The Most Useful Keyboard Shortcuts You’re Not Using
Most Useful Keyboard Shortcuts You Don’t Use (But Should)
In our fast-paced digital world, efficiency is key. One of the best ways to boost productivity is by mastering keyboard shortcuts. While many of us use basic shortcuts like Ctrl+C (copy) and Ctrl+V (paste), there are a plethora of lesser-known but incredibly useful shortcuts that can streamline your workflow and save you time. Whether you're working on a document, browsing the web, or managing files, these hidden gems will help you work smarter, not harder.
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| The Most Useful Keyboard Shortcuts You’re Not Using. |
Here’s a roundup of some of the most useful keyboard shortcuts you might not be using—but should.
1. Alt + Tab (Windows) / Command + Tab (Mac)
What it does: Switch between open applications.
This is one of the most useful shortcuts for multitasking. Instead of clicking on icons in the taskbar or dock, simply press Alt + Tab (Windows) or Command + Tab (Mac) to cycle through your open apps. This is an essential time-saver when you’re juggling multiple projects.
2. Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows & Mac)
What it does: Reopen the last closed tab in your browser.
We’ve all accidentally closed a tab we were working on, but this shortcut is a lifesaver. Press Ctrl + Shift + T (or Command + Shift + T on Mac) to quickly bring back the tab you just closed, making it much easier to recover lost information.
3. Ctrl + L (Windows) / Command + L (Mac)
What it does: Focus the cursor on the browser’s address bar.
When browsing the web, it’s common to need to type a new URL or search term. Instead of manually clicking the address bar, Ctrl + L (or Command + L on Mac) instantly highlights the URL, allowing you to type right away. It’s a quick and seamless way to jump to new websites.
4. Ctrl + D (Windows) / Command + D (Mac)
What it does: Bookmark a webpage.
Instead of manually clicking through menus to bookmark a page, Ctrl + D (Command + D on Mac) opens the bookmark dialogue. You can name the page and save it to your favorites in just a second, keeping your browsing organized.
5. Ctrl + Z (Windows) / Command + Z (Mac)
What it does: Undo an action.
This classic shortcut is often used for text editing but can be applied to many other actions as well. Whether you made an editing mistake in a document or accidentally moved a file, Ctrl + Z (or Command + Z) is a quick way to reverse your last action.
6. Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Windows)
What it does: Open Task Manager directly.
When your computer is lagging or you need to close a misbehaving application, Ctrl + Shift + Esc opens Task Manager directly. Unlike Ctrl + Alt + Del, which brings up a menu with various options, this shortcut takes you straight to the Task Manager, making it quicker to resolve issues.
7. Ctrl + W (Windows) / Command + W (Mac)
What it does: Close the current window or tab.
While this is often used for closing tabs in web browsers, it can be applied to almost any program. Pressing Ctrl + W (or Command + W on Mac) closes the current window, helping you stay organized and avoid clutter.
8. Alt + F4 (Windows)
What it does: Close the current window.
This shortcut is faster than reaching for the mouse to click the “X” on a window. Alt + F4 closes the current active window, making it especially handy when you’re finished with an application and want to close it quickly.
9. Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows & Mac)
What it does: Open a new incognito or private browsing window.
If you're working on a shared computer or just want to browse without leaving a trail, Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) or Command + Shift + N (Mac) opens a new incognito window. It’s a great shortcut for privacy-conscious browsing, letting you navigate without saving cookies or browsing history.
10. Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys (Windows & Mac)
What it does: Select large chunks of text.
When editing text, selecting text word by word can be tedious. Instead, press Ctrl + Shift + Arrow Keys (Windows) or Command + Shift + Arrow Keys (Mac) to quickly select a paragraph, line, or entire block of text. This makes editing and copying much more efficient.
11. Windows Key + D (Windows)
What it does: Minimize or maximize all open windows.
If you need to quickly check your desktop or hide your open windows, pressing Windows Key + D minimizes everything to show your desktop. Pressing it again restores your windows to their previous state. This is particularly useful if you’re switching between applications or need a clean desktop view.
12. Ctrl + Shift + F (Windows & Mac)
What it does: Open the search bar in many programs.
If you’re working in a program like Microsoft Word, Excel, or even some websites, Ctrl + Shift + F opens the search function. From here, you can search for specific words or phrases, making it easier to locate what you need without scrolling through long documents.
13. Alt + Left Arrow (Windows) / Command + Left Arrow (Mac)
What it does: Go back to the previous page.
Whether you’re browsing the web or working in an app, Alt + Left Arrow (Command + Left Arrow on Mac) allows you to quickly return to the previous page. It’s a simple and effective way to navigate backward in browsers or file explorers without using your mouse.
14. Ctrl + E (Windows) / Command + E (Mac)
What it does: Open the search bar in File Explorer/Finder.
If you need to find a file quickly in File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac), Ctrl + E (Command + E on Mac) opens the search bar instantly, allowing you to type in the name of the file or folder you need to locate.
15. F2 (Windows)
What it does: Rename a file or folder.
Renaming files or folders can be a hassle, but pressing F2 when a file is selected in File Explorer makes renaming quick and easy. Just type the new name and press Enter to finalize the change.
Conclusion
Mastering keyboard shortcuts is one of the most effective ways to enhance productivity and streamline your workflow. While most people rely on common shortcuts like Ctrl+C and Ctrl+V, there are many others that can save you time and make tasks more efficient. By incorporating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you’ll be able to navigate your computer with greater ease and precision, leaving more time for the things that truly matter.
Start practicing these shortcuts today and experience the difference they can make!
