Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts: The Complete List (2026)
Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts can save you dozens of clicks per day. Here are the most useful ones grouped by category, from basics to the ones most people don’t know.
Essential Shortcuts (Most Used)
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
Win + D | Minimize all windows / show desktop |
Win + E | Open File Explorer |
Win + L | Lock your computer |
Win + I | Open Settings |
Win + R | Open the Run dialog |
Alt + F4 | Close the active window |
Ctrl + Z | Undo last action |
Win + V | Clipboard history |
Win + . | Open emoji picker |
Window Management
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
Win + ←/→/↑/↓ | Snap window left / right / maximize / minimize |
Win + Shift + ←/→ | Move window to left or right monitor |
Win + Z | Open Snap Layouts (split screen) |
Alt + Tab | Switch between open windows |
Win + Tab | Task view (all windows and desktops) |
Virtual Desktops
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
Win + Ctrl + D | Create a new virtual desktop |
Win + Ctrl + ←/→ | Switch to previous / next desktop |
Win + Ctrl + F4 | Close current virtual desktop |
Screenshots
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
Win + Shift + S | Open Snipping Tool (recommended) |
Win + PrtSc | Capture full screen and save to Pictures |
Alt + PrtSc | Capture active window to clipboard |
System and Accessibility
| Shortcut | What it does |
|---|---|
Win + + | Enable magnifier (screen zoom) |
Win + C | Open Copilot (AI assistant) |
Win + A | Open Action Center |
Win + N | Open notification panel |
Win + K | Connect to devices (Bluetooth, Cast) |
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager directly |
What is the most useful Windows 11 shortcut most people don’t know?
Win + V opens clipboard history, saving everything you’ve copied in the session. Very useful when copying multiple texts. Win + Z opens Snap Layouts for quick split-screen. And Win + . opens the emoji picker in any app.
How do I see all keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11?
Press Win + Shift + ? in many applications to see available shortcuts. In File Explorer, press Alt to show menus with keyboard shortcut letters highlighted.
Can I customize keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11?
System Windows shortcuts cannot be changed directly, but you can use free tools like AutoHotkey to create custom shortcuts or remap any key on your keyboard.
Conclusion
Start by memorizing the 5 most useful: Win+D (desktop), Win+L (lock), Win+V (clipboard), Win+Shift+S (screenshot) and Win+Z (Snap Layouts). In a week they will be automatic and you will notice the productivity difference.
