How-To

Complete List of Windows 10 Keyboard Shortcuts and Run Commands

How to Find Windows 11’s Activation Status

Everyone loves a quick way to get things done on Windows 10. Using keyboard shortcuts is a great way to do it. Here’s a comprehensive list.

Everyone loves a quick way to get things done in Windows. If a mouse tends to slow you down, then here is a comprehensive list of keyboard commands you can use to accomplish almost any task you would normally use a mouse for.

You might be wondering, how do I see all keyboard shortcuts? The good news is we have well over 100 of them for Windows 10 right here.

FunctionCommand
Power menuPress Windows key + X or right-click Start
Windows + TabLaunch Windows 10 Task View
Windows + QSearch the web and Windows with Cortana (speech)
Windows + SSearch the web and Windows with Cortana (keyboard input)
Windows + IOpen Windows 10 settings
Windows + AOpen Windows 10 notifications
Windows + LLock your Windows 10 device
Windows + Ctrl + DCreate new virtual desktop
Windows + Ctrl + F4Close current virtual desktop
Windows + Ctrl + [Left][Right]Switch between virtual desktops
Windows + [Left][Right][Up][Down]Position windows on your screenE.g. Windows + [Left] moves the current window to the left half of your screen. If you use Windows + [Up] afterward, the current window will be placed in the upper left quarter of your screen.And, what’s very handy in my opinion: If you release the Windows key after positioning a window, Task View shows up on the opposite side of the positioned window to select and position another app.
Windows + HShare content (if supported by current app)
Windows + KConnect to wireless displays and audio devices
Windows + XOpen Start button context menu
Windows key + GStarts App recording
Windows + DShow Windows desktop
Windows + EOpen File Explorer
Windows + SpaceSwitch keyboard input language (if you have added at least a second one)
Windows + Shift + [Left][Right]Move current Window from one monitor to another (when using a multiple monitor setup)
Windows + [1][2][3][…]Open programs that are pinned to task barE.g. if first pinned program on your taskbar is Windows Explorer (from left to right); the shortcut Windows + 1 opens Windows Explorer for you
Windows + RRun a command
Windows + PProject a screen
Alt + TabSwitch to previous window
Alt + SpaceRestore, move, size, minimize, maximize or close current window. Also works like a charm for Windows 10 modern apps.
Alt + F4a) Close current window.  b) If you’re on your Windows 10 desktop, open Power dialogue to shut down or restart Windows, put your device in sleep mode, or sign out or switch the current user.
CTRL + SHIFT + ESCOpen Task Manager
Alt + underlined menuOpen menu or program. Example, to open the Edit menu in WordPad, press Alt then press E on your keyboard. Repeat the same step for the menu you want to open.

General Windows keyboard shortcuts

FunctionCommand
Access help system in an applicationF1
Activate menu barF10
Close a programAlt + F4
Close current window in Multiple Document interface based programsCTRL + F4
Access right-click menu in the applicationShift + F10
Launch Start menuCtrl + ESC or Windows key
CutCTRL + X
CopyCTRL + C
PasteCTRL + V
DeleteDEL
UndoCTRL + Z
System PropertiesWindows key + Pause/Break
Bypass auto-play when an external storage device is connectedHold down SHIFT key while inserting a storage device

Desktop, My Computer, and File Explorer

For selected items, you can use the following shortcuts:

FunctionCommand
SearchCTRL + F or F3
Rename an itemF2
Delete a folder or files permanentlySHIFT + DEL
Access properties of a file or folderALT + ENTER or ALT + double-click
Copy a fileCTRL key while dragging file
Create a shortcutCTRL + SHIFT while dragging file
Select AllCTRL + A
Refresh contents of a windowF5
View the folder one level upBackspace key
Close the selected folder and its parent foldersSHIFT key while clicking the close button
Switch between left and right panesF6

File Explorer Commands

FunctionCommand
Switch between left and right panesF6
Expand all subfolders under the selected folderNUMLOCK + ASTERISK when using a numeric keyboard
Expand the selected folderNUMLOCK + PLUS sign when using a numeric keyboard
Collapse the selected folderNUMLOCK + MINUS sign when using a numeric keyboard
Expand current selection if it’s collapsed, otherwise select first subfolderRight arrow
Collapse current selection if it’s expanded, otherwise, select parent folderLeft arrow

Properties Dialog Commands

FunctionCommand
Move forward through optionsTab key
Move backward through optionsSHIFT + Tab
Move forward through tabsCTRL + Tab
Move backward through tabsCTRL + SHIFT + TAB

Open and Save Dialog Commands

FunctionCommand
Open the Save In and address barCTRL + O and F4
RefreshF5
Open the folder one level up, if a folder is selectedBACKSPACE

Windows 10 Command Prompt Keyboard Commands

Text Selection

FunctionCommand
SHIFT + LEFT ARROWMoves the cursor to the left one character, extending the selection
SHIFT + RIGHT ARROWMoves the cursor to the right one character, extending the selection
SHIFT + UP ARROWSelects text up line by line starting from the location of the insertion point
SHIFT + DOWN ARROWExtends text selection down one line, starting at the location of the insertion point
SHIFT + ENDIf cursor is in current line being edited* First time extends selection to the last character in the input line.* Second consecutive press extends selection to the right margin; or else Selects text from the insertion point to the right margin.
SHIFT + HOMEIf cursor is in current line being edited* First time extends selection to the character immediately after the command prompt.* Second consecutive press extends selection to the left margin; or else Extends selection to the left margin.
SHIFT + PAGE DOWNExtends selection down one screen
SHIFT + PAGE UPExtends selection up one screen
CTRL + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROWExtends the selection one word to the right
CTRL + SHIFT + LEFT ARROWExtends the selection one word to the left
CTRL + SHIFT + HOMEExtend selection to the beginning of the screen buffer
CTRL + SHIFT + ENDExtend selection to the end of the screen buffer
CTRL + AIf cursor is in current line being edited (from first typed char to last type char) and line is not empty, and any selection cursor is also within the line being edited Selects all text after the prompt (phase 1); or else Selects the entire buffer (phase 2)

Edit Commands

FunctionCommand
Windows Key + VOpen clipboard history menu
CTRL + VPaste text into the command line
SHIFT + INSPaste text into the command line
CTRL + CCopy selected text to the clipboard
CTRL + INSCopy selected text to the clipboard
FunctionCommand
CTRL + MEnter “Mark Mode” to move cursor within window
ALTIn conjunction with one of the selection key combinations, begins selection in block mode
ARROW KEYSMove cursor in the direction specified
PAGE KEYSMove cursor by one page in the direction specified
CTRL + HOMEMove cursor to beginning of buffer
CTRL + ENDMove cursor to end of buffer

History Navigation Keys

FunctionCommand
CTRL + UP ARROWMoves up one line in the output history
CTRL + DOWN ARROWMoves down one line in the output history
CTRL + PAGE UPMoves up one page in the output history
CTRL + PAGE DOWNMoves down one page in the output history

Additional Commands

FunctionCommand
CTRL + FOpens “Find” in console dialog
ALT + F4Close the console window, of course!

Keyboard Run Commands

Use the following to access locations such as Control Panel items and File Explorer shell folders quickly using the run command.

OpensPress Windows + R and type:
Open Documents Folderdocuments
Open Videos foldervideos
Open Downloads Folderdownloads
Open Favorites Folderfavorites
Open Recent Folderrecent
Open Pictures Folderpictures
Adding a new Devicedevicepairingwizard
About Windows dialogwinver
Add Hardware Wizardhdwwiz
Advanced User Accountsnetplwiz
Advanced User Accountsazman.msc
Backup and Restoresdclt
Bluetooth File Transferfsquirt
Calculatorcalc
Certificatescertmgr.msc
Change Computer Performance Settingssystempropertiesperformance
Change Data Execution Prevention Settingssystempropertiesdataexecutionprevention
Change Data Execution Prevention Settingsprintui
Character Mapcharmap
ClearType Tunercttune
Color Managementcolorcpl
Command Promptcmd
Component Servicescomexp.msc
Component Servicesdcomcnfg
Computer Managementcompmgmt.msc
Computer Managementcompmgmtlauncher
Connect to a Projectordisplayswitch
Control Panelcontrol
Create A Shared Folder Wizardshrpubw
Create a System Repair Discrecdisc
Data Execution Preventionsystempropertiesdataexecutionprevention
Date and Timetimedate.cpl
Default Locationlocationnotifications
Device Managerdevmgmt.msc
Device Managerhdwwiz.cpl
Device Pairing Wizarddevicepairingwizard
Diagnostics Troubleshooting Wizardmsdt
Digitizer Calibration Tooltabcal
DirectX Diagnostic Tooldxdiag
Disk Cleanupcleanmgr
Disk Defragmenterdfrgui
Disk Managementdiskmgmt.msc
Displaydpiscaling
Display Color Calibrationdccw
Display Switchdisplayswitch
DPAPI Key Migration Wizarddpapimig
Driver Verifier Managerverifier
Ease of Access Centerutilman
EFS Wizardrekeywiz
Event Viewereventvwr.msc
Fax Cover Page Editorfxscover
File Signature Verificationsigverif
Font Viewerfontview
Game Controllersjoy.cpl
IExpress Wizardiexpress
Internet Exploreriexplore
Internet Optionsinetcpl.cpl
iSCSI Initiator Configuration Tooliscsicpl
Language Pack Installerlpksetup
Local Group Policy Editorgpedit.msc
Local Security Policysecpol.msc
Local Users and Groupslusrmgr.msc
Location Activitylocationnotifications
Magnifiermagnify
Malicious Software Removal Toolmrt
Manage Your File Encryption Certificatesrekeywiz
Microsoft Management Consolemmc
Microsoft Support Diagnostic Toolmsdt
Mousemain.cpl
NAP Client Configurationnapclcfg.msc
Narratornarrator
Network Connectionsncpa.cpl
New Scan Wizardwiaacmgr
Notepadnotepad
ODBC Data Source Administratorodbcad32
ODBC Driver Configurationodbcconf
On-Screen Keyboardosk
Paintmspaint
Pen and Touchtabletpc.cpl
People Near Mecollab.cpl
Performance Monitorperfmon.msc
Performance Optionssystempropertiesperformance
Phone and Modemtelephon.cpl
Phone Dialerdialer
Power Optionspowercfg.cpl
Presentation Settingspresentationsettings
Print Managementprintmanagement.msc
Printer Migrationprintbrmui
Printer User Interfaceprintui
Private Character Editoreudcedit
Problem Steps Recorderpsr
Programs and Featuresappwiz.cpl
Protected Content Migrationdpapimig
Region and Languageintl.cpl
Registry Editorregedit
Registry Editor 32regedt32
Remote Access Phonebookrasphone
Remote Desktop Connectionmstsc
Resource Monitorresmon
Resultant Set of Policyrsop.msc
SAM Lock Toolsyskey
Screen Resolutiondesk.cpl
Securing the Windows Account Databasesyskey
Servicesservices.msc
Set Program Access and Computer Defaultscomputerdefaults
Share Creation Wizardshrpubw
Shared Foldersfsmgmt.msc
Signoutlogoff
Snipping Toolsnippingtool
Soundmmsys.cpl
Sound recordersoundrecorder
SQL Server Client Network Utilitycliconfg
Sticky Notesstikynot
Stored User Names and Passwordscredwiz
Sync Centermobsync
System Configurationmsconfig
System Configuration Editorsysedit
System Informationmsinfo32
System Propertiessysdm.cpl
System Properties (Advanced Tab)systempropertiesadvanced
System Properties (Computer Name Tab)systempropertiescomputername
System Properties (Hardware Tab)systempropertieshardware
System Properties (Remote Tab)systempropertiesremote
System Properties (System Protection Tab)systempropertiesprotection
System Restorerstrui
Task Managertaskmgr
Task Schedulertaskschd.msc
Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Managementtpm.msc
Turn Windows features on or offoptionalfeatures
User Account Control Settingsuseraccountcontrolsettings
Utility Managerutilman
Volume Mixersndvol
Windows Action Centerwscui.cpl
Windows Activation Clientslui
Windows Anytime Upgrade Resultswindowsanytimeupgraderesults
Windows Disc Image Burning Toolisoburn
Windows Explorerexplorer
Windows Fax and Scanwfs
Windows Firewallfirewall.cpl
Windows Firewall with Advanced Securitywf.msc
Windows Journaljournal
Windows Media Playerwmplayer
Windows Memory Diagnostic Schedulermdsched
Windows Mobility Centermblctr
Windows Picture Acquisition Wizardwiaacmgr
Windows PowerShellpowershell
Windows PowerShell ISEpowershell_ise
Windows Remote Assistancemsra
Windows Repair Discrecdisc
Windows Script Hostwscript
Windows Updatewuapp
Windows Update Standalone Installerwusa
Versione Windowswinver
WMI Managementwmimgmt.msc
WordPadwrite
XPS Viewerxpsrchvw

The name and terminology used for certain commands and functions have been revised in Windows 10, along with their locations. The following table provides how you can find and access them.

Original NameNew Name, Location, and Functions
Windows ExplorerFile Explorer – (Press Windows key + E to launch)
Favorites Navigation Pane (Windows Explorer)Quick Access
Folder optionsOptions (Files Explorer > View tab > Options)
Recent ItemsLocated in File Explorer > This PC > Recent Files
Computer or My ComputerThis PC
Control PanelSettings (classic Control Panel can still be accessed – Windows key + X then click Control Panel)
View Available NetworksNetwork Flyout – Notification or Show Available Networks (Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi > Additional settings
Action Centerclip_image001

Located in the System Tray; Manage incoming email, system, social media notifications

Start menuStart
Task Viewclip_image002

Create and Manage multiple desktops

Aero SnapSnap Assist – easily manage open windows on screen
All ProgramsAll Apps
Shutdown/Turn off computerPower
Switch UsersLocated at the top of the Start represented by your account name

There’s a lot here to remember, so make sure to bookmark this page so you can keep coming back to refresh your memory or learn new shortcuts you haven’t used before.

Are you a Keyboard Kung Fu practitioner? What are your favorite key combos that you use? Leave a comment below so we can update our list.

27 Comments

27 Comments

  1. MarjCunningham

    August 24, 2015 at 11:34 am

    Wow, what an extensive list! Thank you for ferreting out all these keyboard shortcuts!

  2. Don Anderson

    August 24, 2015 at 1:13 pm

    All that and not a note on how to print, change size of the page etc.
    Windows 10 makes it difficult to print a page

    Don

    • Brian Burgess

      August 24, 2015 at 7:56 pm

      Ctrl + P

  3. mahesh

    October 6, 2015 at 10:52 pm

    thank you for listing the shortcut keywords thanks alot…

  4. TechieSmurf

    November 29, 2015 at 4:45 pm

    This listing of run commands is incorrect. Many commands, such as Windows Update (wuapp) have been replaced with “ms-settings:command”, Windows Update being “ms-settings:windowsupdate”. Please review your article for accuracy.

  5. Martin

    March 15, 2016 at 12:09 pm

    CTRL + SHIFT + N. I use it very often to create a new folder. The advantage is, you can stay on the keyboard and immediately name the new Folder.

    CTRL + SHIFT + BACKSPACE is another usefull shortcut, to delete the whole word to the left of the cursor.

  6. Mickey Mouse

    April 21, 2016 at 2:28 am

    Backspace does NOT take you one folder up. It takes you a folder BACK. This is one of the most annoying things M$ changed :-(

  7. Ripper

    July 27, 2016 at 6:27 am

    Alt + UpArrow Will take you up the folder tree. Very Useful!

  8. dinehs

    October 4, 2016 at 4:29 am

    how can find computer configuration from “run” command

    • Soumo Dev Acharya

      April 15, 2017 at 2:17 pm

      type msinfo32 in run command

  9. G McCaddon

    October 19, 2016 at 9:55 am

    Command Line Run: SlidetoShutdown to activate the slide to shutdown on Windows 8.1 and 10. Handy for remote shutdowns.

  10. Sorbel

    November 22, 2016 at 11:28 am

    File these under the ‘Press Windows + R and type:’ section…
    shell:startup to open the startup folder
    shell:profile to open your profile folder
    shell:printersfolder

    just search for windows shell: commands for a full list

    • Steve Krause

      November 22, 2016 at 2:57 pm

      Nice – Thanks for sharing the tips Sorbel!

      -S

  11. Alex Fairbanks

    February 16, 2017 at 4:49 pm

    These commands have been around since Windows 95:

    Several of your commands are inaccurate.

    CTRL+INSERT or CTRL+C Copy

    SHIFT+INSERT or CTRL+V Paste

    SHIFT+DELETE or CTRL+X Cut

    Hold SHIFT while Dragging a File/Folder Force Move a File/Folder (Shows –> Arrow)

    Hold ALT while Dragging a File/Folder Force Shortcut a File/Folder (Shows Curved Arrow)

    Hold CTRL while Dragging a File/Folder Force Copy a File/Folder (Shows + Arrow)

    In File Explorer,

    Press F6 or Tab Shift through different options

    Press SHIFT+F6 or SHIFT+Tab Shift through different options the other way
    plus a bonus

    File has dashed outline:

    Space To Select It

    F2 Edits Name

  12. viral

    March 8, 2017 at 2:34 am

    Thanks,

    nice work with this key.

  13. Thaiza

    July 17, 2017 at 11:30 pm

    thanks for the list. It’s improving me…

  14. Lesetja

    September 26, 2017 at 1:16 am

    How do I access safe mode on Windows 10, to access files. If windows has crashed as a result of virus?

    NB: Sticky keys is on.

    • kay

      December 10, 2018 at 7:28 am

      tap “shift” 5 times to turn on or off sticky keys

  15. BillGates

    May 23, 2019 at 12:59 am

    May 23, 2019
    Hi,

    Really appreciate the “Keyboard Run Commands
    Use the following to access locations such as Control Panel items, File Explorer shell folders quickly using the run command.” part.

    Thanks and have a nice day !

  16. naufal

    May 29, 2019 at 10:08 am

    Useful!!!

  17. Rajeev

    April 10, 2020 at 4:03 am

    “Shutdown” on Windows 10 by clicking “Power” is like Hibernate on Windows xp. Include “Shift + Power” to “Completely Sutdown” in your list.

  18. Rob

    May 13, 2020 at 10:29 am

    Win-CTRL-O = opens on-screen keyboard (needed to toggle scroll lock with a keyboard without that key)

  19. irfan

    May 17, 2020 at 12:25 am

    thank you -to listing this -run command in windows 10

  20. ADRIAN JOSEPH COMBE IV

    May 17, 2020 at 8:46 pm

    This is so awesome. Thanks!
    Also, there is a list of Control Panel commands for the Run Dialog Box. If you just type control and {ENTER} it will pull up the classic control panel. But many of the settings in there have their own name, like ‘Control Printers’. I don’t know whether that is one of them, but they are along those lines. I will add them here if I find them. (I was looking for them when I found this).

  21. blocky

    February 10, 2021 at 1:38 am

    There’s so much missing here!! Where are all the Shift + Ctrl + Win + Alt Shortcuts?

  22. Sergio

    January 11, 2023 at 1:33 pm

    I remember using a shortcut key, but I forgot. where I was able to use to open a new tab and it would let me copy the same web address I was using..

    If anyone knows, I would appreciate it.

    Thanks,
    Sergio

    • TechieSmurf

      January 13, 2023 at 6:11 pm

      CTRL-SHIFT-K, for duplicate tab? (MS Edge/Chrome)

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