On a Windows PC there are always at least two ways to do the same thing . If you have followed a preliminary course or if, to learn how to use the computer, you have read a manual for beginners, probably, for the basic operations to be done on the computer, you mainly know how to control the PC with the mouse.
Sometimes, I want to say it with conviction, some operations on Windows can become twice as fast if you use the keyboard instead of the mouse .
In the end it's just a matter of habit but, especially if you are performing repetitive tasks, using the keyboard is much easier and faster, you just need to know which keys to press.
Furthermore, keyboard shortcuts are a great way to prevent those annoying wrist pains caused by prolonged use of the mouse (see RSI).
For those who have not understood what I am talking about and have never thought that the keyboard can be used to control the computer and not only to write and also for those who know it but forget it, I have collected the main keyboard combinations on Windows .
By reading how simple these shortcuts are, you can then appreciate their effectiveness.
So, the most useful keyboard commands are those that start from the CTRL or ALT key so, using one hand, without removing the other from the mouse, you can use, for example, the left or right little finger, to hold down the CTRL and with the index press the other key.
Starting with the commands to navigate on Windows and the internet, we see:
Ctrl + T opens a new tab in all major web browsers (Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome).
Alt + Tab shows currently open programs. If you also press Shift, they will scroll backwards.
Ctrl + Tab is used to scroll through the tabs of the web browser.
Ctrl + W or Ctrl + F4 closes the current window or internet tab.
Some programs close with Ctrl + W, but in general, Alt + F4 is used to close programs and windows in a universal way.
Ctrl + Shift + T reopens, on browsers (except Safari), the last tab that has been closed.
Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V are the selected text copy and paste.
Ctrl - X is the size (or even move).
In these cases, to select the text you can use Ctrl - A to select it all or, with the Shift key pressed, use the back and forth arrows to select text.
The End key goes to the end of a line while the diagonal arrow key ( Start ) goes to the beginning of the line of a text.
Copy and paste is the main operation that is done on any Windows PC, doing it from a keyboard instead of a mouse is much faster and less tiring.
Ctrl + Right arrow (or left arrow) is also very useful for passing the cursor at the end of each word; much faster than just using the arrow.
Holding down Shift also allows you to select text.
Ctrl + Z undoes the last action (what is the backward arrow on Word) and works with everything except web browsers.
Ctrl + mouse wheel is used to zoom in or zoom out.
This works in almost any type of program and serves above all to enlarge or decrease the font size in a written text, both on the internet and on a spreadsheet.
F5 updates the folder or web page you are on.
Alt + D selects the address bar in your web browser or in a Windows Explorer folder to write an internet address or search path on your computer.
Even faster, the same thing is achieved by pressing F6 .
For the more experienced and advanced users, we see other shortcuts and other commands to start with the keyboard, based above all on the Windows Logo key, the one with the flag next to Ctrl and Alt.
The Windows key, alone, opens the Start menu from which, pressing any key, the program opens whose name begins with the letter pressed.
Windows key + L locks the computer immediately and quickly, with a possible password request.
Windows key + D is used to show the desktop; so it is useless to look for the "Show desktop around" icon, to hide all open windows and programs, just press Win - D and everything disappears from view.
The same thing can be done with Win - M which minimizes all windows.
Windows + R opens the program launch window, the one called "Run".
Windows + T, select apps on the taskbar.
Windows + Number (0 to 9) opens one of the programs that are on the sidebar, the icons next to the start menu.
If you press the number 1, the first opens from the left, 5 the fifth and so on.
If the program is already open, you go to that window.
Shift + Windows + Number opens a new instance of the chosen program, even if esos was already open (where possible).
Win + Tab shows, where supported, the windows of programs opened with AeroFlip effect in 3D.
Win + Shift + Left arrow, only if you are using the dual monitor, move the current window to the left screen; the right arrow moves it to the right monitor.
Windows key + the arrows move the window to the right, to the left or make it disappear iconizing it or appearing on the whole screen, maximizing it.
Win + 1, 2, 3, 4 launch the programs fixed in the application bar.
Windows + B brings up hidden icons in the taskbar.
Windows +. makes emoticons appear so you can write them in any text.
Windows + I : Opens Windows 10 Settings
Windows + X to use the Windows 10 secondary Start menu
Note: these shortcuts all work with Windows 10 and Windows 7, almost all with Windows Vista, some with Windows XP.
Other lesser known shortcut keys, sometimes not even useful but which, out of curiosity, it may be interesting to know are:
Ctrl + Shift + left mouse button pressed on a program icon in the Start menu, starts it with administrator privileges, bypassing the UAC control.
Holding Shift while inserting a CD into your computer avoids automatic loading.
Alt + Left Shift + STAMP activates high contrast on the monitor and is useful if you don't see much.
Ctrl + Shift + Esc opens the Task Manager so you don't need to press Ctrl + Alt + Del to start the task manager, you do it this way first.
Ctrl + Alt + Del is useful when you lock your computer and intend to restart it.
The infamous Ins key is used to write, deleting the letters that are to the right of the cursor.
Very often, you press it without realizing it and, writing on the computer, you discover after a while that what you write, erases the existing.
The Stamp key alone makes the "copy" of the image what appears on the screen which can then be pasted into Word or an image editor.
Win - E opens the Windows Explorer window.
Ctrl - Esc opens the start menu.
Alt - Space opens the menu to minimize, move or maximize a window and is useful if the window controls disappear from the screen.
In other articles, to learn more
All keyboard controls for Windows 7
Windows 8 shortcuts and key combinations
All keyboard controls for Windows XP
New and important key combinations in Windows 10
Shortcuts for Mozilla Firefox
Shortcuts for Google Chrome
Shortcuts for Apple Safari
Main uses of function keys on Windows, F1, F2, F3 ... F12
In other articles there are some programs to customize the keyboard commands and configure them manually for anything and then also the ways to remap the keys, disable them or change their function.
Finally, remember that you can find all the keyboard shortcuts for Firefox and Chrome .
