Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts
70+ Windows 11 shortcuts for window management, virtual desktops, Snap Layouts, and system navigation.
General
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open/close Start menu | |
| Show/hide desktop | |
| Lock PC | |
| Open File Explorer | |
| Open Settings | |
| Open Quick Settings | |
| Open Notification Center | |
| Open Search | |
| Open Search (with Copilot) | |
| Open Quick Link menu | |
| Open Run dialog | |
| Project screen / display mode | |
| Open System About | |
| Open emoji picker | |
| Open emoji picker | |
| Open clipboard history | |
| Voice typing |
Windows
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Maximize window | |
| Minimize / restore window | |
| Snap window to left half | |
| Snap window to right half | |
| Open Snap Layouts | |
| Stretch window to top and bottom | |
| Move window to other monitor | |
| Switch between open apps | |
| Close active window | |
| Minimize all windows | |
| Restore minimized windows | |
| Minimize all except active window | |
| Open Task View |
Virtual Desktops
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Create new virtual desktop | |
| Close current virtual desktop | |
| Switch between virtual desktops |
Taskbar
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Cycle through taskbar apps | |
| Open pinned taskbar app (by position) | |
| Open new instance of taskbar app | |
| Focus system tray | |
| Open Widgets board | |
| Open Copilot (or Teams Chat) |
File Explorer
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open new window | |
| Close current window | |
| Create new folder | |
| Navigate back / forward | |
| Go up one level | |
| Select address bar | |
| Select search box | |
| Rename selected item | |
| Toggle full screen | |
| Expand navigation pane |
Screenshots
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Snipping Tool | |
| Screenshot (full screen to clipboard) | |
| Screenshot active window | |
| Screenshot and save to Pictures | |
| Record screen (Xbox Game Bar) | |
| Open Xbox Game Bar |
System
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open Task Manager | |
| Security options screen | |
| Open Accessibility settings | |
| Toggle Narrator | |
| Open Magnifier / zoom in | |
| Close Magnifier | |
| Connect to wireless display/audio |
Editing
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Select all | |
| Copy | |
| Cut | |
| Paste | |
| Undo | |
| Redo | |
| Paste as plain text |
Pro tips
Snap Layouts Are Game-Changing
Hover over the maximize button or press Win+Z to see Snap Layout options. Arrange 2, 3, or 4 windows in predefined layouts instantly.
Clipboard History is Powerful
Win+V opens clipboard history showing your last 25+ copied items. Pin frequently used items so they persist even after restart.
Virtual Desktops for Focus
Use Win+Ctrl+D to create separate desktops for different workflows (e.g., one for coding, one for communication). Switch between them with Win+Ctrl+← / →.
Quick Settings Customization
Click the Wi-Fi/Sound/Battery area to open Quick Settings. Click the pencil icon to add, remove, or reorder toggles for your most-used settings.
Focus Sessions
Use the Clock app's Focus Sessions to set timed work sessions with Spotify integration and distraction-free mode that silences notifications.
Power Toys Supercharges Windows
Install Microsoft PowerToys (free) for FancyZones (custom window layouts), PowerRename, Color Picker, and dozens of other power-user utilities.
Frequently asked questions
How do I customize keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11?
Windows 11 doesn't have a built-in shortcut customizer. Use Microsoft PowerToys (free, from Microsoft Store) which includes a Keyboard Manager for remapping keys and creating custom shortcuts.
What's new in Windows 11 shortcuts vs Windows 10?
Windows 11 added Snap Layouts (Win+Z), Widgets (Win+W), Quick Settings (Win+A), Copilot (Win+C), and redesigned the emoji picker. Virtual desktop shortcuts remain the same.
How do I take a screenshot in Windows 11?
Win+Shift+S opens the Snipping Tool for region/window/fullscreen screenshots. PrtScn copies the full screen. Win+PrtScn saves a screenshot directly to your Pictures/Screenshots folder.
How do I enable clipboard history?
Press Win+V and click 'Turn on' if prompted. Alternatively, go to Settings → System → Clipboard → toggle 'Clipboard history' on. You can also enable sync across devices.
Can I disable specific Windows shortcuts?
Some shortcuts can be disabled via Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or Registry Editor. PowerToys Keyboard Manager can also remap or disable specific key combinations.
How do I use Snap Layouts?
Hover your mouse over the maximize button of any window, or press Win+Z. Choose a layout zone, then select which app goes in each section. You can also drag windows to screen edges.
Want to master Windows 11?
Go beyond shortcuts with in-depth Windows 11 video courses, from the basics all the way to advanced workflows.
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