100 shortcut keys in Computer Keyboard (A to Z) - Seek.ng
100 shortcut keys in Computer Keyboard (A to Z)

100 shortcut keys in Computer Keyboard (A to Z)

Published on: • Categories: LAPTOPS DESKTOPS and TABLETS

Master Your Keyboard: 100 Essential Computer Shortcut Keys (A to Z)

In today’s fast-paced digital world, efficiency is key. Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual user, mastering keyboard shortcuts can save you precious time and streamline your workflow. Instead of constantly reaching for your mouse, why not harness the power of your keyboard?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve compiled 100 essential computer shortcut keys, organized alphabetically from A to Z, to help you navigate your computer like a pro. While these shortcuts primarily focus on Windows-based systems, we’ve included macOS equivalents where applicable to ensure everyone can boost their speed. Let’s dive in and transform the way you work!


Why Keyboard Shortcuts are Your Productivity Superpower

Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that perform specific tasks instantly, completely bypassing cumbersome menus and repetitive mouse clicks. They don’t just speed you up; they fundamentally change how you interact with your machine:

  • Boost Productivity: Execute complex commands in a mere fraction of a second, keeping your work moving.

  • Reduce Strain: Minimize repetitive mouse movements and clicks, leading to a more comfortable computing experience.

  • Enhance Focus: Keep your hands on the keyboard, maintaining a seamless flow and minimizing distractions.

Ready to supercharge your skills? Let’s explore these productivity boosters, organized by the first letter of their function or key combination.


The A to Z Guide: 100 Must-Know Computer Shortcuts

A

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + ASelect all content in a document, window, or text field.Windows / macOS
Alt + TabSwitch between open applications quickly.Windows
Alt + AOpen the “Applications” menu in some programs (e.g., Microsoft Word).Windows
Alt + Shift + AInsert a comment in Microsoft Word.Windows
Command (Apple) + ASelect all (macOS equivalent to Ctrl + A).macOS

B

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + BBold selected text in word processors.Windows
Ctrl + Shift + BShow or hide the bookmarks bar in web browsers.Windows
Windows + BFocus on the system tray (near the clock).Windows
Alt + BOpen the bookmarks menu in some browsers (e.g., Firefox).Windows
Ctrl + Alt + BOpen the address book in some email clients.Windows

C

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + CCopy selected text or items to the clipboard.Windows / macOS
Ctrl + Shift + CCopy formatting in Microsoft Office.Windows
Windows + COpen Cortana or the Share Charm (Windows, version-dependent).Windows
Alt + COpen the contacts menu in some email programs.Windows
Ctrl + Alt + CInsert a copyright symbol () in some applications.Windows

D

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Windows + DShow or hide the desktop.Windows
Alt + DSelect the address bar in web browsers.Windows
Ctrl + DDelete the selected item or move it to the Recycle Bin.Windows
Ctrl + Shift + DDuplicate a line or selection in code editors (e.g., VS Code).Windows
Ctrl + Alt + DShow desktop (alternative in some Linux distributions).Linux

E

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Windows + EOpen File Explorer.Windows
Alt + EOpen the Edit menu in many applications.Windows
Ctrl + ECenter-align text in word processors.Windows
Ctrl + Shift + EExpand all folders in File Explorer’s navigation pane.Windows
Command (Apple) + EEject a selected disk or volume.macOS

F

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + FOpen the Find tool to search within a document or page.Windows / macOS
F5Refresh the current window or webpage.Windows / macOS
F1Open the help system for the active application.Windows
Alt + FOpen the File menu in most programs.Windows
Ctrl + Shift + FFind files or folders in File Explorer.Windows

G

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Windows + GOpen the Xbox Game Bar (Windows 10/11) for screen recording/gaming features.Windows
Ctrl + GGo to a specific line or page in editors like Microsoft Word.Windows
Alt + GOpen the “Go To” dialog in some applications.Windows
Ctrl + Shift + GReverse search in code editors (e.g., VS Code).Windows
Ctrl + Alt + GGroup selected objects in some graphic editors.Windows

H

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + HOpen the Find and Replace dialog in most applications.Windows
Windows + HOpen the dictation tool (voice typing).Windows
Command (Apple) + HHide the current application.macOS
Alt + HOpen the Help menu in some programs.Windows
Ctrl + Shift + HOpen the history panel in some browsers.Windows

I

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Windows + IOpen the Settings app.Windows
Ctrl + IItalicize selected text in word processors.Windows
Ctrl + Shift + IOpen developer tools in web browsers (e.g., Chrome/Edge).Windows
Alt + IOpen the Insert menu in some applications.Windows
Ctrl + Alt + IInvert colors in some graphic editors.Windows

J

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + JJustify text alignment in word processors.Windows
Ctrl + Shift + JOpen the Downloads folder in web browsers.Windows
Command (Apple) + JShow view options in Finder.macOS
Alt + JOpen the Journal in some productivity apps.Windows
Ctrl + Alt + JOpen the JavaScript console in some browsers.Windows

K

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + KInsert a hyperlink in word processors or editors.Windows
Windows + KOpen the Connect pane for wireless displays.Windows
Ctrl + Shift + KOpen a new incognito window in some browsers.Windows
Alt + KOpen the Links menu in some applications.Windows
Ctrl + Alt + KLock the keyboard in some remote desktop tools.Windows

L

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Windows + LLock your PC instantly.Windows
Ctrl + LLeft-align text in word processors or select the address bar in a browser.Windows
Command (Apple) + LCreate an alias in Finder.macOS
Alt + LOpen the Layout menu in some programs.Windows
Ctrl + Shift + LSearch for files in some Integrated Development Environments (IDEs).Windows

M

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Windows + MMinimize all windows.Windows
Command (Apple) + MMinimize the active window.macOS
Ctrl + Shift + MRestore minimized windows.Windows
Ctrl + MIndent text or open the markup panel in some editors.Windows
Alt + MOpen the Mail or Message menu in some apps.Windows

N

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + NOpen a new document or window.Windows / macOS
Ctrl + Shift + NCreate a new folder in File Explorer or Finder, or a new incognito window in Chrome.Windows / macOS
Command (Apple) + NNew Finder window.macOS
Alt + NOpen the New menu in some applications.Windows
Ctrl + Alt + NOpen a new incognito window in browsers.Windows

O

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + OOpen a file in most applications.Windows / macOS
Command (Apple) + OOpen the selected item in Finder.macOS
Ctrl + Shift + OOpen the bookmarks manager in browsers.Windows
Alt + OOpen the Options or Format menu.Windows
Windows + OLock device orientation (Windows tablets).Windows

P

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + PPrint the current document or page.Windows / macOS
Windows + POpen the Project pane for display settings (e.g., duplicate/extend screen).Windows
Ctrl + Shift + POpen a new private window in browsers.Windows
Alt + POpen the Print Preview in some programs.Windows
Ctrl + Alt + PPause a process in some development tools.Windows

Q

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Command (Apple) + QQuit the active application.macOS
Ctrl + QQuit the current application (common in Linux/macOS).Linux / macOS
Ctrl + Shift + QLog out of the system (some Linux distributions).Linux
Alt + QClose the current dialog in some programs.Windows
Ctrl + Alt + QQuick format in some text editors.Windows

R

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Windows + ROpen the Run dialog box.Windows
Ctrl + RRefresh the current page or window.Windows / macOS
Ctrl + Shift + RHard refresh (clears cache) in browsers.Windows
Alt + ROpen the Review menu in Microsoft Word.Windows
Command (Apple) + RShow the original file in Finder.macOS

S

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + SSave the current document or file.Windows / macOS
Ctrl + Shift + SSave As in most applications.Windows
Windows + SOpen the Windows Search bar.Windows
Alt + SSend an email in some email clients.Windows
Command (Apple) + SSave the current file.macOS

T

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + TOpen a new tab in web browsers.Windows / macOS
Ctrl + Shift + TReopen the last closed tab in web browsers (a lifesaver!).Windows / macOS
Windows + TCycle through taskbar items.Windows
Alt + TOpen the Tools menu in some programs.Windows
Command (Apple) + TOpen a new tab in Finder or Safari.macOS

U to Z: The Essentials

ShortcutFunctionPlatform
Ctrl + UUnderline text in word processors.Windows / macOS
Ctrl + VPaste content from the clipboard.Windows / macOS
Ctrl + WClose the current window or tab.Windows / macOS
Ctrl + XCut selected text or items.Windows / macOS
Ctrl + YRedo the last undone action.Windows / macOS
Ctrl + ZUndo the last action.Windows / macOS

Tips for Becoming a Shortcut Master

Mastering 100 shortcuts might seem daunting, but it’s a journey, not a sprint. Follow these simple tips to embed them into your daily routine:

  • Practice Regularly: Start with the most common shortcuts (, , ) and slowly add one or two new ones each week. Consistency is key!

  • Application-Specific Shortcuts: Check the help menu or online documentation of your favorite programs (like Photoshop, Excel, or VS Code) for unique shortcuts that will supercharge your work within that specific app.

  • Customize Shortcuts: Some software allows you to create custom shortcuts for repetitive tasks. If you do something 50 times a day, give it a hotkey!

  • Cross-Platform Awareness: If you switch between Windows and macOS, remember the golden rule: for many common shortcuts, replace “Ctrl” with the “Command” (Apple key) on a Mac.


Conclusion

Mastering these 100 keyboard shortcuts will fundamentally transform the way you interact with your computer. From opening new tabs to instantly locking your PC, these simple key combinations save time, minimize distractions, and keep you deeply “in the flow” of your work.

Bookmark this guide, print it out, or keep it handy as you practice your new skills.

Which shortcuts are you adding to your arsenal first? Let us know in the comments below, and share this post with friends to help them boost their productivity too!

Happy typing!

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