100 Most Used Computer Shortcut Keys (Part 1)
Computer shortcut keys help you perform tasks quickly without using a mouse. They save time, increase productivity, and make everyday computer work easier. Whether you are a student, office worker, programmer, or preparing for a Computer Operator exam, learning shortcut keys is an essential skill.
What Are Computer Shortcut Keys?
Computer shortcut keys are combinations of two or more keyboard keys that perform a specific task instantly. Instead of clicking through menus with a mouse, you can press a shortcut key to complete the same action much faster.
For example, instead of right-clicking and selecting Copy, you can simply press Ctrl + C.
Benefits of Using Shortcut Keys
- Save time while working.
- Increase productivity.
- Reduce mouse usage.
- Improve work speed.
- Useful in exams and office work.
- Easy to learn and remember.
Most Used Windows Shortcut Keys
| No. | Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ctrl + C | Copy selected item. |
| 2 | Ctrl + V | Paste copied item. |
| 3 | Ctrl + X | Cut selected item. |
| 4 | Ctrl + Z | Undo the last action. |
| 5 | Ctrl + Y | Redo the last undone action. |
| 6 | Ctrl + A | Select all items. |
| 7 | Ctrl + S | Save the current file. |
| 8 | Ctrl + P | Print the current document. |
| 9 | Ctrl + F | Find text or files. |
| 10 | Ctrl + H | Find and replace text. |
| 11 | Ctrl + N | Create a new document or window. |
| 12 | Ctrl + O | Open an existing file. |
| 13 | Ctrl + W | Close the current tab or window. |
| 14 | Alt + Tab | Switch between open applications. |
| 15 | Alt + F4 | Close the active window. |
| 16 | Win + D | Show or hide the desktop. |
| 17 | Win + E | Open File Explorer. |
| 18 | Win + L | Lock your computer. |
| 19 | Win + I | Open Windows Settings. |
| 20 | Win + R | Open the Run dialog box. |
| 21 | Win + S | Open Windows Search. |
| 22 | Win + V | Open Clipboard History. |
| 23 | Win + Shift + S | Take a screenshot using Snipping Tool. |
| 24 | PrtSc | Capture the entire screen. |
| 25 | Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Open Task Manager. |
| 26 | Ctrl + Alt + Delete | Open security options. |
| 27 | Win + Tab | Open Task View. |
| 28 | Win + M | Minimize all windows. |
| 29 | Win + Shift + M | Restore minimized windows. |
| 30 | F5 | Refresh the active window. |
File Explorer Shortcut Keys
| No. | Shortcut Key | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 31 | Ctrl + N | Open a new File Explorer window. |
| 32 | Ctrl + Shift + N | Create a new folder. |
| 33 | Ctrl + E | Select the Search box. |
| 34 | Ctrl + L | Select the address bar. |
| 35 | Alt + Left Arrow | Go back. |
| 36 | Alt + Right Arrow | Go forward. |
| 37 | Alt + Up Arrow | Go to the parent folder. |
| 38 | F2 | Rename the selected file or folder. |
| 39 | Delete | Move selected item to Recycle Bin. |
| 40 | Shift + Delete | Permanently delete the selected item. |
| 41 | Ctrl + Mouse Wheel | Change icon size. |
| 42 | Alt + Enter | Open file or folder properties. |
| 43 | Home | Go to the beginning of the folder. |
| 44 | End | Go to the end of the folder. |
| 45 | Backspace | Go to the previous folder. |
| 46 | Ctrl + Click | Select multiple individual files. |
| 47 | Shift + Click | Select multiple consecutive files. |
| 48 | Ctrl + D | Delete the selected file. |
| 49 | Ctrl + Z | Undo the previous action. |
| 50 | Ctrl + Y | Redo the previous undone action. |
Quick Summary
| Shortcut | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + C | Copy |
| Ctrl + V | Paste |
| Ctrl + X | Cut |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo |
| Win + E | Open File Explorer |
| Win + L | Lock Computer |
| Alt + Tab | Switch Apps |
| Alt + F4 | Close Window |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Create New Folder |
Next: Part 2 covers Google Chrome, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel shortcut keys.