Keyboard Shortcuts for Power Users
Originally published in Hebrew, 2024.
When you think about working efficiently in Windows 11, using keyboard shortcuts may turn out to be the thing that makes your computer experience more comfortable and faster. It is no secret that shortcuts can save time, yet many users are still unaware of the wide range of options Windows 11 offers beyond the basic shortcuts we all know. In this article we take an in-depth look at advanced shortcuts that can improve your workflow, save you time, and add another layer of productivity.
How keyboard shortcuts can upgrade your daily routine
Beyond the practical side, keyboard shortcuts can change your interaction with the operating system and make you feel fully "in control" of the computer. It is not just about saving a few seconds per click - it is also about creating a smoother flow when handling tasks, moving comfortably between windows, and cutting out the distraction of switching between keyboard and mouse. This is how experienced users operate - minimal time moving from one task to the next, with the feeling that the computer works for them, and not the other way around 🙂
Common and important shortcuts in Windows 11: beyond what everyone knows
Windows + A: the action and notification center
Pressing this shortcut opens the action center, which gives quick access to settings such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplane mode and brightness adjustment. Common use: a quick press to switch Wi-Fi off and on during a meeting, or to turn on 'do not disturb' mode.
Windows + X: the advanced Start menu
Opens a menu with quick access to administrative tools: Task Manager, Device Manager, Disk Management, access to the command line (PowerShell), and system control. Common use: quick troubleshooting, or reaching advanced tools for managing the computer.
Windows + V: the extended clipboard
Unlike regular copying (Ctrl + C), Windows + V gives access to the extended clipboard, which shows a history of text snippets copied in the past. Common use: easily pasting older content, without fearing you have lost an important piece of data.
Windows + Tab: showing all open windows
Reminiscent of the familiar Alt + Tab, but in an upgraded version that shows all the windows in a more convenient visual layout. In addition, you can manage virtual desktops from here. Common use: quickly switching between several projects in parallel.
Ctrl + Shift + N: creating a new folder
Instantly creates a new folder in the current location in File Explorer. Common use: quickly organizing files and folders without touching the mouse.
Windows + D: showing the desktop
Minimizes all open windows and takes you quickly back to the desktop. If you press again, the windows return to their previous state. Common use: quick access to files and icons on the desktop.
Windows + Shift + S: custom screenshots
Opens the Snipping Tool, which allows a free choice of the area to capture. Common use: capturing specific areas of the screen rather than the entire screen - especially convenient for guides or for sharing visual information.
Windows + Ctrl + D: creating a new virtual desktop
If you like working on several projects in parallel, virtual desktops are a powerful tool that helps keep things in order. Common use: dividing screens between different projects, or separating work from entertainment.
Windows + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow: switching between virtual desktops
Quickly moves between the virtual desktops you have created. Common use: fast routing between different work environments.
Windows + Ctrl + F: searching for a computer on the network
Perfect for anyone working in a large organizational network. Common use: finding other computers on the local network (LAN).
Alt + Enter: showing file or folder properties
Instead of right-clicking a file, pressing Alt + Enter quickly brings up the properties menu of the selected file or folder. Common use: a quick check of storage location, permissions and other metadata.
Ctrl + Shift + Esc: opening Task Manager
A shortcut that skips Ctrl + Alt + Del and takes you straight to Task Manager. Common use: closing stuck programs, or checking system performance.
Ctrl + Windows + Arrow Left/Right: moving windows between screens
If you work with multiple screens, this shortcut lets you quickly move a window from one screen to another. Common use: moving easily between physical work environments.
Windows + Home: minimizing all windows except the active one
If you want to concentrate on a specific window, pressing Windows + Home minimizes all the other windows and leaves only the current window on screen. Common use: quickly reducing distractions.
Shift + Delete: deleting a file permanently
Instead of sending files to the Recycle Bin, this shortcut deletes files permanently. Common use: final deletion of files you will not need again.
*** Note that files deleted this way are gone permanently! ****
Using shortcuts the right way: tips and advice
To get the most out of keyboard shortcuts, it is best to start with just a few and work them into your daily work habits. Once you master the basic shortcuts, you can move on to more complex ones and enjoy a better workflow at the computer.
Whether you are working on personal projects, managing a team, or just using the computer for basic needs - keyboard shortcuts can help you work more efficiently and put your work a step ahead.
Keyboard shortcut table - keep it somewhere handy
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