Common Keyboard Shortcuts
Windows 11 includes keyboard shortcuts that allow you to quickly access features, manage applications, navigate files, and perform common tasks without using a mouse.
This article provides a quick reference to commonly used keyboard shortcuts for everyday productivity.
Tip: The Windows key is typically located on the bottom row of your keyboard, between the Ctrl and Alt keys. Keyboard shortcuts are performed by pressing the indicated keys together.
General Windows Shortcuts
| Keyboard Shortcut |
Action |
| Windows + L |
Lock your computer. |
| Windows + D |
Show or hide the desktop. |
| Windows + E |
Open File Explorer. |
| Windows + I |
Open Windows Settings. |
| Windows + S |
Open Windows Search. |
| Windows + A |
Open Quick Settings. |
| Windows + X |
Open the Quick Link menu. |
| Alt + Tab |
Switch between open applications. |
| Alt + F4 |
Close the active application or window. |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc |
Open Task Manager. |
| Ctrl + Alt + Delete |
Open Windows security options. |
Text Editing and Productivity
| Keyboard Shortcut |
Action |
| Ctrl + C |
Copy selected text or files. |
| Ctrl + V |
Paste copied content. |
| Ctrl + X |
Cut selected content. |
| Ctrl + Z |
Undo the previous action. |
| Ctrl + Y |
Redo an action. |
| Ctrl + A |
Select all content. |
| Ctrl + F |
Find text within a document or application. |
| Ctrl + S |
Save your work in supported applications. |
| Ctrl + P |
Open the print menu in supported applications. |
| Windows + V |
Open Clipboard History. |
| Windows + . |
Open the emoji and symbols panel. |
Note: Some keyboard shortcuts may behave differently depending on the application being used. Clipboard History may need to be enabled before first use.
Window and Display Management
| Keyboard Shortcut |
Action |
| Windows + Left Arrow |
Snap the active window to the left side of the screen. |
| Windows + Right Arrow |
Snap the active window to the right side of the screen. |
| Windows + Up Arrow |
Maximize the active window. |
| Windows + Down Arrow |
Minimize or restore the active window. |
| Windows + Z |
Open Snap Layouts. |
| Windows + P |
Open display projection options for multiple monitors. |
| Windows + Shift + Left/Right Arrow |
Move the active window between monitors. |
| Windows + Tab |
Open Task View to view open windows and desktops. |
Screenshots and Screen Capture
| Keyboard Shortcut |
Action |
| Windows + Shift + S |
Capture a selected area of your screen using Snipping Tool. |
| Windows + Print Screen |
Capture the entire screen and save the image automatically. |
| Alt + Print Screen |
Capture the active window and copy it to the clipboard. |
| Print Screen |
Open screen snipping when the default setting is enabled. |
Tip: Screenshots captured using Windows + Print Screen are typically saved in the Pictures > Screenshots folder.
File Explorer Shortcuts
| Keyboard Shortcut |
Action |
| Windows + E |
Open File Explorer. |
| Ctrl + N |
Open a new File Explorer window. |
| Ctrl + Shift + N |
Create a new folder. |
| F2 |
Rename the selected file or folder. |
| Ctrl + F |
Search for files or folders. |
| Alt + Left Arrow |
Return to the previous folder. |
| Alt + Up Arrow |
Navigate to the parent folder. |
| Ctrl + T |
Open a new File Explorer tab. |
Troubleshooting / Notes
- Shortcut not working: Confirm that the correct keys are being pressed together.
- Application-specific behavior: Some applications may override or disable certain keyboard shortcuts.
- Keyboard differences: Certain keyboards may require the Fn key when using function keys or Print Screen.
- Managed devices: Some Windows features may be restricted or unavailable depending on your organization's device configuration.
Additional Resources
For more support and self-help articles and resources, visit our ITS Ticketing Service Catalog at help.maricopa.edu or call the District Information Technology Service support line at 480-731-8632.