Windows 11 offers a range of keyboard shortcuts created to assist you in managing regular tasks more efficiently. Whether you’re looking to speed up your work in File Explorer, access the Start menu, or use advanced features like the Action Center and Game Bar, these shortcuts will improve your productivity and help you save time as well. In this article, we have curated a list of shortcuts that can help you master Windows 11.
Windows 11 Basic Shortcuts
| Shortcut |
Function |
| Ctrl + N |
When File Explorer is open, open a new window with the same folder path as the one that is open. |
| Ctrl + Y |
Redo the undone action. |
| Ctrl + X |
Cut the selected or highlighted item. |
| Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert |
| Paste the selected or highlighted item. |
|
| Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert |
| Copy the selected or highlighted item (text, images, etc.). |
|
| Windows key + F1 |
Open the ‘How to Get Help in Windows’ search on Bing in the default browser. |
| Alt + F4 |
Close the current app or window. |
| Alt + Tab |
Switch between open apps or windows. |
Windows 11 Start Menu & Taskbar Shortcuts
| Shortcut |
Function |
| Windows key or Ctrl + Esc |
Open the Start menu. |
| Windows key + X |
Open the secret Start menu. |
| Windows key + T |
Switch between apps on the taskbar, including pinned ones. |
| Windows key + D |
Show or hide the desktop (Press Windows key +, to briefly display the desktop). |
| Windows key + Alt + [Number] |
Access the right-click menu for the app pinned in the [number] spot on the taskbar. |
Windows 11 F-Key Shortcuts
| Shortcut |
Function |
| F2 |
Rename a selected item. |
| F3 |
Quickly search for files in File Explorer. |
| F4 |
Highlight the address bar in File Explorer. |
| F5 |
Refresh your active window. |
| F6 |
Cycle through elements (tab, buttons, search bar, etc.) in a window or your desktop. |
| Alt + F8 |
Show the login password on the start screen. |
| F10 |
Open the menu bar in the active window. |
Windows Key Shortcuts for Windows 11
| Shortcut |
Function |
| Windows key + A |
Open the Action Center. |
| Windows key + S |
Open Cortana in text mode to type in the search bar. |
| Windows key + F |
Open the Windows 10 Feedback Hub. |
| Windows key + Ctrl + F |
Search for PCs on a network. |
| Windows key + G |
Open the Game bar. |
| Windows key + H |
Open the Share sidebar. |
| Windows key + (+) or (-) |
Zoom in and out using the magnifier. |
| Windows key + Esc |
Exit magnifier. |
| Windows key + L |
Lock your computer. |
