob
Win-CTRL-O = opens on-screen keyboard (needed to toggle scroll lock with a keyboard without that key)
irfan
thank you -to listing this -run command in windows 10
ADRIAN JOSEPH COMBE IV
This is so awesome. Thanks!
Also, there is a list of Control Panel commands for the Run Dialog Box. If you just type control and {ENTER} it will pull up the classic control panel. But many of the settings in there have their own name, like ‘Control Printers’. I don’t know whether that is one of them, but they are along those lines. I will add them here if I find them. (I was looking for them when I found this).
blocky
There’s so much missing here!! Where are all the Shift + Ctrl + Win + Alt Shortcuts?
Sergio
I remember using a shortcut key, but I forgot. where I was able to use to open a new tab and it would let me copy the same web address I was using..
If anyone knows, I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
Sergio
TechieSmurf
CTRL-SHIFT-K, for duplicate tab? (MS Edge/Chrome)