Windows 11 is an all-encompassing operating system with numerous features for PCs, laptops and tablets alike. Furthermore, it includes various keyboard shortcuts designed to increase efficiency in work processes while decreasing repetitive stress injuries in hands and wrists.
Ctrl + [left or right arrow] can be used to move the cursor directly to the next or previous word in a line of text, making navigating paragraphs much quicker.
1. Opens File Explorer
One of the basic Windows 11 shortcuts programmers may find useful is one to launch File Explorer. It’s straightforward and efficient – saving time and energy when quickly accessing an application.
Microsoft has introduced several new features into its classic File Explorer and made some significant updates to it as well. Most notably, one key change is that users now receive recommendations of files and folders based on their personal cloud files – this feature only available when signed in with Azure Active Directory accounts.
Fil Explorer also boasts the capability of quickly switching tabs by using Ctrl + [number]. Pressing Ctrl + 1 will take you directly to the first tab; similarly, pressing Ctrl + 2 takes you directly to the second and so forth – similar to how tabs in most browsers work.
2. Opens the Settings app
The Windows Settings app is a key part of Windows operating systems, enabling users to customize numerous aspects of their computer and personalize its appearance. There are multiple ways of opening this feature – keyboard shortcuts being one effective way – that allow you to access these settings quickly and increase productivity.
Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that enable you to perform tasks more quickly than by using mouse or menu items, relieving stress from hands and wrists while helping prevent repetitive strain injuries.
Windows 11 features several new and improved keyboard shortcuts, such as the ability to snap windows side-by-side – simply press Win + Shift + S. You can also capture specific areas of your screen using tools like Snip & Sketch; then paste this screenshot in Settings app so you can adjust its size and position as needed.
3. Opens the Run dialog box
Windows 8’s power user menu, such as the Run dialog box, makes accessing essential tools easy. Pressing WIN + R opens a window where you can type commands to launch applications or access various settings on your computer – perfect for non-Microsoft apps such as Chrome and Adobe software!
The Run dialog box offers much more than just opening programs; some keystrokes you may find helpful include using WIN + [number] to switch between tasks on the taskbar or searching text within any file, document, or web page, as well as using WIN + F to search text within these. With these shortcuts available to them, programmers can boost productivity while decreasing physical strain caused by overusing their mouse.
4. Opens the search bar
Utilizing your computer efficiently requires knowing some keyboard shortcuts. By quickly accessing various applications with one or two keystrokes, these shortcuts can increase productivity by saving time and helping you do more in less time.
One of the best keyboard shortcuts for Windows is opening up the search bar, an invaluable feature which enables you to quickly locate items across your desktop or programs.
If the Search button on your taskbar in Windows 11 is missing, enabling it can be achieved using a simple command. In order to do this, however, Insider builds with version 25231 or later must be running.
Programmers may also find various shortcut keys useful, including Ctrl + [number], which takes them directly to their desired tab (for instance Ctrl + 2 takes them directly to the second tab from the left). You can even use your keyboard to snap apps side-by-side on your screen!
5. Shows the desktop
Windows users likely already understand that keyboard shortcuts provide faster ways of performing actions than using the mouse. Many programs include keyboard shortcuts in their Help menu, which can save time and improve productivity.
As an example, when creating documents in Visual Studio or notepad, Ctrl+[left or right arrows] allows for faster navigation of long lines of text.
Win + D is another useful shortcut, revealing and minimising all windows on the desktop and bringing all projects and documents back onto it. Pressing this key restores its previous state; for more useful keyboard shortcuts right-clicking the taskbar and selecting View > Show desktop icons.
6. Opens the Task View
Windows 11 allows you to easily switch desktops using Task View shortcut keys. Doing this brings all the open windows associated with each desktop into the middle section of the screen and changes its wallpaper accordingly (if available).
If you want your current windows on one desktop, simply click the Task-Bar Button in the Top Right Corner to restore their previous state. Alternately, Win+ Tab may also work.
The Task View offers many features to help you efficiently manage your computer, such as quickly accessing recently used files, programs, documents, and files pinned to the taskbar as well as switching input languages, and taking screenshots with Snip & Sketch.
7. Locks the computer
Learning some hotkeys can save time and effort for computer users, opening programs or running commands quickly and efficiently while speeding up tasks that would take much longer if completed via mouse or menu items.
Windows 11’s right-click context menu features an enhanced design that limits what options it displays, however, you can opt to switch back to classic menu using Registry tweaks and disable new version.
If you leave your computer frequently for reasons such as using the restroom or grabbing something to eat, typing your password each time can become tiresome. Luckily, your power or sleep settings can be set to automatically lock after a specified period of inactivity – alternatively, you can manually unlock it by pressing key or activating Dynamic Lock.
8. Opens the Quick Link menu
The Quick Link menu provides quick access to Windows tools and features from your Taskbar, including PC settings, disk management, event viewer and Task Manager.
This shortcut will open the Quick Link menu in a separate tab for easier navigation. Furthermore, Ctrl+[number] can also be used to quickly jump directly to an application – for example Ctrl+1 will launch the first app, Ctrl+1 the second etc.
Programmers may find this keyboard shortcut particularly helpful as it allows them to quickly launch programs without opening the Start menu or searching the search box for them. Furthermore, this feature makes switching between windows and applications simpler; making this feature especially helpful when debugging code or working on projects.
9. Opens the Task Manager
Many computer users rely on mouse for desktop work, but keyboard combination shortcuts offer an efficient alternative. They allow access to important applications without opening menus or clicking icons.
One of programmers’ most essential computer shortcuts is accessing the Task Manager. This useful tool enables program administrators to efficiently manage Windows programs, and quickly resolve issues.
A classic way of accessing the Task Manager is via CTRL+ALT+DEL. This keyboard shortcut opens a window enabling you to manage startup applications, view performance metrics, and identify signed-in users.
Another method for accessing the Task Manager is pressing Win + R and typing “taskmgr” in the command prompt. This will also open up the Task Manager, with more features than using Ctrl + Alt + Delete alone.
