Keyboard shortcuts offer you simple and quick alternatives to functions that you typically do with your mouse. These shortcuts are incredibly useful to boost your productivity or if you are tired of having to follow multiple steps to simply copy and paste an image.
There are hundreds of keyboard shortcuts, and unfortunately, we just can’t list them all, not without being here for hours! However, we have put together this handy top ten list of the best common keyboard shortcuts.
CTRL + C
The most common keyboard shortcut, CTRL + C allows you to copy any highlighted text or image.
CTRL + V
You can’t copy without pasting and CTRL + V is the simple keyboard shortcut to paste whatever you’ve copied into its new location.
Win + L
Don’t want someone taking a quick glance at your screen whilst you grab a cuppa? Simply press Win + L to quickly lock your screen and revert it back to the Windows lock screen.
CTRL + N
Trying to get multiple tasks done at once? You can easily open a new window or document in Microsoft Word by clicking CTRL + N.
CTRL + Shift + T
Speaking of trying to get multiple tasks done, who hasn’t accidentally closed down a tab they really need out of stress and panic? Thankfully, selecting CTRL + Shift + T will restore any browser that you recently closed.
CTRL + Shift + Esc
Quickly open the Task Manager to monitor all the applications you have open by pressing CTRL + Shift + Esc.
Win + M
The combination of Win + M allows you to quickly minimise all your open windows, just in case you need to hide any gift shopping or game purchase confirmations when you’re on a game buying ban.
ALT + F4
Similar to this, ALT + F4 will close down your current window so no one sees how much you’ve spent on video games…
CTRL + Tab
Another useful keyboard shortcut for those juggling multiple tasks, with CTRL + Tab you can toggle between all the opened tabs from right to left.
Win + X
Need to quickly shut down your PC? Pressing Win + X displays all the shut down options.
Learn More About Your Keyboard
These keyboard shortcuts are only the tip of the iceberg of what you can do with your keyboard. We’ve got so many in-depth keyboard related articles just waiting for you.
- 2 min read
Ruth Rowley
Author
Ruth has been with Overclockers UK for over a year and has gone on to write about everything ranging from in-depth hardware guides to monthly game releases.
Outside of writing blog posts, she can be found wrapped in a blanket with her black cat, engrossed in a book or playing life-simulation games such as The Sims, Stardew Valley, and Animal Crossing.
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