PC_Advisor_Issue_264_July_2017

Feature: 10 powerful Windows shortcuts
10 powerful, obscure
Windows shortcuts
you should know
Ian Paul’s Windows keyboard shortcuts will take you beyond the basics and speed up your workflow
W
e’re big fans of keyboard
shortcuts. Memorising key
combinations takes some work,
but once you have, shortcuts make using an
operating system so much more efficient.
Many people know the everyday keyboard
shortcuts, such as how to copy, cut and
paste text with the keyboard, how to close a
window and how to lock a computer.
That’s a solid start, but there are even
more powerful shortcuts lurking beyond the
basics. Here are some of our favourite less
commonly used shortcuts. We’ve grouped
these by operating system to make it easier
for users of Windows 7, 8.1 and 10 to see
what’s available for their system.
Windows 7 and up
F2: Prepare selected file for renaming
– no more careful clicking.
Alt + Enter: Select a file and then use this
shortcut to display its properties.
Windows Key + M: Minimise all windows
to the taskbar (Windows Key + Shift + M
restores them).
Windows key + Shift + right or left arrow:
Move the active window to the next monitor
in the direction indicated.
Ctrl + Y: Redo an action.
Windows 8.1 and up
Windows Key + comma key: Peek at
the desktop.
Windows 10 only
Windows key + Alt + D: Display the time and
calendar panel (equivalent of clicking the
time on the taskbar).
Windows key + Tab: Open Task View.
Remember this? It’s how you create virtual
desktops in Windows 10. A handy feature
for people who like to multitask. J
Windows Key + Home: Minimise everything
but the active window.
Windows Key + Pause: Display the system
properties dialog box.
Many people know the everyday keyboard shortcuts, such as
how to copy, cut and paste text with the keyboard… but there
are even more powerful shortcuts lurking beyond the basics
July 2017 www.pcadvisor.co.uk/features 73