Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcuts
The most common input devices fo

The most common input devices for a computer are the keyboard and mouse. The mouse is primarily used for navigation while the keyboard is used for inputting data. However, did you know that the keyboard could also be used for navigation?

 

All programs and versions of MS Windows can be controlled and navigated by the use of shortcut keys. These keys are a combination of keystrokes that perform a specific function such as copying text or opening a file. Shortcut keys can save time when used for performing repetitive tasks such as copying and pasting text within a document.

 

In addition, knowing how shortcut keys can be used for navigating MS Windows is necessary if the mouse on a system is not working properly. By understanding how to navigate without the use of a mouse will allow basic tasks to be performed such as properly shutting down the computer or checking email.

 

The table below lists the basic shortcut keys available. This is only a partial listing as almost any task has an equivalent shortcut. In addition, there are other shortcut keys available for different keyboards if the proper software is installed.

 

General Windows Shortcut Keys

F1

Help

CTRL + ESC

Open Start Menu

ALT + TAB

Switch Between Open Programs

ALT + F4

Exit a Program

SHIFT + DELETE

Delete an Item Permanently (item not moved to Recycle Bin)

SHIFT + F10

Opens Shortcut Menu for Item (same as right-clicking an object)

ALT + DOWN ARROW

Opens List Box

ALT + SPACE

Display’s Open Window System Menu

ALT + underline letter in menu

Opens Drop Down Menu

F10

Activates Menu Bar

Windows Explorer and Folder Shortcut Keys

F2

Rename a File

F3

Search for Files

CTRL + X

Cut

CTRL + C

Copy

CTRL + V

Paste

ALT + ENTER

Opens Properties for Object

Press CTRL and Drag File to Folder

Copies File

Press CTRL + SHIFT and Drag File to Folder or Desktop

Creates a Shortcut

F5

Refresh View (current window)

F6

Move Between Different Areas in Windows Explorer

CTRL + Z

Undo the Last Command (works within programs)

CTRL + A

Selects all Items in Current Window

Shortcuts for Keyboards with Windows Key

Windows Key

Opens Start Menu

Windows Key + R

Opens Run Dialog Box

Windows Key + M

Minimize All Open Windows

Shift + Windows Key + M

Maximize Open Windows

Windows Key + F1

Help for Operating System

Windows Key + E

Opens Windows Explorer

Windows Key + F

Opens Search Dialog

Windows Key + Break

Opens System Properties

Keyboard Shortcuts for Navigating a Dialog Box

TAB

Moves to the next control option in dialog

SHIFT + TAB

Moves to previous control option in dialog

SPACEBAR

Activates Current Button

Toggles a Check Box

Selects an Option

ENTER

Activates Highlighted Button

ESC

Cancel

ALT + underlined letter

Moves to Item

Application Shortcuts

NOTE: Additional shortcut keys for applications are listed in the dropdown menus of the application. They are usually listed next to the right of the command and either start with CTRL or F for a function key.

CTRL + P

Print

CTRL + S

Save Open File

CTRL + N

Create New File

CTRL + O

Open and Existing File

CTRL + X

Cut

CTRL + C

Copy

CTRL + V

Paste

CTRL + Z

Undo the Last Command

CTRL + A

Selects all Items in Current Window





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This content was written by Allison Nunn. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Allison Nunn for details.