How to Use Keyboard Shortcuts

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Understand how key shortcuts work.

   To use a key shortcut, you will hold down one or more modifier keys and press a letter (or another modifier key).
   
   Modifier keys include the following:
   Ctrl
   - Usually found on the left and right sides of the keyboard.
   
   The right Ctrl key will be just left of the arrow keys.
   
   Alt
   - Found on the left and right sides of the keyboard, farther in toward the center of the keyboard than Ctrl. ⇧ Shift
   - Symbolized by an upward-facing arrow, this key is on the left and right sides of the keyboard.
   
   Fn
   - The "function" key allows you to use secondary functions of other keys.
   
   Commands that use the function keys (e.g., F8) may require use of the Fn key. ⊞ Win
   - This key displays the Windows logo, and is normally in the bottom-left side of your keyboard.
   
   Arrow keys
   - While not technically modifier keys, the arrow keys can be used to select items. ↵ Enter
   - This key allows you to open a selected item.
   
   It's essentially a mouse left-click.
2. 2

   Step 2: Use general key shortcuts to access Windows features.

   These combinations help you perform basic Windows tasks:
   F1
   - Open the Help page.
   
   You must have Internet access for this.
   
   If your computer has an Fn key, you may need to hold it while pressing F1. ⇧ Shift+F10
   - Bring up the context menu for a selected item.
   
   This is usually accomplished by right-clicking.
   
   Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Esc
   - Open the Task Manager.
   
   Alt+Ctrl+Del
   - Open the Lock screen menu.
   
   Alt+Space
   - Bring up the current window's System menu, from which you can resize, minimize, maximize, or move the current window.
   
   Ctrl+Tab ↹
   - Move through current window's tabs (e.g., in a browser).
   
   Ctrl+Esc
   - Open the Start menu.
   
   Alt+Tab ↹
   - Switch between currently open windows, excluding the desktop.
   
   Alt+F4
   - Close an open window or program. ⇧ Shift+Delete
   - Permanently delete a selected item.
   
   This will bypass the Recycle Bin, though you'll need to click OK to confirm. ⊞ Win
   - Open Start. ⊞ Win+L
   - Lock the computer.
   
   If your computer doesn't use a password, this will still take you to the user selection screen. ⊞ Win+R
   - Open the advanced user ("Power User") menu above the Start menu. ⊞ Win+M
   - Minimize all open windows and display the desktop. ⇧ Shift+⊞ Win+M
   - Restore all minimized windows. ⊞ Win+E
   - Open File Explorer. ⊞ Win+Ctrl+F
   - Find another computer on your network (networked computers only). ⊞ Win+Tab ↹
   - View all currently open Windows. ⊞ Win+⎊ Break
   - Open the System Properties window. ⊞ Win+⎙ PrtScr
   - Take a screenshot.
   
   Ctrl+F
   - Open a search bar to look for specific words or phrases on the page. , There are a few keyboard shortcuts you can use to navigate in the File Explorer:
   F2
   - Rename a selected item.
   
   F4
   - Places the mouse cursor in the address bar.
   
   F5
   - Refreshes the folder.
   
   F6
   - Selects a different pane in the File Explorer window.
   
   Ctrl+A
   - Selects every item in the current window.
   
   Alt+↵ Enter
   - Open a selected item's Properties menu. , Most programs have an advanced menu that can be accessed using the mouse while pressing a key: ⇧ Shift + Right-Click
   - Shows a drop-down menu with extra options based on the item you're right-clicking. ⇧ Shift + Double-Click
   - Runs the alternate double-click command, which is the second option in the right-click drop-down menu.
   
   Alt + Double-Click
   - Open an item's Properties window.
3. 3

   Step 3: Use keyboard shortcuts in File Explorer.

4. 4

   Step 4: Use key shortcuts with the mouse.

Detailed Guide

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