Windows 7 / Getting Started

The Shortcuts Collection

Now, it's time to read all the Windows 7 shortcuts. The shortcuts are categorized in different lists according to their use or function. Some shortcut keys are also mentioned according to the reference of the programs in which they are widely or only used.

General Windows functions keyboard shortcuts

Press this keyTo do this
F1Display Help
Ctrl+CCopy the selected item
Ctrl+XCut the selected item
Ctrl+VPaste the selected item
Ctrl+ZUndo an action
Ctrl+YRedo an action
DeleteDelete the selected item and move it to the Recycle Bin
Shift+DeleteDelete the selected item without moving it to the Recycle Bin first
F2Rename the selected item
Ctrl+Right ArrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the next word
Ctrl+Left ArrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the previous word
Ctrl+Down ArrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph
Ctrl+Up ArrowMove the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph
Ctrl+Shift with an arrow keySelect a block of text
Shift with any arrow keySelect more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document
Ctrl with any arrow key+SpacebarSelect multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop
Ctrl+ASelect all items in a document or window
F3Search for a file or folder
Alt+EnterDisplay properties for the selected item
Alt+F4Close the active item, or exit the active program
Alt+SpacebarOpen the shortcut menu for the active window
Ctrl+F4Close the active document (in programs that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously)
Alt+TabSwitch between open items
Ctrl+Alt+TabUse the arrow keys to switch between open items
Ctrl+Mouse scroll wheelChange the size of icons on the desktop
Windows logo key +TabCycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
Ctrl+Windows logo key +TabUse the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D
Alt+EscCycle through items in the order in which they were opened
F6Cycle through screen elements in a window or on the desktop
F4Display the address bar list in Windows Explorer
Shift+F10Display the shortcut menu for the selected item
Ctrl+EscOpen the Start menu
Alt+underlined letterDisplay the corresponding menu
Alt+underlined letterPerform the menu command (or other underlined command)
F10Activate the menu bar in the active program
Right ArrowOpen the next menu to the right, or open a submenu
Left ArrowOpen the next menu to the left, or close a submenu
F5Refresh the active window
Alt+Up ArrowView the folder one level up in Windows Explorer
EscCancel the current task
Ctrl+Shift+EscOpen Task Manager
Shift when you insert a CDPrevent the CD from automatically playing

Dialog box keyboard shortcuts

Press this keyTo do this
Ctrl+TabMove forward through tabs
Ctrl+Shift+TabMove back through tabs
TabMove forward through options
Shift+TabMove back through options
Alt+underlined letterPerform the command (or select the option) that goes with that letter
EnterReplaces clicking the mouse for many selected commands
SpacebarSelect or clear the check box if the active option is a check box
Arrow keysSelect a button if the active option is a group of option buttons
F1Display Help
F4Display the items in the active list
BackspaceOpen a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box

Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts

Press this keyTo do this
Windows logo keyOpen or close the Start menu.
Windows logo key +PauseDisplay the System Properties dialog box.
Windows logo key +DDisplay the desktop.
Windows logo key +MMinimize all windows.
Windows logo key +Shift+MRestore minimized windows to the desktop.
Windows logo key +EOpen Computer.
Windows logo key +FSearch for a file or folder.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +FSearch for computers (if you're on a network).
Windows logo key +LLock your computer or switch users.
Windows logo key +ROpen the Run dialog box.
Windows logo key +TCycle through programs on the taskbar.
Windows logo key +numberStart the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the program is already running, switch to that program.
Shift+Windows logo key +numberStart a new instance of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +numberSwitch to the last active window of the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Alt+Windows logo key +numberOpen the Jump List for the program pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Windows logo key +TabCycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +TabUse the arrow keys to cycle through programs on the taskbar by using Aero Flip 3-D.
Ctrl+Windows logo key +BSwitch to the program that displayed a message in the notification area.
Windows logo key +SpacebarPreview the desktop.
Windows logo key +Up ArrowMaximize the window.
Windows logo key +Left ArrowMaximize the window to the left side of the screen.
Windows logo key +Right ArrowMaximize the window to the right side of the screen.
Windows logo key +Down ArrowMinimize the window.
Windows logo key +HomeMinimize all but the active window.
Windows logo key +Shift+Up ArrowStretch the window to the top and bottom of the screen.
Windows logo key +Shift+Left Arrow or Right ArrowMove a window from one monitor to another.
Windows logo key +PChoose a presentation display mode.
Windows logo key +GCycle through gadgets.
Windows logo key +UOpen Ease of Access Center.
Windows logo key +XOpen Windows Mobility Center.
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In this tutorial:

  1. Windows 7 Shortcut Keys
  2. Typing & editing the text using Keyboard
  3. Using keyboard shortcuts
  4. Using the keyboard extras
  5. Keyboard Shortcut Tips
  6. The Shortcuts Collection
  7. Windows Explorer keyboard shortcuts
  8. Keyboard shortcuts for MS Paint
  9. Windows Journal keyboard shortcuts
  10. Internet Explorer keyboard shortcuts
  11. Windows Media Center keyboard shortcuts