With the right keyboard shortcuts you work a lot faster in Windows 11: arranging windows, taking a screenshot or opening clipboard history without touching your mouse. Here are the shortcuts you'll actually use every day, grouped by task.
The basics
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows | Open the Start menu |
| Windows + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows + I | Open Settings |
| Windows + L | Lock your PC |
| Windows + D | Show or hide the desktop |
| Windows + X | Quick link menu with Task Manager, Terminal and more |
| Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager |
Windows and desktops
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows + Z | Open Snap layouts |
| Windows + left/right arrow | Snap a window to the left or right half |
| Windows + up/down arrow | Maximise or minimise |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps |
| Windows + Tab | Task view |
| Windows + Ctrl + D | New virtual desktop |
| Windows + Ctrl + left/right arrow | Switch between desktops |
Handy extras
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows + Shift + S | Screenshot with Snipping Tool |
| Windows + V | Clipboard history |
| Windows + . | Emoji, GIFs and symbols |
| Windows + H | Voice typing |
| Windows + A | Quick Settings (Wi-Fi, sound, Bluetooth) |
| Windows + N | Notifications and calendar |
| Windows + Space | Switch keyboard layout |
| Windows + G | Xbox Game Bar (also for screen recording) |
| Windows + C or the Copilot key | Open Copilot (depending on your PC and region) |
Tips
- Switched keyboard layout by accident? Press Windows + Space. Read change your keyboard layout.
- Turn on clipboard history in Settings first.
- Want even more shortcuts? Create your own with PowerToys.
- For Teams, see Microsoft Teams keyboard shortcuts.
Read also
The most useful Microsoft Teams keyboard shortcuts for Windows and Mac
How to view and use clipboard history in Windows 11 and 10 (Windows + V)
How to put windows side by side in Windows 11 with Snap
Nederlandstalige versie: De meestgebruikte sneltoetsen voor Windows 11
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