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Keyboard Shortcuts – These are a few of my favorite things!
Keyboard shortcuts are one of the simplest ways to boost your productivity - yet they're often overlooked. These quick key combinations help you navigate, format, and multitask faster without ever taking your hands off the keyboard. Whether you're writing emails, managing files, or working in Microsoft 365, learning a few key shortcuts can save minutes every day and hours over time. It’s a small change with a big payoff!
If you're like most busy professionals meeting weekly and quarterly deadlines, every second counts. Whether you're toggling between windows, searching for files, or locking your screen in a hurry, keyboard shortcuts are one of the fastest ways to speed up your workflow.
Get to know the special keys on your keyboard: The Windows Key (the one with the square Microsoft logo), Ctrl ("Control"), and "Alt" - these are the starting points for the shortcuts.
Here are 15 of the most useful Windows shortcuts you should start using today:
🔐 Security & Locking
(1) Windows + L – Instantly locks your PC. Perfect for stepping away from your desk securely. This is a must-have for any security focused person. Never walk away from your PC without locking the screen!
🗄️Window Management
(2) Windows + D – Show or hide your desktop. Great for quickly minimizing everything. This is perfect for all those times you've opened up way too many applications, and you need the sanity of a clean desktop.
(3) Windows + Tab – Open Task View to manage or switch between virtual desktops.
(4) Alt + Tab – Cycle through your open windows in real time.
(5) Windows + Arrow Keys – Snap windows to the sides or corners for quick multitasking.
🔍 Navigation & Search
(6) Windows + S – Open the Windows Search bar to find apps, files, and more.
(7) Windows + E – Open File Explorer instantly.
(8) Windows + I – Jump right into the Settings menu.
(9) Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Open Task Manager to view running apps and processes.
✂️ Clipboard & Screenshots
(10) Ctrl + C / V / X – Copy, Paste, and Cut text or files (the classics!).
(11) Ctrl + Z / Y – Undo and Redo — a lifesaver in documents and emails.
(12) Windows + Shift + S – Open the Snipping Tool to capture a screenshot of a portion of your screen. I use this one multiple times a day!
🧠 Multitasking & Advanced
(13) Windows + [Number] – Open or switch to the app pinned to that spot on your taskbar (e.g., Windows + 1 opens the first app).
Two More for Creativity:
(14) Windows + V – Open Clipboard History Access previously copied items (must be enabled first in Settings > System > Clipboard). Super helpful when working with lots of text or links.
(15) Windows + . (period) – Open Emoji & Symbol Picker Last but not least! Quickly insert emojis, GIFs, and special symbols into emails, documents, and messages - a great trick for communication and fun personalization. Emojis are always fun! 😀
Try out a few shortcuts from the list and see how they streamline your workflow. A little practice now can lead to big time savings every day!
Interested in learning more Tech productivity hacks? Join one of our monthly workshops or set up an intro call with us. No obligation. Really!
About the author:
Ann Westerheim, PhD is the Founder and President of Ekaru, a Technology Service Provider of cybersecurity and IT services for small and medium businesses in the greater Boston area. Ann is an accomplished technology innovator and leader with three engineering degrees from MIT. She has twenty years of high tech experience in research, advanced development, product development, and as an entrepreneur. Her career has spanned a vast range of technology endeavors including research in thin film semiconductors and superconductors, microprocessor fabrication, development of early Internet medical applications, and now focusing on the application of technology in business. She has an avid focus on the "last mile" of technology and decreasing the digital divide.