10 Windows keyboard shortcuts you possibly didn't know about
2009-09-22 12:25:52
Keyboard shortcuts are a vital time-saver. Here are ten that you possibly didn' already know about.
Active window Screenshot
ALT + Prt Scn
Holding the Alt and Print Screen buttons simultaneously will enable you to take a screenshot of just the active window, rather than the whole screen. This avoids the need to crop some images.
Lock Computer
Windows + L
Holding the Windows key and the letter L will automatically lock your computer. This protects you if you are leaving your PC unattended, because you will need to enter your password to get back in.
Open Windows Explorer
Windows + E
Holding the Windows key and the letter E will open Windows Explorer. This is basically like My Computer, but the 'Folders' Explorer Bar is turned on by default.
Searh for files and folders
Windows + F
Holding the Windows key and the letter F will open the Windows search feature.
Minimise all windows
Windows + M
Holding the Windows key and the letter M will minimise all open windows. This is great if you need instant access to your desktop. The Show Desktop command (Windows key and the letter D) will also achieve this.
Undo minimise all windows
Windows + SHIFT + M
Holding the Windows key, the Shift key and the letter M will restore any windows that were minimised by the "Minimise all windows" shortcut. The Show Desktop command (Windows key and the letter D) works as a toggle, so can be used to undo the Windows + D shortcut, but it cannot be used to undo Windows + M.
Show System Properties
Windows + BREAK
Holding the Windows key and Break key simultaneously will open the System Properties. This avoids going through the Control Panel or right-clicking My Computer to choose 'Properties'.
Rename file
F2, when a file is selected
Holding the F2 key when you have a file selected within Windows Explorer, will enable you to rename the file.
Prevent autorun
SHIFT, when inserting a CD
Holding the Shift key whilst you insert a CD and the disc is loading will prevent the disc's autorun from being activated.
ALT + F4
Shut down Windows
Holding the Alt key and the F4 key simultaneously will enable you to shut down Windows. You may already know that when you have a program open, Alt + F4 will close the application for you. However, you are less likely to know that the same principle can be applied to shut down Windows. You do this by going to your desktop and holding Alt + F4.
Active window Screenshot
ALT + Prt Scn
Holding the Alt and Print Screen buttons simultaneously will enable you to take a screenshot of just the active window, rather than the whole screen. This avoids the need to crop some images.
Lock Computer
Windows + L
Holding the Windows key and the letter L will automatically lock your computer. This protects you if you are leaving your PC unattended, because you will need to enter your password to get back in.
Open Windows Explorer
Windows + E
Holding the Windows key and the letter E will open Windows Explorer. This is basically like My Computer, but the 'Folders' Explorer Bar is turned on by default.
Searh for files and folders
Windows + F
Holding the Windows key and the letter F will open the Windows search feature.
Minimise all windows
Windows + M
Holding the Windows key and the letter M will minimise all open windows. This is great if you need instant access to your desktop. The Show Desktop command (Windows key and the letter D) will also achieve this.
Undo minimise all windows
Windows + SHIFT + M
Holding the Windows key, the Shift key and the letter M will restore any windows that were minimised by the "Minimise all windows" shortcut. The Show Desktop command (Windows key and the letter D) works as a toggle, so can be used to undo the Windows + D shortcut, but it cannot be used to undo Windows + M.
Show System Properties
Windows + BREAK
Holding the Windows key and Break key simultaneously will open the System Properties. This avoids going through the Control Panel or right-clicking My Computer to choose 'Properties'.
Rename file
F2, when a file is selected
Holding the F2 key when you have a file selected within Windows Explorer, will enable you to rename the file.
Prevent autorun
SHIFT, when inserting a CD
Holding the Shift key whilst you insert a CD and the disc is loading will prevent the disc's autorun from being activated.
ALT + F4
Shut down Windows
Holding the Alt key and the F4 key simultaneously will enable you to shut down Windows. You may already know that when you have a program open, Alt + F4 will close the application for you. However, you are less likely to know that the same principle can be applied to shut down Windows. You do this by going to your desktop and holding Alt + F4.