I used to write about 10 keyboard shortcuts for Windows 10 in online tech tips, and today I’m here to write about a few more! Thanks to the new multiple desktops feature in Windows 10, keyboard shortcuts are super useful! I have never used keyboard shortcuts in any of the previous versions of Windows before, because clicking was easier for me.
However, in Windows 10, you will have to move your mouse pointer a lot to get to certain settings and screens. With keyboard shortcuts, you can instantly access functions without any mouse movements. Tell us in the comments what Windows 10 shortcuts you like the most.
Windows Key + X
Windows key + X
Back in Windows 8, this keyboard shortcut was really handy because there was no Start menu. In Windows 10, we have a Start menu, but I still like this shortcut because it can quickly give me access to all the basic tools for managing Windows.
These tools include Command Prompt, Elevated Command Prompt, Network Connections, Task Manager, Power Options, Control Panel, Explorer, Search, Startup, Desktop, and several administrative tools such as Computer Management, Disk Management, and Device Manager.
Windows Key + W
Windows key + W
Windows + W will open the Windows Ink Workspace dialog. With Windows 10 and the multitude of portable and tablet devices running it, many more people use pens with their Windows 10 devices.
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Using this shortcut, you can quickly create a sticker, open a new notebook, or sketch a screen. If you have a pen and tablet running Windows 10, this would be a great shortcut to work.
Windows Key + Q / S
Windows key + Q / S.
You can use either of these two keys to open Cortana and the Windows search box. If you have a microphone connected to your computer, you can press the key combination and start speaking the question. Obviously, you need to enable Cortana first for the feature to work as described.
Windows key + 1, 2, 3, etc.
Windows Key + 1, 2, 3, etc.
A nice new feature in Windows 10 is the ability to launch a program that’s on the taskbar by simply pressing the Windows key + number. For example, here’s my taskbar:
If I want to open an instance of Edge, all I have to do is press Windows Key + 2, because Edge is the second icon on the taskbar. If I want to open File Explorer, I just press the Windows key + 3. Got it? If the program is already open, it will simply make this window active.
Windows key + comma (,)
Windows key + comma (,)
If you’re working with multiple windows open on the screen, but you want to quickly see what’s on the desktop without switching to the desktop, press the Windows key + comma (,). This is similar to Aero Peek in Windows 7; you can basically look at the desktop by holding the shortcut. Once you release, you will be returned to your normal screen with all your windows.
Windows key + period (.)
Windows key + period (.)
Most keyboards have a period immediately after the comma. If you press the Windows key +., You get a small dialog with a bunch of smileys! If you click on the smiley, it will insert it into the currently active program.
I tested this in my browser and multiple apps and it worked great! You can add them to your online chats, emails, notes, etc.
Windows Key + P
Windows key + P.
Connecting your Windows 10 device to an external monitor or projector? Not a problem. Just press Windows Key + P and all your options will appear on the right! You can duplicate the display, extend it, or mirror it! Excellent!
Windows Key + PrtScn
Windows key + PrtScn
Last but not least is Windows Key + PrtScn (PrintScreen). This will take a snapshot of everything on your screen and automatically place it in the Photos app.
So, these are 8 more useful keyboard shortcuts that will help you navigate Windows 10 faster and make it more enjoyable to use. Enjoy!
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