Tech Tip Thursday - Windows Key and macOS Shortcuts That Will Make Your Life Easier
One of the more powerful, and probably least used set of keyboard shortcuts involves the Windows logo key, which is common on most keyboards. Windows 10 has roughly fifty keyboard shortcuts using the Windows logo key in combination with other keys on the keyboard. The table below lists many of the productivity-boosting shortcuts:
Key combination | Action |
Windows logo key | Open or close the Start menu |
Windows logo key + K | Open the Connect quick action (for connecting to wireless display and Bluetooth(audio) devices) |
Windows logo key + Print Screen | Takes a screenshot and automatically saves a copy in a folder named Screenshots within your Pictures folder. If your device does not have the PrtScn button, you may use Fn + Windows logo key + Space Bar to take a screenshot, which can then be printed. |
Windows logo key + Shift + S | Capture part of the screen with Snip & Sketch |
Windows logo key + Pause | Display the System Properties dialog box |
Windows logo key + D | Display the desktop |
Windows logo key + M | Minimize all windows |
Windows logo key + Shift + M | Restore minimized windows to the desktop |
Windows logo key + E | Open Computer |
Windows logo key + F | Start a Feedback dialog |
Windows logo key + L | Lock your computer or switch users |
Windows logo key + R | Open the Run dialog box |
Windows logo key + T | Cycle through programs on the Taskbar |
Windows logo key + number | Start the program pinned to the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program. |
Shift+Windows logo key + number | Start a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
Ctrl+Windows logo key + number | Switch to the last active window of the program pinned to the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
Alt + Windows logo key + number | Open the Jump list for the program pinned to the Taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
Windows logo key + Tab | Cycle through programs on the Taskbar |
Ctrl + Windows logo key + Tab | Use the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the Taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D |
Ctrl+Windows logo key + B | Switch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area. |
Windows logo key + V | Open the Clipboard app |
Windows logo key + Up Arrow | Maximize the window |
Windows logo key + Left Arrow | Maximize the window to the left side of the screen |
Windows logo key + Right Arrow | Maximize the window to the right side of the screen |
Windows logo key + Down Arrow | Minimize the window |
Windows logo key + Home | Minimize all but the active window |
Windows logo key + Shift + Up Arrow | Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen |
Windows logo key + Shift + Left Arrow or Right Arrow | Move a window from one monitor to another |
Windows logo key + P | Choose a presentation display mode |
Windows logo key + U | Open Ease Of Access Center |
Windows logo key + X | Open the context menu for the Start button |
Windows key + Period (.) or Semicolon (;) | Open the Emojis window |
Windows logo key + Ctrl + M | Open the Magnifier app |
If you use macOS here are some Command key actions that you may not know already:
COMMAND | ACTION |
Command-C | Copies selected (highlighted) text or other items |
Command-X | Cuts selected text or other items |
Command-V | Pastes the selected items |
Command-Z | Undoes your most recent action (Shift-Command-Z redoes your most recent action) |
Command-A | Selects all items |
Command-F | Finds specific text or a symbol within a document or open window |
Command-H | Hides the front/active window |
Command-M | Minimizes the front/active window |
Command-O | Opens the selected item or opens the finder to select a file |
Command-P | Prints your document |
Command-S | Saves your work |
Command-T (in internet browser) | Opens a new tab |
Command N (in internet browser) | Open a new window |
Command-W (in internet browser) | Close current tab |
Command-Shift-Delete | Empties the trash |
Space bar or Fn-Down Arrow | Scrolls down the page |
Command-Option-M | Minimizes all windows |
Command-Space bar | Brings up the spotlight search bar to find items on your Mac |
Fn-Left and Right arrow keys | Brings you to the beginning (left arrow) or end (right arrow) of a document or web page |
Command-Control-Space bar | Opens character viewer, allowing you to choose emojis and other symbols |
Control-Command-F | Moves current page or app to full-screen view |
Shift-Command-N | Creates a new folder in the finder |
Control–Shift–Power button | Puts the computer display to sleep |
Control-Command-Q | Locks the screen |
Command-Shift-4 | Allows you to take a screenshot |
Command-Shift-3 | Take an instant screenshot |
Command-Shift-5 | Take a screenshot or start a screen recording (macOS Mojave or later) |
Command-Q | Quits the active program/application |
Command-W | Closes the active window |
Command-Control-D | Defines the selected (highlighted) word |
Option-Command-Esc | Forces the open app to quit |