Essential Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts are one of the fastest ways to improve productivity on a Windows 11 PC. Instead of relying on menus and mouse clicks, shortcuts let you complete everyday tasks faster, reduce frustration, and work more efficiently—whether you’re at home, in the office, or running a business.
If you need help setting up, troubleshooting, or managing your Windows computer, our IT support services provide professional assistance for home users and small businesses.
Use these daily for core productivity: editing text, saving work, switching apps, and closing windows.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Copy | Ctrl + C |
| Cut | Ctrl + X |
| Paste | Ctrl + V |
| Undo | Ctrl + Z |
| Redo | Ctrl + Y |
| Select all | Ctrl + A |
| Save | Ctrl + S |
| Ctrl + P | |
| Find | Ctrl + F |
| Switch between open apps | Alt + Tab |
| Close current app or window | Alt + F4 |
Windows Key Shortcuts (Windows 11)
These shortcuts give fast access to Windows features like Settings, Search, File Explorer, and system menus.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Start menu | Win |
| Show or hide desktop | Win + D |
| Open File Explorer | Win + E |
| Open Settings | Win + I |
| Lock your PC | Win + L |
| Open Run dialog | Win + R |
| Power User menu (system tools) | Win + X |
| Search | Win + S |
| Clipboard history | Win + V |
| Quick Settings | Win + A |
| Notifications & calendar | Win + N |
Window Management & Multitasking (Windows 11)
Windows 11 multitasking is built around snapping and layouts. These shortcuts help you stay organized across apps and monitors.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Snap window (left/right/maximize/minimize) | Win + Arrow Keys |
| Open Snap Layouts | Win + Z |
| Move window between monitors | Win + Shift + Arrow Keys |
| Minimize all windows | Win + M |
| Restore minimized windows | Win + Shift + M |
Virtual Desktops
Virtual desktops let you separate work, gaming, and personal tasks without closing anything. They are especially helpful on smaller screens.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Create new virtual desktop | Win + Ctrl + D |
| Switch desktops | Win + Ctrl + Left/Right |
| Close current desktop | Win + Ctrl + F4 |
File Explorer Shortcuts
Speed up file and folder work—especially when organizing client files, assets, downloads, and screenshots.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| New File Explorer window | Ctrl + N |
| Create new folder | Ctrl + Shift + N |
| Rename selected file/folder | F2 |
| Delete selected item | Delete |
| Permanently delete (bypass Recycle Bin) | Shift + Delete |
| Go back | Alt + Left Arrow |
| Go forward | Alt + Right Arrow |
| Go up one folder level | Alt + Up Arrow |
Screenshots & Screen Recording
These shortcuts are ideal for tutorials, troubleshooting, documentation, and social content creation.
Note: Win + Alt + R uses Xbox Game Bar for recording. If Game Bar is disabled, enable it in Windows Settings.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Snipping Tool (select area) | Win + Shift + S |
| Save full screenshot automatically | Win + PrtScn |
| Copy full screen to clipboard | PrtScn |
| Copy active window to clipboard | Alt + PrtScn |
| Start/stop screen recording | Win + Alt + R |
System & Accessibility Tools
These shortcuts are especially useful for troubleshooting, performance checks, and accessibility features.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Task Manager | Ctrl + Shift + Esc |
| Security options screen | Ctrl + Alt + Delete |
| Open Accessibility settings | Win + U |
| Magnifier zoom in | Win + + |
| Magnifier zoom out | Win + – |
| Exit Magnifier | Win + Esc |
| Voice typing | Win + H |
Tips for Mastering Windows 11 Shortcuts
- Learn by workflow: Start with the shortcuts you use every day (copy/paste, switching apps, screenshots).
- Print a cheat sheet: Keep it near your desk for quick reference until it becomes muscle memory.
- Use Snap Layouts: Win + Z is one of the biggest productivity wins in Windows 11.
- Use Clipboard History: Win + V helps when you need to copy multiple items (links, snippets, addresses, etc.).
Learning Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts is a simple but powerful way to work smarter every day. Start with a few shortcuts, practice them regularly, and build from there as they become second nature.
If you want hands-on help with your Windows PC, security concerns, or overall system setup, contact SOBXTECH for personalized IT support. You can also explore our cybersecurity tips for Windows users to help keep your computer and data protected.
