Most helpful Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts you should know
What Is a Keyboard Shortcut?
One of the more powerful, and probably least used, set of keyboard shortcuts involves the Windows Logo key, which is common on most keyboards packaged with a Windows-based personal computer these days.
Press this key | To do this |
---|---|
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open or close Start |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open Action center |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Set focus in the notification area |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open Cortana in listening mode |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open the charms menu |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Display and hide the desktop |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Display and hide the date and time on the desktop |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open File Explorer |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open Feedback Hub and take a screenshot |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open Game bar when a game is open |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Start dictation |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open Settings |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Set attention to a windows tip when one is available. |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open the Connect quick action |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Lock your PC or switch accounts |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Minimize all windows |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Lock device orientation |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Choose a presentation display mode |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open the Run dialog box |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open search |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Cycle through apps on the task bar |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open Ease of Access Center |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Cycle through notifications |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Cycle through notifications in reverse order |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open the Quick Link menu |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Switch input between Windows Mixed Reality and your desktop |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Show the commands available in an app in full-screen mode |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open emoji panel |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Temporarily peek at the desktop |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Display the System Properties dialog box |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Search for PCs (if you’re on a network) |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Restore minimized windows on the desktop |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open the desktop and start the app pinned to the task bar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app. |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open the desktop and start a new instance of the app pinned to the task bar in the position indicated by the number |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open the desktop and switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the task bar in the position indicated by the number |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open the desktop and open the Jump List for the app pinned to the task bar in the position indicated by the number |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open the desktop and open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the task bar as an administrator |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open Task view |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Maximize the window |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Remove current app from screen or minimize the desktop window |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Maximize the app or desktop window to the left side of the screen |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Maximize the app or desktop window to the right side of the screen |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Minimize all except the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke) |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Move an app or window in the desktop from one monitor to another |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Switch input language and keyboard layout |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Change to a previously selected input |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open Narrator |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open Magnifier |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Begin IME re-conversion |
Windows logo key ![]() |
Open shoulder taps |
Also read: Most helpful Windows Command Prompt keyboard shortcuts