Here we show the most important keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 and 10. Most of them also work for older Windows versions. In Windows 11, not much has changed with the keyboard shortcuts. The most important are still shortcuts for window management and working with virtual desktops.
In Windows 11, Microsoft has especially improved the window management. The new functions "Snap Layouts" and "Snap Groups" automatically arrange windows according to certain specifications and remember the respective window positions on one or more screens. Otherwise, as in Windows 10, windows can be positioned in the corners of the screen with the correct key combinations. So on large screens you can see up to four windows at once, which are equally large and symmetrically distributed.
The most important keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11 and 10
The following basic shortcuts are available in Windows 11 and 10:
Windows shortcuts | What the shortcut does |
Windows | Opens the start menu |
Windows + X | Opens the start menu context menu |
Windows + Tab | Opens task view with an overview of all open windows and virtual desktops |
Windows + i | Open settings |
Windows + A | Open the info center |
Windows + N (Windows 11 only) | Open notifications and calendar |
Windows + E | Opens Windows Explorer |
Windows + L | Lock Windows / open lockscreen |
Windows + G | Opens the Windows game bar to start screenshots and screen recordings for games and programs |
Windows + R | Opens the run dialog |
Window management
In Windows 10, windows and apps can no longer only be arranged on the left and right edge of the screen, but now also in every corner, i.e. quarter by quarter if necessary. These are the most important window management shortcuts :
Window management shortcuts | What the shortcut does |
Windows + Tab | Switches through open programs and windows |
Windows + D | Shows the desktop, pressing it again shows programs / windows again |
Windows + up arrow | Maximizes the current window |
Windows + down arrow | Minimizes current window OR restores maximized window |
Windows + Links | Positions the current window on the left edge of the screen |
Windows + Right | Positions the current window on the right edge of the screen |
Alt + F4 | Closes the current program / window |
Windows + Shift + Left | Move window to left screen (if multiple monitors are connected) |
Windows + Shift + Right | Move window to right screen (if multiple monitors are connected) |
Tip: If you have arranged a window with the key combination [ Windows ] + [ Left ] or [ Windows ] + [ Right ], you can arrange it in the upper or lower left or right corner by pressing the key combination [ Windows ] + [ Up ] or [ Windows ] + [ Down ].
Virtual desktops
Virtual desktops are an effective way to divide windows into different work areas. This is how you use them:
The new virtual desktops can be easily created and deleted with shortcuts under Windows 11 and 10. In addition, you can quickly switch between them using a keyboard shortcut, these are the most important:
Virtual desktop shortcuts | What the shortcut does |
Windows + Tab | Opens task view with an overview of all virtual desktops |
Windows + Ctrl + D | Creates a new virtual desktop |
Windows + Ctrl + F4 | Closes the current virtual desktop |
Windows + Ctrl + Left | Switches a virtual desktop to the left |
Windows + Ctrl + Right | Switches a virtual desktop to the right |
Cortana (Windows 10 only)
There are also shortcuts for the digital voice assistant to call them up more quickly. You choose between voice command and keyboard input:
Cortana shortcuts | What the shortcut does |
Windows + Q | Windows and web search with Cortana (voice input). In Windows 11 only start menu search. |
Windows + S | Windows and web search with Cortana (keyboard entry). In Windows 11 only start menu search. |
Special Windows keyboard shortcuts
Last but not least, there are also special shortcuts in Windows 11 and 10, which, however, should only rarely be used:
Special shortcuts | What the shortcut does |
Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder |
Windows + H | Share content (if the current app supports it) |
Windows + K | Connect to wireless display and audio devices |
Windows + space bar | Changes the keyboard layout to another language if several have been added |
Windows + Alt | Opens menu to move, resize, minimize, maximize or close windows and programs |
Windows + P | Project the output of the PC onto another screen |
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