---
title: "Windows 8 Shortcut Keys"  
description: "In this article I am trying to explain the shortcut keys of Windows 8."  
author: "Vijay Shukla"  
published: 2013-04-17  
updated: 2019-03-31  
canonical: https://www.mindstick.com/articles/1261/windows-8-shortcut-keys  
category: "shortcut keys"  
tags: ["shortcut keys"]  
reading_time: 13 minutes  

---

# Windows 8 Shortcut Keys

In this article I am trying to explain the [shortcut keys](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/477/shortcut-keys-for-formatting-elements-in-pivottable-view-for-ms-access) of Windows 8.

##### Windows 8

| ##### Key | ##### Description |
| --- | --- |
| WINKEY KEY+C | Open the Charms |
| WINKEY KEY+H | Open the Share charm |
| WINKEY KEY+K | Open the Devices charm |
| WINKEY KEY+I | Open the Settings charm |
| WINKEY KEY+F | Open the Search charm to search files |
| CTRL+PLUS OR CTRL+MINUS OR CTRL+SCROLL WHEEL | Zoom in or out of apps pinned to the Start screen |
| WINKEY KEY+C | Open the commands for the app |
| WINKEY KEY+J | Switch the main app and snapped app |
| WINKEY KEY+O | Lock the device orientation |
| WINKEY KEY+Q | Open the Search charm to search apps |
| WINKEY KEY+V | Loop through notifications |
| WINKEY KEY+SHIFT+V | Loop through notifications in [reverse order](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/156836/what-is-a-c-sharp-program-to-print-individual-from-a-string-in-reverse-order) |
| WINKEY KEY+W | Open the Search charm to search settings |
| WINKEY KEY+, | Temporarily peek at the desktop |
| WINKEY KEY+Z | Show the commands available in the app |
| WINKEY KEY+SPACEBAR | Switch input language and keyboard layout |
| WINKEY KEY+CTRL+SPACEBAR | Change to a previously selected input |
| WINKEY KEY+TAB | Loop through open apps (except desktop apps) |
| WINKEY KEY+CTRL+TAB | Loop through open apps (except desktop apps) and snaps them as they are cycled |
| WINKEY KEY+SHIFT+TAB | Loop through open apps (except desktop apps) in reverse order |
| WINKEY KEY+PGUP | Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the left (Apps in the desktop won’t change monitors) |
| WINKEY KEY+PGDOWN | Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the right (Apps in the desktop won’t change monitors) |
| WINKEY KEY+SHIFT+PERIOD (.) | Snaps an app to the left |
| F5 | refresh |
| ALT+W | close app |
| WINKEY+TAB | graphics view |
| ALT+F4 | shut down |
| ALT+F12 | volume |

##### Basic

| ##### Key | ##### Description |
| --- | --- |
| F1 | Display Help |
| F2 | Rename |
| F3 | Search |
| F4 | Show [address bar](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/70/how-can-we-remove-address-bar-of-browser) in Explorer |
| F5 | Refresh |
| F6 | Loop through screen elements in a window or on the desktop |
| F10 | Activate the menu bar in the active app |
| ALT+F4 | Close the active item, or exit the active app |
| ALT+ESC | Loop through items in the order in which they were opened |
| ALT+UNDERLINED LETTER | Perform the command for that letter |
| ALT+ENTER | Display properties for the selected item |
| ALT+SPACEBAR | Open the shortcut menu for the [active window](https://www.mindstick.com/forum/33483/using-python-find-active-window-name-in-mac-os-x) |
| ALT+LEFT ARROW | Back |
| ALT+RIGHT ARROW | Forward |
| ALT+PAGE UP | Move up one screen |
| ALT+PAGE DOWN | Move down one screen |
| ALT+TAB | Switch between open apps (except desktop apps) |
| CTRL+F4 | Close the active document (in apps that allow you to have multiple documents open simultaneously) |
| CTRL+A | Select all items in a document or window |
| CTRL+C (OR CTRL+INSERT) | Copy the selected item |
| CTRL+R (OR F5) | Refresh the active window |
| CTRL+V (OR SHIFT+INSERT) | Paste the selected item |
| CTRL+X | Cut the selected item |
| CTRL+Z | Undo an action |
| CTRL+Y | Redo an action |
| CTRL+PLUS (+) OR CTRL+MINUS (-) | Zoom in or out of apps pinned to the Start screen |
| CTRL+SCROLL WHEEL | Zoom in or out of apps pinned to the Start screen |
| CTRL+ MOUSE SCROLL WHEEL | Change the size of desktop icons |
| CTRL+RIGHT ARROW | Move the cursor to the beginning of the next word |
| CTRL+LEFT ARROW | Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous word |
| CTRL+DOWN ARROW | Move the cursor to the beginning of the next paragraph |
| CTRL+UP ARROW | Move the cursor to the beginning of the previous paragraph |
| CTRL+ALT+TAB | Use the arrow keys to switch between all open apps |
| CTRL WITH AN ARROW KEY+SPACEBAR | Select multiple individual items in a window or on the desktop |
| CTRL+SHIFT WITH AN ARROW KEY | Select a block of text |
| CTRL+ESC | Open the Start screen |
| CTRL+SHIFT+ESC | Open Task Manager |
| CTRL+SHIFT | Switch the keyboard layout when multiple keyboard layouts are enabled |
| SHIFT+F10 | Display the shortcut menu for the selected item |
| SHIFT WITH ANY ARROW KEY | Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text within a document |
| SHIFT+DELETE | Delete the selected item without moving it to the [Recycle Bin](https://www.mindstick.com/articles/1716/change-recycle-bin-settings-in-windows-os) first |
| RIGHT ARROW | Open the next menu to the right, or open a submenu |
| LEFT ARROW | Open the next menu to the left, or close a submenu |
| ESC | Cancel the current task |

##### Dialogs

| ##### Key | ##### Description |
| --- | --- |
| F1 | Display Help |
| F4 | Display the items in the active list |
| CTRL+TAB | Move forward through tabs |
| CTRL+SHIFT+TAB | Move back through tabs |
| CTRL+N (NUMBER 1-9) | Move to Nth tab |
| TAB | Move forward through options |
| SHIFT+TAB | Move back through options |
| ALT+UNDERLINED LETTER | Perform the command or select the option for that letter |
| ENTER | Replace clicking the mouse for many selected commands |
| SPACEBAR | Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box |
| BACKSPACE | Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open [dialog box](https://www.mindstick.com/blog/157/dialog-box-in-dot-net) |
| ARROW KEYS | Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons |

##### Windows logo

| ##### Key | ##### Description |
| --- | --- |
| WINKEY KEY+F1 | Open Windows Help and Support |
| WINKEY KEY | Display or hide the Start menu |
| WINKEY KEY+B | Set focus in the notification area |
| WINKEY KEY+C | Open the Charms |
| WINKEY KEY+C | Open the commands for the app |
| WINKEY KEY+D | Display and hides the desktop |
| WINKEY KEY+E | Open Computer |
| WINKEY KEY+F | Open the Search charm and search file |
| WINKEY KEY+G | Cycle through gadgets on the desktop |
| WINKEY KEY+H | Open the Share charm |
| WINKEY KEY+I | Open the Settings charm |
| WINKEY KEY+J | Switch the main app and snapped app |
| WINKEY KEY+K | Open the Devices charm |
| WINKEY KEY+L | Lock your PC or switch users |
| WINKEY KEY+M | Minimize all windows |
| WINKEY KEY+O | Lock device orientation |
| WINKEY KEY+P | Choose a presentation [display mode](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/2206/what-is-the-use-of-display-modes) |
| WINKEY KEY+Q | Open the Search charm and search apps |
| WINKEY KEY+R | Open the Run dialog box |
| WINKEY KEY+T | Cycle through apps on the taskbar |
| WINKEY KEY+U | Open Ease of Access Center |
| WINKEY KEY+V | Cycle through notifications |
| WINKEY KEY+SHIFT+V | Cycle through notifications in reverse order |
| WINKEY KEY+W | Open the Search charm and search settings |
| WINKEY KEY+X | Opens the Quick Link menu |
| WINKEY KEY+, | Temporarily peek at the desktop |
| WINKEY KEY+Z | Show the commands available in the app |
| WINKEY KEY+PAUSE | Display the System Properties dialog box |
| WINKEY KEY+CTRL+F | Search for PCs (if you're on a network) |
| WINKEY KEY+SHIFT+M | Restore minimized windows on the desktop |
| WINKEY KEY+NUMBER | Start the desktop app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is [already running](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/95719/how-do-you-fix-the-error-firefox-is-already-running-but-not-responding), switch to that app. |
| WINKEY KEY+SHIFT+NUMBER | Start a new instance of the desktop app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
| WINKEY KEY+CTRL+NUMBER | Switch to the last active window of the desktop app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
| WINKEY KEY+ALT+NUMBER | Open the Jump List for the desktop app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number |
| WINKEY KEY+CTRL+SHIFT+NUMBER | Open a new instance of the desktop app located at the given position on the taskbar as admin |
| WINKEY KEY+TAB | Cycle through open apps (except desktop apps) |
| WINKEY KEY+CTRL+TAB | Cycle through open apps (except desktop apps) and snaps them as they are cycled |
| WINKEY KEY+CTRL+B | Switch to the app that displayed a message in the notification area |
| WINKEY KEY+UP ARROW | Maximize the desktop window |
| WINKEY KEY+LEFT ARROW | Maximize the desktop window to the left side of the screen |
| WINKEY KEY+RIGHT ARROW | Maximize the desktop window to the right side of the screen |
| WINKEY KEY+HOME | Minimize all but the active desktop window (restores all windows on second stroke) |
| WINKEY KEY+SHIFT+UP ARROW | Stretch the desktop window to the top and bottom of the screen |
| WINKEY KEY+SHIFT+DOWN ARROW | Restore/minimize active desktop windows vertically, maintaining width |
| MWINKEY KEY+SHIFT+LEFT ARROW OR RIGHT ARROW | ove a window in the desktop from one monitor to another |
| WINKEY KEY+SPACEBAR | Switch input language and keyboard layout |
| WINKEY KEY+CTRL+SPACEBAR | Change to a previously selected input |
| WINKEY KEY+ENTER | Open Narrator |
| WINKEY KEY+PGUP | Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the left (Apps in the desktop won’t change monitors) |
| WINKEY KEY+PGDOWN | Move the Start screen and apps to the monitor on the right (Apps in the desktop won’t change monitors) |
| WINKEY KEY+CTRL+TAB | Cycle through opens apps (except desktop apps) and snaps them as they are cycled |
| WINKEY KEY+SHIFT+PERIOD (.) | Snaps an app to the left |
| WINKEY KEY+PERIOD (.) | Snaps an app to the right |
| WINKEY KEY+TAB | Loop through opens apps (except desktop apps) |
| WINKEY KEY+/ | Initiate IME reconversion |
| WINKEY KEY+ALT+ENTER | Opens Windows Media Center |
| WINKEY KEY+PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-) | Up Zoom in or out (in Magnifier) |
| WINKEY KEY+ESC | Exit Magnifier |

##### Explorer

| ##### Key | ##### Description |
| --- | --- |
| ALT+D | Select the address bar |
| CTRL+E | Select the search box |
| CTRL+F | Select the search box |
| CTRL+N | Open a new window |
| CTRL+W | Close the current window |
| CTRL+MOUSE SCROLL WHEEL | Change the size and appearance of [file and folder](https://www.mindstick.com/interview/2587/explain-in-brief-about-the-important-file-and-folder-when-you-create-new-android-application) icons |
| CTRL+SHIFT+E | Display all folders above the selected folder |
| CTRL+SHIFT+N | Create a new folder |
| NUM LOCK+ASTERISK (*) | Display all subfolders under the selected folder |
| NUM LOCK+PLUS (+) | Display the contents of the selected folder |
| NUM LOCK+MINUS (-) | Collapse the selected folder |
| ALT+P | Display the preview pane |
| ALT+ENTER | Open the Properties dialog box for the selected item |
| ALT+RIGHT ARROW | View the next folder |
| ALT+UP ARROW | View the parent folder |
| ALT+LEFT ARROW | View the previous folder |
| BACKSPACE | View the previous folder |
| RIGHT ARROW | Display the current selection (if it's collapsed), or select the first subfolder |
| LEFT ARROW | Collapse the current selection (if it's expanded), or select the parent folder |
| END | Display the bottom of the active window |
| HOME | Display the top of the active window |
| F11 | Maximize or minimize the active window |
|  |  |

##### Taskbar

| ##### Key | ##### Description |
| --- | --- |
| SHIFT+CLICK ON A TASKBAR BUTTON | Open a app or quickly open another instance of a app |
| CTRL+SHIFT+CLICK ON A TASKBAR BUTTON | Open a app as an administrator |
| SHIFT+RIGHT-CLICK ON A TASKBAR BUTTON | Show the window menu for the app |
| SHIFT+RIGHT-CLICK ON A GROUPED TASKBAR BUTTON | Show the window menu for the group |
| CTRL+CLICK ON A GROUPED TASKBAR BUTTON | Cycle through the windows of the group |

##### Ease of Access

| ##### Key | ##### Description |
| --- | --- |
| RIGHT SHIFT FOR EIGHT SECONDS | Turn Filter Keys on and off |
| LEFT ALT+LEFT SHIFT+PRTSCN | Turn High Contrast on or off |
| LEFT ALT+LEFT SHIFT+NUM LOCK | Turn Mouse Keys on or off |
| SHIFT FIVE TIMES | Turn [Sticky Keys](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/109601/how-to-disable-sticky-keys-on-windows) on or off |
| NUM LOCK FOR FIVE SECONDS | Turn Toggle Keys on or off |
| WINKEY KEY+U | Open the Ease of Access Center |

##### Magnifier

| ##### Key | ##### Description |
| --- | --- |
| WINKEY KEY+PLUS (+) OR MINUS (-) | Zoom in or out |
| CTRL+ALT+D | Switch to docked mode |
| CTRL+ALT+F | Switch to full-screen mode |
| CTRL+ALT+I | Invert colors |
| CTRL+ALT+L | Switch to lens mode |
| CTRL+ALT+R | Resize the lens |
| WINKEY KEY+ESC | Exit Magnifier |

##### Remote Desktop

| ##### Key | ##### Description |
| --- | --- |
| ALT+PAGE UP | Move between apps from left to right |
| ALT+PAGE DOWN | Move between apps from right to left |
| ALT+INSERT | Cycle through apps in the order that they were started in |
| ALT+HOME | Display the Start menu |
| CTRL+ALT+BREAK | Switch between a window and full screen |
| CTRL+ALT+END | Display the Windows Security dialog box |
| ALT+DELETE | Display the system menu |

---

Original Source: https://www.mindstick.com/articles/1261/windows-8-shortcut-keys

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