A quick reference to some of the most useful keyboard commands in Windows 10 and 11. The list prioritizes recurring productivity tasks, window management, screenshots and troubleshooting.
| Shortcut | Function |
|---|---|
| Win + Shift + S | Opens the Snipping Tool so you can select an area of the screen. |
| Win + V | Opens clipboard history when the feature is enabled. |
| Win + Tab | Opens Task View and displays windows and virtual desktops. |
| Alt + Tab | Quickly switches between open windows. |
| Win + ← / → | Snaps the active window to the left or right side of the screen. |
| Win + Ctrl + D | Creates a new virtual desktop. |
| Win + Ctrl + ← / → | Switches between virtual desktops. |
| Win + Ctrl + F4 | Closes the current virtual desktop without closing its apps. |
| Win + . | Opens the emoji, symbols and special-characters panel. |
| Win + K | Opens the panel for connecting to compatible wireless displays and devices. |
| Win + Ctrl + Shift + B | Restarts the graphics driver; useful when the screen freezes or goes black. |
Win + R, windowsdefender: | Opens Windows Security. |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Opens Task Manager directly. |
Win + R, shell:startup | Opens the current user's startup-programs folder. |
| Win + E | Opens File Explorer. |
| Win + D | Shows or hides the desktop. |
| Win + L | Locks the computer immediately. |
| Win + I | Opens Windows Settings. |
| Win + X | Opens the Quick Link menu with administrative tools. |
| Win + R | Opens the Run dialog for launching commands, programs and paths. |