If you spend a lot of time on Windows, it’s easy to waste precious seconds every time you have to switch from keyboard to mouse. Opening folders, resizing windows, or jumping between apps can quickly become tedious, and it gets even slower if you’re relying on a touchpad.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. By mastering a handful of Windows keyboard shortcuts, you can navigate File Explorer, manage taskbar items, switch between virtual desktops, and access essential system tools in seconds. I use them every day, and now that I’ve gotten the hang of them, I feel like I’m saving a small but significant chunk of time with every task.
5
File Explorer shortcuts
Navigate tabs and folders faster than ever
Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required
File Explorer can be so much faster once you ditch the mouse and start using keyboard shortcuts. These simple combos make opening, navigating, and organizing files feel effortless.
Shortcut
Action
Win + E
Open File Explorer
Ctrl + Shift + N
Create a new folder
Alt + Enter
Open properties of selected file or folder
Ctrl + Mouse Scroll
Change icon size in Explorer quickly
Alt + D
Select the address bar in File Explorer
Ctrl + F
Access File Explorer search menu
Ctrl + N
Duplicate File Explorer window
Ctrl + T
Open a new tab in File Explorer with tabs
Ctrl + W
Close the current tab or window
Ctrl + Tab / Ctrl + Shift + Tab
Switches between open tabs in File Explorer
Ctrl + Shift + Number (1-9)
Changes the view style in File Explorer (details, tiles, etc.)
Some of these shortcuts for File Explorer tabs also work in your browser, so mastering them gives you double the speed boost across Windows.
4
Taskbar shortcuts
Command your taskbar with the keyboard
Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required
The Windows taskbar is something that everyone interacts with frequently. Once you learn its keyboard shortcuts, switching between programs, opening pinned apps, and managing multiple windows won’t require reaching for the mouse.
Shortcut
Action
Win + 1–9
Launch or switch to the app pinned in that numbered position on the taskbar
Win + Alt + Number (1–9)
Open the right-click menu for a pinned app
Shift + Click (or Win + Shift + Number)
Open a new instance of the app pinned in that position
Ctrl + Shift + Click
Open a pinned app as an administrator
Win + T
Cycle through apps on the taskbar and press Enter to open the highlighted one
Win + D
Show or hide the desktop
Win + , (comma)
Peek at the desktop temporarily
3
Virtual desktop shortcuts
Move between desktops in a flash
Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required
Virtual desktops is one of Windows’ most useful productivity features. They let you create separate workspaces—one for work, one for personal tasks, or even one just for gaming—and switch between them in seconds. If you use them often like I do, a few keyboard shortcuts can help you manage and navigate between them even faster.
Shortcut
Action
Win + Ctrl + D
Create a new virtual desktop
Win + Ctrl + Left / Right Arrow
Switch between virtual desktops
Win + Ctrl + F4
Close the current virtual desktop and move its apps to the previous one
Win + Tab
Open Task View to see all desktops and open windows
Win + Ctrl + Shift + Left / Right Arrow
Move the current window to another virtual desktop
2
Window management shortcuts
Snap, resize, and switch windows like a pro
Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required
Anyone using a large monitor knows how useful Windows’ Snap Layouts can be. They let you interact with multiple apps at once and make the most of your screen space. With just a few keyboard shortcuts, you can snap, resize, or switch windows without ever dragging anything around.
Shortcut
Action
Win + Left Arrow / Right Arrow
Snap the active window to the left or right half of the screen
Win + Up Arrow
Maximize the current window to fill the screen.
Win + Down Arrow
Minimize the current window or restore it if it’s maximized.
Win + M
Minimize all windows and show your desktop.
Win + Shift + M
Restore all minimized windows back to view
Alt + Tab
Switch between open windows (hold Alt and tap Tab until you land where you want)
Alt + Esc
Cycle through open windows in the order they were opened
1
Miscellaneous but useful shortcuts
Hidden shortcuts that save serious time
Screenshot by Pankil Shah — No attribution required
Some of my favorite shortcuts don’t fit neatly into a category, but they’re absolute lifesavers for frequently used Windows features and tools.
Shortcut
Action
Win + A
Open the Windows 11 quick settings panel
Win + N
Open the Notification Center for a clear view of alerts and calendar events
Win + V
Open the clipboard history to paste recently copied items
Win + L
Lock your PC
Win + X
Open the hidden start menu
Win + R
Open the Run dialog box
Win + I
Open the Settings app
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Launch Task Manager
Mastering Windows keyboard shortcuts may seem like a small thing, but it can completely transform the way you use your PC. Beyond Windows itself, getting familiar with the keyboard shortcuts for the apps and browsers you use every day can make your workflow even faster and more efficient.
