Basic Computer Shortcut Keys for Windows User
The following is a list of some of the most commonly used basic shortcut keys that work with IBM compatible computers and software. It is highly recommended that all users keep a reference to these shortcut keys or try to memorize them. Doing so will dramatically increase your productivity.
| Shortcut Keys | Description |
|---|---|
| Alt+F | File menu options in current program. |
| Alt+E | Edit options in current program. |
| Alt+Tab | Switch between open programs. |
| F1 | View help information (F1 is used by almost every Windows program to display help). |
| F2 | Rename a selected file. |
| F5 | Refresh the current program window. |
| Ctrl+N | Create a new or blank document in some software, or open a new tab in most Internet browsers. |
| Ctrl+O | Open a file in the current software. |
| Ctrl+A | Select all text. |
| Ctrl+B | Change selected text to be bold. |
| Ctrl+I | Change selected text to be in italics. |
| Ctrl+U | Change selected text to be underlined. |
| Ctrl+F | Open find window for current document or window. |
| Ctrl+S | Save current document file. |
| Ctrl+X | Cut selected item. |
| Shift+Del | Cut selected item. |
| Ctrl+C | Copy selected item. |
| Ctrl+Ins | Copy selected item |
| Ctrl+V | Paste |
| Shift+Ins | Paste |
| Ctrl+Y | Redo last action. |
| Ctrl+Z | Undo last action. |
| Ctrl+K | Insert hyperlink for selected text. |
| Ctrl+P | Print the current page or document. |
| Home | Goes to beginning of current line. |
| Ctrl+Home | Goes to beginning of document. |
| End | Goes to end of current line. |
| Ctrl+End | Goes to end of document. |
| Shift+Home | Highlights from current position to beginning of line. |
| Shift+End | Highlights from current position to end of line. |
| Ctrl+Left arrow | Moves one word to the left at a time. |
| Ctrl+Right arrow | Moves one word to the right at a time. |
| Ctrl+Esc | Opens the Start menu. |
| Ctrl+Shift+Esc | Opens Windows Task Manager. |
| Alt+F4 | Close the currently active program. |
| Alt+Enter | Open the properties for the selected item (file, folder, shortcut, etc.). |
