Windows key + 1,2,3,4
The Windows key has some powerful shortcut keys associated with it. You can use Windows + 1, 2, 3, etc. to open the program associated with each number in your Windows taskbar. For example, Windows key + 1 will open the first program in your taskbar. It also has an additional function if the program is already open, it will switch to the program. This is helpful when needing to switch programs without moving your hands from the keyboard.
Windows key + “D”
This shortcut combination takes you directly to the desktop. Alternatively, you can right-click the taskbar and click “Show the Desktop”. Users that habitually download and save attachments/programs to the desktop will use this shortcut often, but it’s definitely worth knowing for when you need to access a desktop file or shortcut and have 10 programs opens (Happens to me several times a day).
Shift + Delete
This nifty shortcut allows you to permanently delete a file instead of moving to the recycle bin first. This can be helpful with older/slower machines when dealing with large files, such as installation programs or video files. It can also give you additional available disk space as opposed to sending it to the recycle bin. It’s worth mentioning that this shortcut should be used with caution, as the files are permanently deleted when you click the confirmation. Unlike the recycle bin, you can’t simply restore the file without a backup or recovery program.
CTRL + 1,2,3 (etc)
Ever been filling out a form on a website and need to switch back and forth between a few tabs? This shortcut can help you. By using CTRL + 1,2,3, etc. (Works for the first 9 tabs in your browser), you can skip to the tab that corresponds with the number (1st tab is #1, 2nd tab is #2, etc) without taking your hands off of the keyboard. It’s worth noting that this trick works in Internet Explorer, Chrome and Firefox, so it’s truly a universal browser shortcut.
Windows Key + “E”
Of all the shortcuts on the list, this one is my personal favorite. This handy Windows key shortcut opens the File Explorer, which is one of the most useful tools in Windows. Using the Windows File Explorer, you can access almost any documents, folder or file on your computer. It’s a shortcut that truly makes computing with Windows easier and more efficient.
CTRL + Shift + ESC
Last, but definitely not least, you can press CTRL + Shift + ESC to open the Task Manager at any time. Why is this helpful? Most users are accustomed to first pressing CTRL + ALT + DEL, waiting for another Windows screen that presents you with log-out options and then clicking “Task Manager”. This process can help you end stuck processes, check performance and memory usage, modify startup options and several other advanced options.
Windows key + Pause/Break
This shortcut will bring up the System Properties box. Here, you can see things like which version of Windows you are running, the amount of memory installed on the computer, and other system-level specs. You can also quickly access Device manager from this dialog box as well.
Windows key + L
Needing to step away from your computer for a few minutes? This handy shortcut will log out and lock the computer until the user returns. Overall, it’s a quick way to restrict access and protect your data if you’re away from your desk for any reason, whether it be getting a fresh cup of coffee or taking a bathroom break.
CTRL + F5
While this isn’t a Windows specific shortcut exactly, it’s a very helpful browser shortcut that’s universal across browsers. It will reload both the current web page and web page cache. This can help resolve issues displaying or using certain sites. It also ensures that you have the latest version available of this site. A prime example is if you are on the hunt for an elusive Black Friday deal and the sales price isn’t updating because of your browser cache. For a more in-depth explanation of web/browser cache, check out this article.
Windows key + I
This shortcut opens “Settings” in Windows. Some computer techs know and use this one. It’s super handy if you’re needing to do things such as Uninstalling an App/Program, Modify Network/Connection settings, View Windows Update status, and other things that deal with how your system functions overall.
Windows key + PrtScn (also ALT + PrtScn)
This helpful shortcut is very similar to the “standard” print screen (that only commits the screenshot to memory and requires pasting into an editing program such as Paint), except it goes one step further and actually saves the screenshot into a “Screenshots” folder in “Pictures”. This can simplify the process if you only need to email or send a quick screenshot by having the file saved and ready to attach.
A related shortcut to this is ALT + PrtScn, which allows you to do a “standard” print screen of only the currently active window. This can be helpful if you only need a screenshot of a website. It’s truly a blessing for those of us who use multi-monitor setups when we only need one window in a screenshot.
Windows key + CTRL + D
This nifty shortcut creates a new Windows Virtual Desktop. This gives you extra space for additional applications and browsers. Personally, I use this often when I need to quickly accomplish a task, but don’t want to disturb my currently open applications and workflow. I simply open up a new virtual desktop, and finish the task and go right back to my original desktop, exactly how it was!
Extra Tip: To navigate between the virtual desktops, you can press Windows key + CTRL + LEFT ARROW (or RIGHT ARROW).
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