Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts
Windows 11 puts window management and desktop movement on the Windows key. This reference covers snapping, virtual desktops, screenshots, text editing, and the system tools that are easy to forget.
Windows shortcuts are mostly about moving the frame around the work. Start with windows and desktops, then add text editing, screenshots, File Explorer, and system controls for the moments when the pointer feels slow.
Window management
Switch, snap, resize, minimize, maximize, and close the windows on the desktop.
| Action | Windows |
|---|---|
| Snap the window to the left half | WinLeft |
| Snap the window to the right half | WinRight |
| Maximize the active window | WinUp |
| Minimize the active window | WinDown |
| Open snap layoutsWindows 11 feature for picking a snap arrangement. | WinZ |
| Snap the window to the top half | WinAltUp |
| Move the window to the monitor on the leftWin+Shift+Right moves it to the right monitor. | WinShiftLeft |
| Switch between open windowsKeep holding Alt and press Tab repeatedly to cycle. | AltTab |
| Close the active window or app | AltF4 |
| Display and hide the desktop | WinD |
| Switch through open windows in reverse | AltShiftTab |
| Cycle through windows in the order they opened | AltEsc |
| Open the active window menu | AltSpace |
| Minimize every window except the active one | WinHome |
| Stretch the active window vertically | WinShiftUp |
| Move the window to the monitor on the right | WinShiftRight |
Virtual desktops
Create, switch, close, and move windows across virtual desktops.
| Action | Windows |
|---|---|
| Open Task view | WinTab |
| Create another desktop | WinCtrlD |
| Switch to the virtual desktop on the right | WinCtrlRight |
| Switch to the virtual desktop on the left | WinCtrlLeft |
| Close the desktop you are using | WinCtrlF4 |
Screenshots and recording
Capture the screen, a window, or a region, then open the recording and gaming controls.
| Action | Windows |
|---|---|
| Capture a region of the screen to the clipboardOpens Snipping Tool for markup and sharing. | WinShiftS |
| Save a full screen screenshot to the Screenshots folder | WinPrtScn |
| Capture the active window to the clipboard | AltPrtScn |
| Record a video of a selected screen regionSaves an MP4 through Snipping Tool. | WinShiftR |
Text editing
Use the common Windows editing keys for selection, clipboard work, undo, and cursor movement.
| Action | Windows |
|---|---|
| Undo the previous action | CtrlZ |
| Redo the previous action | CtrlY |
| Cut the selection | CtrlX |
| Copy the selection | CtrlC |
| Paste from the clipboard | CtrlV |
| Select all content | CtrlA |
| Paste as plain textMay not work in every application. | CtrlShiftV |
| Delete words to the left of the cursor | CtrlBackspace |
| Find text | CtrlF |
System and tools
Open Settings, Search, File Explorer, Run, clipboard history, accessibility, and system menus.
| Action | Windows |
|---|---|
| Open File Explorer | WinE |
| Open Settings | WinI |
| Open the Run dialog | WinR |
| Open Search | WinS |
| Open the Quick Link menu | WinX |
| Open the notification center | WinA |
| Start dictation | WinH |
| Open the Connect quick action | WinK |
| Lock the computer | WinL |
| Open the clipboard historyClipboard history must be turned on the first time you use this. | WinV |
| Open Task Manager | CtrlShiftEsc |
Make the useful keys stick
The Windows key is most useful when it moves the environment around you. Learn the window and desktop controls first, then keep the system and text sections for the small interruptions that usually break focus.
You do not need this whole page in your head. Pick two shortcuts that remove a repeated hand movement, use them until they feel ordinary, and come back for the next pair.