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Discover useful keyboard features in Windows that can make navigation, tasks, and functions quicker and easier.
Common keyboard shortcuts
You can use key press combinations to perform common tasks in Windows.
Note:
The Windows key on your keyboard is labeled with a Windows flag icon 
and is used in many key press combinations.
| Task | Keystroke | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Get help | f1 | Get help about the software or app that is currently active. For help with Windows, press f1 while on the Windows desktop. |
| Copy | ctrl + c | Copy a selection to the Windows clipboard to be pasted later. |
| Paste | ctrl + v | Paste a previously cut or copied selection into an app. |
| Cut | ctrl + x | Delete a selection and copy it to the Windows clipboard to be pasted later. |
| Save | ctrl + s | Save a file from the currently active app. |
| Undo an action | ctrl + z | Undo the last action done in Windows. Repeat this key press combination to continue undoing previous actions. |
| Bold text | ctrl + b | Apply bold emphasis to selected text while text is being edited. |
| Underline text | ctrl + u | Underline selected text while text is being edited. |
| Italicize text | ctrl + i | Apply italicized emphasis to selected text while text is being edited. |
| Destroy a file | shift + delete | Delete a selected file in Windows without moving it to the Recycle Bin. The file is permanently deleted. |
| File properties | alt + enter (or double-click) | Quickly find a file's property information. The key press combination works from the desktop, File Explorer, or Windows Explorer. |
| Screenshot | prt scr (print screen) | Copy a picture of the screen to the Windows clipboard to be pasted as a graphic later. On some laptops, you may need to press and hold fn before pressing prt scr. |
| Take a picture of a window | shift + prt scr (print screen) | Copy a picture of the current window (not the entire screen) to the Windows clipboard to be pasted as a graphic later. |
| Close a window or web page | With the window active, press alt + f4 (function key f4) | Close the currently active window or app. This task can be useful when you want to close a webpage that does not have a close window button. |
| Shut down or restart Windows | With the Windows desktop active, press alt + f4 (function key f4) | Open a window where you can select power functions, such as Log off, Sleep, Hibernate, Restart, and Shut down. |
| Open the Start menu or Start screen | The Windows key or ctrl + esc | Open or close the Start menu or Start screen. |
| Open a window menu or menu item | alt + the letter key matching the underlined letter of the menu or menu item | Instead of using a mouse to open menus or select items within menus, use this key press combination. |
| Open a right-click (contextual) menu | shift + f10 (function key f10) | Instead of using a mouse to right-click an item in Windows, use this key press combination. |
| Run a command | Windows key + r | Open the Run dialog box to type Windows commands. |
| Switch between apps | alt + tab | Display all active windows. Switch to another window by repeatedly pressing the tab key while holding down the alt key. |
| Minimize window | Windows key + down arrow | Remove the current window from view without closing. You can access the window again by clicking the tray icon. |
| Maximize window | Windows key + up arrow | Change the size of the current window to fill the entire screen. |
| Minimize all windows | Windows key + m | Minimize all active windows. |
| Restore all minimized windows | Windows key + shift + m | Restore all active windows that were minimized to the system tray. |
| Ease of Access Center | Windows key + u | Open accessibility features, such as screen reading, high contrast screens, mouse alternative options, and more. |
| Open Task Manager | ctrl + shift + esc | Open the task manager utility to monitor currently running tasks and network activity. |
| Open System Properties | Windows key + pause / break | Open System Properties for quick access to basic system information and links to other helpful system tools. |
Windows 10 keyboard shortcuts
Use key press combinations to quickly access common functions in Windows 10.
| Function | Keystroke | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Search | Windows key + s | Open a search window to find files, folders, apps, settings, and websites. |
| Search for computers | Windows key + ctrl + f | Find computers on a local network. |
| Dictation | Windows key + h | Open the Dictation input feature. |
| File Explorer | Windows key + e | Open a File Explorer window to browse the files and folders on your computer. |
| Settings | Windows key + i | Open a Settings window where you can change the behavior of features in Windows. |
| Connect to devices | Windows key + k | Open the Connect or Devices view to connect to Bluetooth devices. |
| Lock the computer | Windows key + l | Lock the computer to prevent unauthorized access while you are away. |
| Screen orientation lock | Windows key + o | Prevent or allow the screen to rotate when the display device is rotated, if supported. |
| Advanced settings | Windows key + x | Open the Advanced Settings menu. |
| View active apps | Windows key + tab | Resize and display all currently active windows to fit proportionally on the screen (thumbnail view). Use this view to quickly see everything currently running and to close or switch between windows. Repeat this key press combination to return the windows to their previous size and placement. |
| Windows desktop | Windows key + e | Hide the Start screen or minimize all active windows and menus to display the desktop. Repeat this key press combination to restore the previous view. |
| Snap a Window | Windows key + left arrow or right arrow | Move and resize the current window to the left or right half of the screen. |
| Save a screenshot | Windows key + prt scr (print screen) | Saves a picture of your screen as a PNG graphic file to a Screenshots folder in your Pictures library. |
Keys with icons or symbols
Most keyboards come with special symbols applied to the function keys. Your HP keyboard might have extra keys or buttons with icons as well.
Note:
On most laptop keyboards, you must press and hold the fn key before pressing the key with the symbol or icon to perform the function.
| Task | Symbol | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Enable wireless |
| Turn wireless internet on or off. There is usually an LED or on-screen notification to indicate the status of Wi-Fi: on, off, or on and not connected. This symbol key does not turn on Bluetooth. |
| Airplane mode |
| Enable or disable all wireless communications from the computer. |
| Presentation mode |
| Switch to another display mode when an external display is connected. |
| Illuminate the keyboard |
| If your laptop is equipped with an illuminated keyboard, turn keyboard illumination on or off. |
| Search |
| Open a search window to find files, folders, apps, settings, and websites. |
| Decrease screen brightness |
| Dim the brightness of the built-in display screen. |
| Increase screen brightness |
| Increase the brightness of the built-in display screen. |
| Menu / Right-click |
| Open a right-click menu. |
| Copy |
| Copy selection to clipboard. Same as pressing ctrl + c. |
| Lock the computer |
| Exit Windows to the sign-in screen. |
| Suspend the computer |
| Place the computer in sleep or suspend mode. |
| Mute |
| Silence the speakers or headphones. Repeat the press to allow sound. |
| Volume down |
| Decrease the volume of speakers or headphones. |
| Volume up |
| Increase the volume of speakers or headphones. |
| Play / Pause media |
| Play or pause media, such as music or videos. This key does not work unless media is active. |
| Stop media |
| Stop playback of media, such as music or videos. This key does not work unless media is active. |
| Skip (media) |
| Play next section or track of audio or video. |
| Previous (media) |
| Restart current media from the beginning. If pressed repeatedly, plays the previous track or clip. |
| Share |
| Open the Share menu where you can send files or messages to others. |
| Settings |
| Open a Settings window where you can change the behavior of features in Windows. |
| Scroll Lock |
| Activates or deactivates scroll lock. Scroll lock uses the arrow keys to move within a window instead of using a mouse and the scroll bar. Scroll lock is only used by a few software apps, such as Microsoft Excel. |
| Connect to devices |
| Open the Connect or Devices view where you can connect to Bluetooth devices. |
| Arrange app view |
| Display apps side-by-side for simultaneous viewing. |
| Switch apps |
| Switch between open apps. |
| Show app commands |
| Show the app commands that are available for the app that is currently open. |
| List apps |
| List apps that are open in the background. |
| Connect to the internet |
| Open the default internet browser. |
Frequently asked questions
Review these frequently asked questions (FAQs) to find answers to common questions about keyboard shortcuts.
How do I change or disable a key?
You can use additional software to change the behavior of keyboard keys in Windows.
There are several free software apps for changing the behavior of keys, such as Sharpkeys, MapKeyboard, KeyTweak, Keyboard Layout Creator by Microsoft, and others. Search the internet for the name of one of these software applications or "keyboard mapping software" to learn more.
CAUTION:
It is important to create a System Restore point before remapping keys in case you need to return to your original keyboard layout.
Note:
The fn key is a special key controlled by hardware. It cannot be remapped using software.
What do the function keys do?
Function keys allow you to perform an action by pressing a key instead of typing a character.
The action that happens for a function key depends on the software that is active when the key is pressed. Some software or apps might have functions for the keys, while others might not. If you press a function key while using an app and nothing happens, the app might not have a function programmed for that key.
Some function keys have a symbol printed on the key in addition to the function number. To activate the function that corresponds to the symbol, press and hold the fn key while pressing the function key. See Keys with icons or symbols for more information.
See the software help menu or support site to find out which keys are supported and the associated functions for those keys.
| Function key | Common functions for popular software |
|---|---|
| f1 | Open a help or tips window about the software or app that is open. For help with Windows, press f1 while on the Windows desktop. |
| f2 |
|
| f3 |
|
| f4 |
|
| f5 |
|
| f6 |
|
| f7 |
|
| f8 |
|
| f9 | Word: Press alt + f9 to show or hide hyperlink markup text from view. |
| f10 |
|
| f11 |
|
| f12 |
|
How do I turn the fn key on or off?
You can change a setting in the BIOS to change the Action Key mode setting.
Normally, you must first press the fn key to perform the secondary action of a function key, which is the action of the printed symbol on the key. Some notebook computers use a feature called Action Key mode that allows you to perform the secondary action without needing to press and hold the fn key first.
For more information, see HP Notebook PCs - How to lock or unlock the fn (function) key.
How do I type an at sign (@)?
On most keyboards the at sign (@) is created by pressing shift + 2.
If your keyboard has more than one symbol on the number 2 key, press ctrl + shift + 2 to type the at sign. If the at sign is found on the letter Q key, press and hold the altgr key, and then press q to type the at sign.
Can I use my keyboard as a mouse?
Yes. You can use keyboard shortcuts to perform normal Windows tasks in place of actions that would normally be done through a mouse. Or, you can enable mouse keys to use the numeric keyboard in place of a mouse.
You can use the following keyboard shortcuts to perform normal Windows tasks that would normally be done by using a mouse.
| Action | Keyboard action |
|---|---|
| Open an app from the Start menu | Press the Windows key to open the Start menu (or screen) and then use the arrow keys to move through the menu. Press enter to select an item from the menu or open an app. |
| Open something on the Windows desktop | Press the Windows key + d to go to the Windows desktop, press the arrow keys to move and highlight icons on the desktop, and then press the enter key to open the highlighted icon. |
| Browse through files and folders on your computer | Press Windows key + e to open File Explorer or Windows Explorer, press the arrow keys to move and highlight items, and then press the enter key to open the highlighted file or folder. |
| Left-click | With the object highlighted, press enter to open or activate it. Press space to make selections, such as placing a checkmark in a check box. |
| Right-click | With the object highlighted, press shift + f10 (function key f10). Press the arrow keys to move through the menu. |
| Switch to another open Window or app | Press and hold the alt key while repeatedly pressing the tab key until the window or app is highlighted. Release the alt key to display the window or app. |
| Select a menu item from a window | If the menu is not visible from a window, press and release the alt key. To open a menu or an item from a menu, press and hold the alt key, and then press the letter key that matches the underlined character in the menu. |
| Close a window or app | With the window selected, press alt + f4 (function key f4). |
Use mouse keys (numeric keypad required)
Move the mouse pointer and click items in Windows by using the keys on the numeric keypad.
-
Press the Windows key + u to open the Ease of Access Settings screen.
-
Open the Ease of Access options for using a mouse.
-
Using the keyboard: Use the arrow keys and the tab key to highlight the Mouse option from the Ease of Access menu on the left side of the window, and then press enter.
-
Using the mouse: Click the Mouse option from the Ease of Access menu on the left side of the window.
-
-
Turn on mouse keys.
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Using the keyboard: Use the arrow keys and the tab key (if needed) to highlight Use numeric keypad to move mouse around the screen, and then press space to make the selection.
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Using the mouse: Click the slider for Use numeric keypad to move mouse around the screen.
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If Num Lock is not enabled, press the num lock key to enable the numpad and Mouse Keys. The Mouse Keys feature is only on when Num Lock is enabled.
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Press the following keys to perform mouse actions from the numeric keypad:
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To move the pointer, press a number other than 5 in a direction that corresponds to the number's placement on the keypad. For example, press 8 to move the pointer up or press 1 to move the pointer down and to the left.
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To left-click, press forward slash ( / ) and then press 5.
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To right-click, press the minus sign ( - ) and then press 5.
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To double-click (the left mouse button), press forward slash ( / ) and then press +.
-
To drag (hold the left mouse button), press zero ( 0 ).
-
To drop (release the left mouse button), press period or decimal point ( . ).
Note:
The speed of the mouse pointer might be slow after first enabling this feature. Increase the speed of the mouse pointer from the pointer options tab in mouse settings.
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What do I do when some keys type the wrong characters?
Make sure that Num Lock is off by pressing the num lock key. If the problem persists, make sure that your keyboard input method in Windows matches your keyboard's country/region type. For example, if a QWERTY input method is used with a QWERTZ keyboard, some letters, such as Y and Z, do not produce the key press as labeled on the keys.
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of keyboard features in Windows, I can attest to the importance of efficient navigation and task execution through keyboard shortcuts. The provided article covers a comprehensive range of keyboard shortcuts that cater to various functionalities in Windows, ensuring a seamless user experience.
The article begins by introducing common keyboard shortcuts applicable in a general Windows environment. These include shortcuts for basic tasks such as copying (Ctrl + C), pasting (Ctrl + V), cutting (Ctrl + X), saving (Ctrl + S), undoing actions (Ctrl + Z), and formatting text (Ctrl + B for bold, Ctrl + U for underline, Ctrl + I for italicize). Notably, the Shift + Delete shortcut is highlighted, allowing users to permanently delete files without sending them to the Recycle Bin.
Furthermore, the article delves into shortcuts for managing windows and applications. Users can easily take screenshots (Prt Sc) or capture specific windows (Shift + Prt Sc). Closing active windows (Alt + F4), shutting down or restarting Windows (Alt + F4 from the desktop), and opening the Start menu (Windows key or Ctrl + Esc) are also covered.
For users specifically on Windows 10, the article provides additional keyboard shortcuts tailored to this version. These shortcuts encompass searching (Windows key + S), opening File Explorer (Windows key + E), accessing system settings (Windows key + I), and connecting to devices (Windows key + K).
A significant section of the article explores keys with icons or symbols found on keyboards, detailing their respective functions. This includes enabling/disabling wireless, entering airplane mode, switching display modes, controlling keyboard illumination, and adjusting screen brightness. These functionalities are often crucial for users, especially on laptops.
The article concludes with a FAQ section, addressing common queries about keyboard shortcuts. It covers topics such as remapping keys, understanding function keys, and using the keyboard as a mouse substitute. Additionally, it provides guidance on changing the behavior of specific keys and offers alternatives for typing the at sign (@) or using the keyboard as a mouse.
In summary, this article serves as a comprehensive guide to Windows keyboard shortcuts, catering to users of various proficiency levels. Whether performing basic tasks, managing windows, or utilizing specialized keys, the provided shortcuts enhance efficiency and user experience in navigating the Windows operating system.
