Cheat sheet guide
Windows shortcuts worth learning first
This page collects 20 searchable Windows keyboard shortcuts across 4 categories. Start with the shortcuts for Desktop & Windows, Window Management, Screenshots & Clipboard, Virtual Desktops, then print the cheat sheet once the important ones are worth keeping nearby.
- Open Start menuWin
- Snap window leftWin←
- Screenshot areaWinShiftS
- Task viewWinTab
- Open SettingsWinI
- Open File ExplorerWinE
Desktop & Windows
6 shortcuts
Open Start menu
Win
WinWin
Open Settings
WinI
WinWinI
Open File Explorer
WinE
WinWinE
Show desktop
WinD
WinWinD
Lock PC
WinL
WinWinL
Switch apps
AltTab
WinAltTab
Window Management
5 shortcuts
Snap window left
Win←
WinWin←
Snap window right
Win→
WinWin→
Maximize window
Win↑
WinWin↑
Minimize window
Win↓
WinWin↓
Open snap layouts
WinZ
WinWinZ
Screenshots & Clipboard
4 shortcuts
Screenshot area
WinShiftS
WinWinShiftS
Copy screen to clipboard
PrtScn
WinPrtScn
Clipboard history
WinV
WinWinV
Emoji panel
Win.
WinWin.
Virtual Desktops
5 shortcuts
Task view
WinTab
WinWinTab
New virtual desktop
WinCtrlD
WinWinCtrlD
Close virtual desktop
WinCtrlF4
WinWinCtrlF4
Move to next desktop
WinCtrl→
WinWinCtrl→
Move to previous desktop
WinCtrl←
WinWinCtrl←
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to find Windows shortcuts on this page?
Use the search box or press /, then type an action such as open start menu.
Can I print this Windows shortcut cheat sheet?
Yes. Use the Print / PDF button or your browser print command to save a compact cheat sheet.
Does this page include Windows and Mac shortcuts for Windows?
Yes. Use the OS tabs to switch between Windows and macOS shortcuts. For example, Open Start menu is Win on Windows and — on macOS where available.
