Commonly Used Windows Shortcuts and Customization of Them

 

Most of the Windows operating systems are fitted with several features that can be used to improve productivity for users by making workflow easier. Navigation and quick performance of tasks can be done rather efficiently using keyboard shortcuts. These will save lots of time, as one wouldn't have to navigate through menus, by using common actions that can be set in a matter of seconds. Besides, Windows allows users to create their own shortcuts for even greater flexibility. In this article, we will look at some general Windows shortcuts; afterwards, we will show you how you can personalize these to your advantage.

 

Here are some of the most useful and commonly used shortcuts that every Windows user should know:

1. General

Ø           Ctrl + C: Copy selected item.
      Ctrl + X: Cut selected item.
     Ctrl + V: Paste copied or cut item.
     Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
     Ctrl + Y: Redo the action that was undone.
     Ctrl + A: Select all items in a document or window.
      Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications.
      Alt + F4: Close the currently active window or application.
      Windows Key + D: Minimize all windows and show the desktop.

2. File Explorer

Ø      Windows Key + E: Open File Explorer.

Ø      Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder.

Ø      Alt + Enter: Show properties of the selected file or folder.

Ø      F2: Rename the selected item.

Ø      F5: Refresh the active window.

3. Task Manager and System Control

Ø      Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager directly.

Ø      Windows Key + L: Lock your computer.

Ø      Windows Key + X: Open the Quick Link menu (same as right-clicking the Start button).

Ø      Windows Key + R: Open the Run dialog box.

4. Windows Management

Ø      Windows Key + Left/Right Arrow: Snap the current window to the left or right side of the screen.

Ø      Windows Key + Up Arrow: Maximize the current window.

Ø      Windows Key + Down Arrow: Minimize the current window.

Ø      Windows Key + Tab: Open Task View to switch between desktops and windows.

5. Accessibility

Ø      Windows Key + Plus (+): Open Magnifier to zoom in on your screen.

Ø      Windows Key + Minus (-): Zoom out using Magnifier.

Ø      Windows Key + U: Open the Ease of Access Center.

 

Customizing Windows

While the default shortcuts are extremely useful, Windows also allows you to create custom shortcuts for specific programs or actions. Here’s how to customize shortcuts in Windows:

1. Shortcuts for Applications

   You can assign a custom keyboard shortcut to launch any application or file on your system. Here’s how:

   Right-click on the program’s shortcut (or create a shortcut for the program if there isn’t one) and select Properties.

   In the Shortcut tab, you’ll see a field labeled Shortcut key.

   Click on the field and press the keys you want to use for your custom shortcut (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + M).

   Click Apply and then OK. Now, whenever you press that combination, the program will open.

2. Using PowerToys for Advanced Customization

   PowerToys is a Microsoft utility that offers advanced Windows customization features, including the ability to remap keys and customize shortcuts.

  Download and install PowerToys from the official GitHub page or Microsoft Store.

  Open PowerToys and navigate to the Keyboard Manager.

  Under Remap a Key or Remap a Shortcut, you can assign custom key combinations to perform specific functions or launch programs.

   Follow the on-screen instructions to create your new shortcut mappings.

3. Customizing for Specific Functions

   Windows also allows you to assign custom keyboard shortcuts to specific system functions, such as opening a particular folder or running a script.

  Right-click on an empty space on your desktop or in File Explorer and choose New > Shortcut.

  In the Create Shortcut dialog, type the location of the item you want to create a shortcut for, such as a specific folder or program.

  Click Next, name the shortcut, and click Finish.

  Right-click on the newly created shortcut, select Properties, and assign a shortcut key as described above.

 

Use keyboard shortcuts to make your professional life easier.