March 29, 2024

Have you ever thought about how much quicker working on a document would be if you did not have to click so many buttons in order to complete a simple task? If so, have you thought about using the keyboard driven commands? Many tasks that can be done with a mouse can be achieved quicker and easier with keyboard shortcuts. Download General key commands which tells you how you can speed up day-to-day running and make more efficient use of your time.

Your reference guide to keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft products
Sidmouth College ICT Dept.
General key commands

  • CTRL + X: Cut
  • CTRL + V: Paste
  • CTRL + Z: Undo
  • CTRL + B: Bold
  • CTRL + U: Underline
  • CTRL + I: Italic
  • CTRL + C: Copy
  • CTRL + A: Select all the items in the current window
  • F1: Help
  • ALT + TAB: Switch between open programs
  • ALT + F4: Quit program
  • SHIFT + DELETE: Delete item permanently
  • Windows Key + L: Lock the computer (without using CTRL+ALT+DELETE)

Do you want to delete something without having to empty recycle bin?

  • SHIFT + DELETE: Deletes an item immediately without placing it in the Recycle Bin

General switching commands

  • ALT + TAB: Switch to another running program (hold down the ALT key and then press the TAB key to view the task-switching window)
  •  SHIFT: Press and hold down the SHIFT key while you insert a CD-ROM to bypass the automatic-run feature
  • ALT + F4: Closes the current window

Do you want to copy a file?
Press and hold down the CTRL key while you drag the file to another folder.
Inside My Computer?

  • F5: Refreshes the current window.
  • BACKSPACE: Switch to the previous folder
  • Left ALT + left SHIFT + PRINT SCREEN: Toggles high contrast on and off
  • Windows Key + R: Run dialog box
  • Windows Key + M: Minimize all
  • Windows Key + E: Windows Explorer
  • Windows Key + F: Find files or folders
  • Windows Key + D: Minimizes all open windows and displays the desktop