Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts let you open apps, switch windows, manage files, edit text, take screenshots, control desktops, and access system features without using a mouse.
Start with these high-value shortcuts: Win + I opens Settings, Win + E opens File Explorer, Alt + Tab switches between apps, Win + Shift + S captures part of the screen, Ctrl + Shift + Esc opens Task Manager, and Win + V opens Clipboard History.
Last reviewed: October 2026. We update this guide when Microsoft changes Windows 11 keyboard shortcut behavior.
This guide organizes useful Windows 11 shortcut keys by task so you can quickly find the command you need.
If you want a broader reference, see our Keyboard Shortcuts guide for common shortcuts across different tasks and apps.
15 Most Useful Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + I | Open Settings |
| Win + E | Open File Explorer |
| Win + D | Show or hide the desktop |
| Win + L | Lock your PC |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
| Win + S | Open Search |
| Win + V | Open Clipboard History |
| Win + Shift + S | Capture part of the screen |
| Win + Left / Right | Snap a window |
| Win + Up / Down | Maximize or minimize a window |
| Win + R | Open Run |
| Win + X | Open the Quick Link menu |
| Win + Ctrl + D | Create a virtual desktop |
| Ctrl + C / Ctrl + V | Copy / paste |
Windows Key Shortcuts
The Windows key, usually written as Win, combines with other keys to open system features, manage windows, access settings, and perform common tasks.
If the Windows key itself does not work, see our guide on Windows Key Not Working or test the physical key with our Keyboard Tester.
Everyday Windows Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win | Open or close the Start menu |
| Win + A | Open Quick Settings |
| Win + E | Open File Explorer |
| Win + I | Open Settings |
| Win + L | Lock the PC |
| Win + S | Open Search |
| Win + R | Open the Run box |
| Win + X | Open the Quick Link menu |
| Win + N | Open the Notification Center and calendar |
| Win + W | Open Widgets |
| Win + G | Open Xbox Game Bar |
| Win + P | Open display projection options |
| Win + K | Open Cast |
| Win + U | Open Accessibility Settings |
Windows features such as Copilot can vary between Windows updates and device configurations. Some keyboards have a dedicated Copilot key, while Windows may also provide Copilot through supported shortcuts such as Win + C. If a Copilot shortcut does not respond, check your Windows version and settings.
Window Management Shortcuts
These Windows 11 window shortcuts help with multitasking. They act on the active window, which is the window you are currently using.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + D | Show or hide the desktop |
| Win + M | Minimize all windows |
| Win + Shift + M | Restore minimized windows |
| Win + Home | Minimize everything except the active window |
| Win + Up | Maximize the window |
| Win + Down | Restore or minimize the window |
| Win + Left / Right | Snap the window to the left or right |
| Win + Z | Open Snap Layouts |
| Win + Shift + Left / Right | Move the window to another monitor |
| Win + Shift + Up | Stretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen |
| Win + Alt + Up / Down | Snap the window to the top or bottom half |
Screenshot and Screen Recording Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + Shift + S | Capture a selected area with the Snipping Tool |
| Win + PrtScn | Save a full-screen screenshot as a file |
| PrtScn | Capture the screen or open the Snipping Tool, depending on settings |
| Alt + PrtScn | Capture the active window |
| Win + Shift + R | Start a screen recording with the Snipping Tool |
| Win + G | Open Xbox Game Bar |
| Win + Alt + R | Start or stop a Game Bar recording |
The Print Screen key can behave differently depending on your Windows settings. You can configure the Print Screen button to open the Snipping Tool through Accessibility > Keyboard settings.
See the Windows 11 Screenshot Shortcuts section below for more details.
Accessibility Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + U | Open Accessibility Settings |
| Win + Plus (+) | Zoom in with Magnifier |
| Win + Minus (-) | Zoom out with Magnifier |
| Win + Esc | Close Magnifier |
| Win + Ctrl + Enter | Turn Narrator on or off |
| Win + Ctrl + C | Turn Color Filters on or off |
| Win + Ctrl + Q | Open Quick Assist |
Magnifier enlarges content on the screen, Narrator reads screen content aloud, and Color Filters change how colors are displayed.
Some accessibility features also require the related option to be enabled in Settings before the shortcut can be used.
Input and Language Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + Space | Switch to the next input language or keyboard layout |
| Win + Shift + Space | Switch backward through input languages or layouts |
| Win + Ctrl + Space | Switch to the previous input option |
| Win + H | Start voice typing |
| Win + / | Start IME reconversion |
| Win + . or Win + ; | Open the emoji panel |
If you frequently switch languages, understanding your keyboard layout can help when a shortcut produces an unexpected character.
See our Keyboard Layout guide for more information.
Other Useful Windows Key Shortcuts
These lesser-known Windows shortcuts may not be needed every day, but they can be useful for specific tasks.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + B | Focus the notification area |
| Win + F | Open Feedback Hub |
| Win + J | Open Recall on supported devices |
| Win + O | Lock device orientation |
| Win + Q | Open Search |
| Win + Y | Switch input between Windows Mixed Reality and the desktop |
| Win + Pause | Open System > About |
| Win + Ctrl + F | Search for PCs on a network |
| Win + Ctrl + Shift + B | Wake the device when the screen is blank or black |
| Win + Alt + B | Turn HDR on or off |
Some newer Windows features, including Copilot and Recall, are available only on supported devices or configurations. Their behavior can also change with Windows updates.
General Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
These general Windows shortcuts do not use the Windows key. Many work across Windows applications, although individual programs can assign their own commands.
App and Window Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps |
| Alt + Esc | Cycle through open windows |
| Alt + F4 | Close the active window or app |
| Alt + Space | Open the active window’s system menu |
| Ctrl + Alt + Tab | View open apps and keep the switcher open |
| Ctrl + F4 | Close the active document or tab in supported apps |
| Ctrl + Esc | Open the Start menu |
| Esc | Cancel the current operation or close a menu |
| F6 | Move between screen elements in supported apps |
| F10 | Activate the menu bar in supported apps |
Navigation Shortcuts
Many Windows navigation shortcuts work across apps and dialog boxes. They make it easier to navigate Windows without a mouse.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Tab | Move to the next item |
| Shift + Tab | Move to the previous item |
| Alt + Left | Go back |
| Alt + Right | Go forward |
| Home | Go to the beginning of a line or list |
| End | Go to the end of a line or list |
| Page Up | Move up one screen |
| Page Down | Move down one screen |
| Arrow keys | Move through items, text, or menus |
Refresh, Close and System Shortcuts
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| F5 | Refresh the current view in supported apps |
| Ctrl + R | Refresh the current page or view in supported apps |
| Ctrl + F5 | Force a full refresh in supported browsers |
| Ctrl + W | Close the current tab or window in supported apps |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
| Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Open the Windows Security screen |
Ctrl + Alt + Delete gives you access to options such as locking the PC, switching users, signing out, and opening Task Manager. If you only need Task Manager, Ctrl + Shift + Esc is faster.
Copy, Paste and Text Editing Shortcuts
These text editing shortcuts work in many apps, including Notepad, word processors, email applications, and browsers. Individual apps may use additional commands.
Basic Editing
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + A | Select all |
| Ctrl + C | Copy |
| Ctrl + X | Cut |
| Ctrl + V | Paste |
| Ctrl + Shift + V | Paste without formatting in supported apps |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo |
Copied content is stored in the clipboard. To view recent copied items, press Win + V to open Clipboard History.
Text Navigation
Use these shortcuts to move the cursor through text.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Left / Right | Move one word left or right |
| Ctrl + Up / Down | Move through paragraphs |
| Ctrl + Home | Go to the start of the document |
| Ctrl + End | Go to the end of the document |
| Home / End | Go to the start or end of a line |
Text Selection
Hold Shift while using navigation keys to select text.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Shift + Arrow | Select text one character or line at a time |
| Ctrl + Shift + Left / Right | Select one word at a time |
| Ctrl + Shift + Up / Down | Select text by paragraph |
| Shift + Home / End | Select to the start or end of a line |
Delete and Undo/Redo
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Backspace | Delete the character before the cursor |
| Delete | Delete the character after the cursor |
| Ctrl + Backspace | Delete the previous word |
| Ctrl + Delete | Delete the next word |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo |
File Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts
File Explorer is where you manage files and folders in Windows 11. These shortcuts help you navigate folders, search for files, create folders, and manage File Explorer tabs.
Navigate File Explorer
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + E | Open File Explorer |
| Alt + Left / Right | Go back or forward |
| Alt + Up | Go up one folder level |
| Alt + D | Select the address bar |
| Ctrl + L | Select the address bar |
| F4 | Show the address bar history list |
| F6 | Move between panes and the address bar |
| Home / End | Move to the beginning or end of the current view |
Manage Files and Folders
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder |
| F2 | Rename the selected item |
| Delete | Move the selected item to the Recycle Bin |
| Shift + Delete | Delete the selected item permanently |
| Alt + Enter | Open Properties |
| Shift + F10 | Open the context menu |
Use Shift + Delete carefully because the deleted item does not go to the Recycle Bin.
Search and File Explorer Tabs
File Explorer supports tabs, allowing you to keep multiple folders in one window.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + E | Focus the search box |
| Ctrl + F | Focus the search box |
| Ctrl + T | Open a new tab |
| Ctrl + W | Close the current tab |
| Ctrl + Tab | Go to the next tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + Tab | Go to the previous tab |
| Ctrl + 1–9 | Switch to a specific tab |
Ctrl + W also closes the current tab in many supported applications. For browser tab behavior, see our Close Tab Shortcut guide.
File Explorer Views
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Alt + P | Show or hide the Preview Pane |
| Alt + Shift + P | Show or hide the Details Pane |
| Ctrl + Mouse Wheel | Change the view size |
| Ctrl + Shift + 1–9 | Switch between File Explorer view layouts |
| F11 | Toggle full screen |
Windows 11 Screenshot Shortcuts
Windows 11 provides several ways to capture your screen. Choose the shortcut based on whether you want a selected area, a full screen, an active window, or a recording.
Capture a Selected Area
Press Win + Shift + S to open the Snipping Tool capture interface.
You can select a rectangle, freeform area, window, or full screen. The capture is copied to the clipboard, and a notification lets you open it for editing or saving.
Capture the Full Screen
Press PrtScn to capture the screen. Depending on your settings, the image may be copied to the clipboard or the key may open the Snipping Tool.
You can change the Print Screen behavior in Settings under Accessibility > Keyboard.
Capture the Active Window
Press Alt + PrtScn to capture the active window and copy the image to the clipboard.
Save a Screenshot Automatically
Press Win + PrtScn to capture the full screen and save the image as a file.
Windows normally saves these screenshots in:
Pictures > Screenshots
Record the Screen
Press Win + Shift + R to select an area and start a screen recording with the Snipping Tool.
You can also press Win + Alt + R to start or stop recording with Xbox Game Bar. Game Bar recording is designed for supported apps and games and may not record the desktop or File Explorer.
Window Management and Snap Shortcuts
Windows 11 includes several keyboard shortcuts for arranging windows and working with multiple displays.
Snap Windows
Snap windows side by side or into different areas of the screen using these shortcuts.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + Left | Snap the window to the left |
| Win + Right | Snap the window to the right |
| Win + Up | Maximize the window |
| Win + Down | Restore or minimize the window |
| Win + Z | Open Snap Layouts |
Win + Z is particularly useful when you want to choose from multiple Snap Layouts rather than simply placing a window on the left or right.
Move Windows Between Monitors
With multiple monitors connected, press Win + Shift + Left or Win + Shift + Right to move the active window to another display.
This is useful when working with two or more monitors because you can move a window without dragging it with the mouse.
Minimize, Maximize and Close Windows
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + Up | Maximize the window |
| Win + Down | Restore or minimize the window |
| Win + M | Minimize all windows |
| Win + Shift + M | Restore minimized windows |
| Win + Home | Minimize all windows except the active one |
| Alt + F4 | Close the active window |
| Ctrl + W | Close a tab or document in supported apps |
Full-Screen and Refresh Shortcuts
F11 toggles full-screen mode in supported applications, including many browsers and File Explorer.
F5 and Ctrl + R refresh the current page or view in applications that support those commands.
Virtual Desktop Shortcuts
Windows 11 virtual desktops let you create separate workspaces for different tasks. For example, you can keep work applications on one desktop and personal applications on another.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + Tab | Open Task View |
| Win + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
| Win + Ctrl + Left | Switch to the previous desktop |
| Win + Ctrl + Right | Switch to the next desktop |
| Win + Ctrl + F4 | Close the current desktop |
Virtual desktops can reduce screen clutter and make multitasking easier when you work with many open applications.
Taskbar Keyboard Shortcuts
The Windows taskbar contains pinned apps and system controls. These shortcuts let you open and switch between taskbar applications without using the mouse.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + Number (1–9) | Open or switch to the pinned app in that position |
| Win + Shift + Number | Open a new instance of the pinned app |
| Win + Ctrl + Number | Switch to the last active window of that app |
| Win + Ctrl + Shift + Number | Open a new administrator instance |
| Win + Alt + Number | Open the app’s jump list |
| Win + T | Cycle through taskbar apps |
| Win + Shift + T | Cycle backward through taskbar apps |
| Win + B | Focus the notification area |
| Shift + Right-Click App | Open the app’s window menu |
| Ctrl + Select Grouped App | Cycle through windows of the app |
Clipboard, Emoji and Voice Typing Shortcuts
Clipboard
Press Win + V to open Clipboard History, which stores recently copied items.
Clipboard History must be enabled before you can use it. If it is disabled, Windows will prompt you to turn it on.
Basic copy and paste commands remain:
- Ctrl + C — Copy
- Ctrl + X — Cut
- Ctrl + V — Paste
- Ctrl + Shift + V — Paste without formatting in supported apps
Emoji and Symbols
Press Win + . or Win + ; to open the Windows emoji panel.
The panel also provides access to symbols and other special characters.
For more information about keyboard symbols, see our Symbols on Keyboard guide.
Voice Typing
Press Win + H to start Windows voice typing, also called dictation.
Make sure your microphone is available and working. Windows then converts your speech into text in the active text field.
Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows 11 includes keyboard shortcuts that make the computer easier to see, hear, and use.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Win + U | Open Accessibility Settings |
| Win + Plus | Zoom in with Magnifier |
| Win + Minus | Zoom out with Magnifier |
| Win + Esc | Close Magnifier |
| Win + Ctrl + Enter | Start or stop Narrator |
| Win + Ctrl + C | Turn Color Filters on or off |
| Win + Ctrl + Q | Open Quick Assist |
You can use Accessibility Settings to adjust options such as text size, contrast, Magnifier, Narrator, and Color Filters.
Some features must be configured or enabled in Settings before their shortcut can be used.
Command Prompt Keyboard Shortcuts
These Command Prompt shortcuts help you work with console output, text selection, and command history.
Copy and Paste
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert | Copy selected text |
| Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert | Paste |
Navigation and Selection
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Up / Down Arrow | Move through command history |
| Page Up / Page Down | Move through console output |
| Ctrl + Up / Down | Scroll through output |
| Ctrl + Home / End | Move to the start or end of the buffer in Mark mode |
Mark Mode
Press Ctrl + M to enter Mark mode. You can then move through the console with the arrow keys and select text with Shift plus the arrow keys.
Press Enter to copy the selected text. Holding Alt while selecting with the mouse can be used for block selection.
Shortcut behavior can differ between Command Prompt, PowerShell, and Windows Terminal, so commands should be tested in the specific application you use.
Dialog Box Keyboard Shortcuts
A dialog box is a small window that asks you to choose an option or enter information, such as a Save As or Print dialog.
These shortcuts let you navigate many Windows dialog boxes without a mouse.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Tab | Move forward through options |
| Shift + Tab | Move backward through options |
| Ctrl + Tab | Move to the next tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + Tab | Move to the previous tab |
| Alt + Underlined Letter | Select the corresponding option |
| Spacebar | Select or clear a check box |
| Enter | Confirm the default option |
| Esc | Cancel or close the dialog |
| F4 | Show items in the active list |
| Backspace | Go up one folder in supported Open or Save dialogs |
| Arrow Keys | Move between options |
How to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11
Windows 11 lets you assign a keyboard shortcut to a desktop shortcut for a program.
Step 1: Find or create the app shortcut
Find the desktop shortcut for the program you want to launch.
Step 2: Open Properties
Right-click the shortcut and select Properties.
Step 3: Open the Shortcut tab
In the Properties window, select the Shortcut tab.
Step 4: Set the shortcut key
Click the Shortcut key field and press the key you want to assign.
For example, pressing E can create the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + E.
Step 5: Apply the shortcut
Click Apply, then click OK.
Windows normally adds modifier keys such as Ctrl + Alt to the shortcut. Desktop shortcut keys do not support every possible key combination, and an existing shortcut may conflict with another command.
Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts Cheat Sheet
| Category | Shortcuts |
|---|---|
| Windows & System | Win + I (Settings), Win + E (File Explorer), Win + R (Run), Win + X (Quick Link menu), Win + L (Lock) |
| Window Management | Alt + Tab (switch apps), Alt + F4 (close), Win + Left/Right (snap), Win + Up/Down (maximize/minimize) |
| Editing | Ctrl + C (copy), Ctrl + X (cut), Ctrl + V (paste), Ctrl + Z (undo), Ctrl + A (select all) |
| Screenshots | Win + Shift + S (select area), Win + PrtScn (save screenshot), PrtScn (screen capture) |
| Virtual Desktops | Win + Ctrl + D (new desktop), Win + Ctrl + Left/Right (switch), Win + Ctrl + F4 (close) |
| System | Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Task Manager), Ctrl + Alt + Delete (Security screen), Win + V (Clipboard History) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most useful Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts?
Some of the most useful shortcuts are Win + I for Settings, Win + E for File Explorer, Alt + Tab to switch apps, Win + Shift + S for screenshots, Ctrl + Shift + Esc for Task Manager, and Win + V for Clipboard History. For everyday editing, also learn Ctrl + C, Ctrl + V, and Ctrl + Z.
What is the shortcut key for Windows 11?
There is no single shortcut for Windows 11. Different keyboard shortcuts perform different tasks. Pressing the Windows key alone opens the Start menu, while combinations such as Win + I and Win + E open specific Windows features.
What is the shortcut to open Settings in Windows 11?
Press Win + I to open Windows Settings. It is one of the fastest ways to access system options.
What is the screenshot shortcut in Windows 11?
Press Win + Shift + S to select an area of the screen and capture it with the Snipping Tool. To save a full-screen screenshot as an image file, use Win + PrtScn.
How do I switch between windows in Windows 11?
Press Alt + Tab. Hold Alt and press Tab repeatedly to move through open applications, then release the keys to switch to the selected window.
How do I create a new desktop in Windows 11?
Press Win + Ctrl + D. Windows creates a new virtual desktop and switches to it.
How do I open Task Manager with a keyboard shortcut?
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager directly. You can also press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager.
How do I copy and paste using keyboard shortcuts?
Press Ctrl + C to copy and Ctrl + V to paste. Use Ctrl + X to cut selected content.
How do I see Clipboard History in Windows 11?
Press Win + V to open Clipboard History. If it is disabled, Windows will ask you to enable it before you can view previously copied items.