All the most used key combinations on Windows 10

How to learn all the most used key combinations on Windows 10 . In the keyboard of a PC, in addition to having the keys with the normal letters of the alphabet and the numbers in sequence from 1 to 0, it also has special characters (# [@ etc …, and function keys consisting of F1 to F12 which perform particular specific tasks. All these keys if pressed individually have a primary function, but if pressed in combination with the WIN, CTRL and ALT keys they have a secondary function also called keyboard shortcut. But let’s see in more detail what it is.

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A simple guide to all the key combinations that can be used from your PC keyboard on the Windows 10 operating system

When you see your trusted technician who uses key combinations on Windows 10, you think that only the most experienced in the field can do it and you wonder who knows what strategies he uses. In fact, you can learn and practice keyboard shortcuts too. Ultimately they are just combinations of two or more keys that allow you to perform certain alternative operations to using the mouse or any other pointing device that would require much more time and many more clicks.

The most common and most used key combinations on Windows 10 are the classic copy / paste , print and file save . But through this guide I want to list all the best key combinations used on Windows 10 even if most of these shortcuts are also valid for other Microsoft operating systems.

Function key combinations on Windows 10

To get started I start immediately with the function keys F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 up to F12 which can be used to perform specific and unique operations in most open programs.

F1: Usually used to access the help of a program already open for technical support. In Windows 10, opens an Edge browser page to get help on the operating system.
F2: If pressed with a folder open allows you to rename the selected item which could be a folder or a file.
F3: If you press the F3 function key with an open program it allows you to open the search field to perform a search.
F4: If pressed with a window open on Windows 10 it displays the address bar list, but also allows you to view the current path.
F5: This key allows you to refresh the page. Very useful when you are browsing the web that once pressed refresh the browser page to reload it or to see if it has changed.
F6: This function key allows you to scroll and switch between predefined items stored in the Windows 10 taskbar.

Shortcut key combinations with the CTRL key on Windows 10

Mainly the CTRL (Control) key is one of the special keys on the keyboard. As you can see the standard Italian keyboard of CTRL keys has 2 keys, one in the lower right and one in the lower left which can be used in combination with other keys for a Windows 10 shortcut and perform certain operations, let’s see which ones.

CTRL + A: Selects all elements of a document or folder.
CTRL + C: Copy the selected element or elements.
CTRL + D: Move the selected item to the Windows 10 Recycle Bin.
CTRL + N: Opens a new window on Windows 10.
CTRL + P: Print.
CTRL + R:This key combination allows you to refresh the page (same function as the F5 key).
CTRL + S: Save the selected item.
CTRL + V: Paste the selected element or elements.
CTRL + W: Close the open window or the open program or app. It is the equivalent of the closing X located in the upper right corner of windows or a program.
CTRL + X: Cut the selected element or elements.
CTRL + Y: Redo the last operation performed.
CTRL + Z: Undoes the last performed operation.
CTRL + ALT + Del: Allows you to perform shutdowns and / or restarts in case of problems. It also opens the Task Manager window.

Shortcut key combinations with the ALT key on Windows 10

Mainly the ALT key is a special key that is used to change (from English alternate) the function of the other keys pressed.

ALT + F4: The combination of these keys allows you to close the open window or exit the started program. It is the equivalent of the closing X located in the upper right corner of windows or a program.
ALT + Spacebar: Allows you to display the system menu of the main window.
ALT + Esc: Switch from one element to another according to the order of opening.
ALT + Enter: Opens the properties window for the selected object. What you basically have to do with the right mouse button on an icon and then from the menu that opens choose Properties.
ALT + Tab: One of the most used functions on Windows 10. If you press the ALT key and then press the Tab key once you can switch from one window to another.
ALT + ⇐ (left arrow): Allows you to go back.
ALT + ⇒ (right arrow): Allows you to go forward.

Hotkey combinations with the Win key on Windows 10

If you don’t know Win is that key on the keyboard that has a flag icon as its logo that looks the same as the Windows 10 Start button icon located in the left corner of the taskbar.

Win: If you press it once on the keyboard, the Windows 10 Start menu opens. If you press it again, you close the Start menu.
Win + A: Opens or closes the Windows 10 Notification Center.
Win + B: Allows you to set the mouse pointer in the icons of active programs on Windows 10 (next to the clock).
Win + D: If pressed, it allows you to minimize all open windows in the taskbar. If you press the combination again, the windows will reopen.
Win + E: Opens the File Explorer window.
Win + F: Opens the Feedback Hub window which is used to send Microsoft Windows 10 problem reports or suggestions.
Win + G: Opens or closes the Game Bar allowing you to take a screenshot or record the screen while playing.
Win + H: With this key combination you can start dictation.
Win + I: Opens the Windows 10 Settings window.
Win + K: Opens the Connect pane on the right side of the screen to allow searching for Miracast screens.
Win + L: Used to display the lock screen.
Win + M: Closes and minimizes all open windows. To reopen the windows again press the keys on the keyboard Win + Shift (upper case) + M at the same time .
Win + P: Opens the items to project the screen to other device.
Win + R: Launch the Run window.
Win + S: Opens the search field.
Win + T: Activates the icon of an item located in the system tray. If you press it several times consecutively it selects the elements in succession. To return to the previous icon, press the keys on the keyboard Win + Shift (upper case) + T at the same time.
Win + U: Opens the Windows 10 Ease of Access window.
Win + V: Opens the Clipboard History window.
Win + X: Opens the Start quick menu. To open it normally press the right mouse button on the Windows flag icon (Start) located at the bottom left of the taskbar.
Win +. (period): Opens the smiley face (emoji) window.
Win + (+ sign): Windows 10 magnifying glass starts.
Win + Shift (upper case)+ arrow ⇐ or arrow ⇒ : If you are using a dual monitor, move the active window from one monitor to the other monitor.
Win + Pause: The System window opens from the Control Panel on Windows 10.
Win + CTRL + D: If you press these keys you open a new virtual desktop .
Win + CTRL + Enter: Opens Narrator on Windows 10.
Win + Tab: Opens and closes the Windows 10 Task View window.
Win + ⇑ (up arrow): Maximizes an open window.
Win + ⇓ (down arrow): Minimizes an open window. Holding it down minimizes a window.
Win + ⇐ (left arrow): Move an open window to the left side of the screen.
Win + ⇒ (right arrow): Moves an open window to the right side of the screen.

Shortcut key combinations for people with disabilities on Windows 10

These Windows 10 hotkey combinations help all people with disabilities who use the Microsoft home operating system.

ALT + SHIFT (Left Shift) + Stamp: This key combination activates and deactivates the High Contrast which allows you to better read the writing on the screen through special colors.
ALT + SHIFT (Left Shift) + Num Lock: This keyboard function turns Pointer Control on and off allowing you to control it using the arrows on the numeric keypad.
Num Lock (when pressed for 5 seconds): Pressing and holding this key will activate or deactivate the Beeps to emit an audio signal whenever you press Caps Lock, Num Lock or Scroll Lock.
SHIFT (if pressed 5 times): This keyboard key if pressed 5 times consecutively activates or deactivates the Sticky Keys.