Cutting Corners: A guide to Window shortcuts

It was many years ago that I was introduced to Window shortcuts, and I have found them to be a really useful tool in improving how I use my keyboard. I, like many others only scratched the surface of what is available. While taking the time to reacquaint myself with some forgotten shortcuts, I realised that there are so many more that could be useful to my everyday processes.  

I’m sure that the “Windows Key + .” shouldn’t be as useful to me as it is!

What is the Windows key?

The Windows key has been part of your keyboard for over 25 years, it’s function in combination with other keys will allow you to shortcut your way around your computer. This turns your multiple mouse clicks into a super-efficient and enhanced Windows experience.

There are many advantages to learning the windows shortcuts, including increased capacity for multitasking, greater efficiency, and can help alleviate some health issues. So, taking the time to learn where the windows key is could be extremely important.  

Now there are potentially two locations on your keyboard where you will find the Windows key, and this very much depends on the available space:

1. Right hand side of the space bar, between Ctrl and Alt buttons
2. Left hand side of the space bar, between Alt Gr and menu buttons

It can seem quite intimidating trying to memorise all the shortcuts that are available, however it is important to remember you don’t need to know them all. To this end, we have put together a short cheat sheet, that we think will help make you a pro, or at least look like on (which is all we really are hoping for)! 

Select Technology cheat sheet

	Opens and closes the start menu
+ A	Opens the action center.
+ B	Draws your focus to the notification area.
+ D	Display and hide the desktop.
+ Alt + D	Open and closes the date and time on the desktop.
+ E	Open file explorer.
+ H	Start dictation.
+ I	Open settings.
+ L	Lock or switch account.
+ M	Minimise all windows.
+ O	Lock device orientation.
+ P	Change the display mode.
+ R	Open run box.
+ S	Open search.
+ Shift + S	Take a screenshot of part of your screen.
+ Up Arrow	Maximise the window.
+ Down Arrow	Minimise or remove the current window.
+ Left Arrow	Minimise to the left of the screen.
+ Right Arrow	Minimise to the right of the screen.
+ Shift + Left/Right Arrow	More window from one monitor/screen to another.

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