Essential Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
Microsoft is approaching the termination of its support for Windows 10, with the final security updates scheduled for October 14, 2025. While users have the option to pay for continued secure use of Windows 10, those who wish to continue using Windows free of charge are advised to transition to Windows 11 if they haven’t done so already.
Windows 11, even for first-time users, offers a quick and easy setup process. It provides a user-friendly platform for web browsing, video streaming, and music playback. While basic navigation can be accomplished with just a mouse, mastering the array of keyboard shortcuts available can elevate you from a Windows novice to a power user.
This article will guide you through the most crucial keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11. Many of these shortcuts are carryovers from Windows 10 and earlier iterations of Microsoft’s operating system.
This includes fundamental commands such as copying highlighted items and undoing a previous action, as well as more obscure shortcuts like snapping an active window into place.
While it’s not necessary to memorize all of these shortcuts, incorporating a few into your Windows workflow can significantly enhance your productivity. For those interested in delving deeper into Windows 11, we also cover nine hidden features of Windows 11 and provide tips on how to make Windows 11 behave more like Windows 10.
Here are some of the most frequently used Windows 11 shortcuts:
Ctrl + A: Select all items in a window.
Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy selected or highlighted item (text, images, etc.).
Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste selected or highlighted item.
Ctrl + X: Cut selected or highlighted item.
Ctrl + Z: Undo previous action.
Ctrl + Y: Redo action.
Ctrl + N: Open a new File Explorer window with the same folder path as the current window when File Explorer is your current window.
Windows key + F1: Open “how to get help in windows” Bing search in default browser.
Alt + F4: Close the current app or window.
Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps or windows.
Shift + Delete: Permanently delete selected item (bypass the Recycle Bin).
For the Start menu and taskbar, you can use these keyboard shortcuts:
Windows key or Ctrl + Esc: Open Start menu.
Windows key + X: Open the secret Start menu.
Windows key + T: Cycle through the apps (including pinned apps) on the taskbar.
Windows key + [Number]: Open the app pinned in the [number] position on the taskbar.
Windows key + Alt + [Number]: Open the right-click menu for the app pinned in the [number] position on the taskbar.
Windows key + D: Show or hide desktop (Windows key + , will display the desktop briefly).