Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcut Keys List

List of Keyboard Shortcut Keys for Windows 8 and 8.1​

   Information

This tutorial will show you a list of all keyboard shortcuts in Windows 8, Windows RT, Windows 8.1, and Windows RT 8.1.

See also: Keyboard shortcuts - Microsoft Windows Help

Shortcut	Description
Windows Key :winkey:	Toggle between the Start screen and the last-opened Windows Store app or the desktop.
:winkey: + 1, :winkey: + 2, etc....	Switch to the desktop and launch the “nth”application in the taskbar. For example, :winkey:+1 launches whichever application is first in the list, from left to right.
:winkey: + SHIFT + 1 :winkey: + SHIFT + 2 etc.	Launch a new instance of the application located at the “nth” position on the taskbar.
:winkey: + B	Switch to the desktop and set the focus to the tray notification area.
:winkey: + C	Display the charms and time/date/notification/battery overlay.
:winkey: + D	Switch to the desktop and toggle Show Desktop (hides/shows any applications and other windows).
:winkey: + E	Switch to the desktop and launch File Explorer with the Computer tab displayed.
:winkey: + F	Search using the Files search scope.
:winkey: + H	Open the Share charm.
:winkey: + I	Open the Settings charm.
:winkey: + J	Swap the foreground between the snapped and filled apps. Snapped and filled views are only available on displays with a horizontal resolution of 1366 touch-independent pixels or more.
:winkey: + K	Open the Devices charm.
:winkey: + L	Lock the PC and go to the Lock screen.
:winkey: + M	Switch to the desktop and minimize all open windows.
:winkey: + SHIFT + M	Switch to the desktop and restore all minimized windows.
:winkey: + O	Switch between landscape and portrait orientation on slate and tablet PCs.
:winkey: + P	Display the Second screen pane to choose between available projection options.
:winkey: + Q	(Windows 8) = Search using the Apps search scope. (Windows 8.1) = Search using "Everything" search scope.
:winkey: + R	Switch to the desktop and display the Run dialog box.
:winkey: + T	Set the focus to the taskbar and cycle through programs.
:winkey: + U	Switch to the desktop and launch the Ease of Access Center.
:winkey: + V	Cycle through toast notifications (transient messages).
:winkey: + W	Search using the Settings search scope.
:winkey: + SHIFT + V	Cycle through toast notifications in reverse order.
:winkey: + X	Open the advanced context menu (power user task menu) in the lower-left corner of the screen.
:winkey: + Z	Open the app-specific bar of commands at the bottom of the screen.
:winkey: + F1	Opens Windows Help and Support
:winkey: + ENTER	Launch Narrator.
:winkey: + SPACEBAR	Switch input language and keyboard layout.
:winkey: + TAB	Display app thumbnails of open Windows Store apps and cycle through apps.
:winkey: + SHIFT + TAB	Display app thumbnails of open Windows Store apps and cycle through apps in reverse order.
:winkey: + CTRL + TAB	Cycle through apps, snapping them as you go. Snapped and filled views are only available on displays with a horizontal resolution of 1366 touch-independent pixels or more.
:winkey:+ CTRL + F	Opens Find Computers dialog.
:winkey: + ,	Peek at the desktop.
:winkey: + . (Windows 8)	Snap application to the left. Snapped and filled views are only available on displays with a horizontal resolution of 1366 touch-independent pixels or more.
:winkey:+ . + Left Arrow (Windows 8.1)	Snap application to the left. Snapped and filled views are only available on displays with a horizontal resolution of 1366 touch-independent pixels or more.
:winkey: + SHIFT + . (Windows 8)	Snap application to the right. Snapped and filled views are only available on displays with a horizontal resolution of 1366 touch-independent pixels or more.
:winkey:+ . + Right Arrow (Windows 8.1)	Snap application to the right. Snapped and filled views are only available on displays with a horizontal resolution of 1366 touch-independent pixels or more.
:winkey: + PGUP	If you have multiple monitors, move the Start screen to the left monitor.
:winkey: + PGDN	If you have multiple monitors, move the Start screen to the right monitor.
:winkey: + Plus Sign	Zoom in.
:winkey: + Minus Sign	Zoom out.
:winkey: + ESCAPE	Close the Magnifier.
:winkey: + LEFT ARROW	Snaps the active window or modern app to the left half of the screen.
:winkey: + RIGHT ARROW	Snaps the active window or modern app to the right half of the screen.
:winkey: + UP ARROW	Maximize the active window or modern app.
:winkey: + DOWN ARROW	On desktop = Restore/minimize the active window. In modern app = closes
:winkey: + SHIFT + UP ARROW	On desktop = Maximize the active window vertically,maintaining the width.
:winkey: + SHIFT + DOWN ARROW	On desktop = Restore/minimize the active window vertically, maintaining the width.
:winkey: + SHIFT + LEFT ARROW	On desktop = For multiple monitors, move the active window to the monitor on the left.
:winkey: + SHIFT + RIGHT ARROW	On desktop = For multiple monitors, move the active window to the monitor on the right.
:winkey: + HOME	On desktop = Minimize all non-active windows; restore on second keystroke.
:winkey: + BREAK	Display the System dialog box.
:winkey: + PRNT SCRN	Takes a picture of the screen and places it in the Pictures folder.
Alt + Tab (release Tab, repeat)	Opens Flip 2D to rotate through opened Apps. Desktop apps each have one place in rotation.
Ctrl + Alt + Tab	Keeps open Flip 2D to rotate through opened Apps. Desktop apps each have one place in rotation.
Ctrl + -	On Start and Apps screens = Semantic Zoom out
Ctrl + =	On Start and Apps screens = Semantic Zoom back In
Ctrl + Alt + Del	Access to Lock, Switch User, Sign out, Change a password, Task Manager, Ease of Access, and Power down choices.
Arrows, Space, Tab	Move active tile, Select, move Focus
HOME	On Start screen = Selects the first tile in the Start screen.
END	On Start screen = Selects the last tile in the Start screen.
PAGE UP	On Start screen = Moves the tile selection up by a page in the view.
PAGE DOWN	On Start screen = Moves the tile selection down by a page in the view.
SPACEBAR	On Start screen = Selects the first tile in the Start screen and displays options at the bottom of the screen.
Type on Start screen	Search Apps.

Windows Explorer Hotkeys (Press ALT Key + the below combination)

A – to open the “special features”

C F – copy the folder (use the drop-down list)

C O – to copy the selected items.

C P – copy the path to the file / folder.

D – delete the selected.

E – edit the selected files.

H – to show the history of file versions.

M – move the files (using the drop-down list).

N – Create a new folder.

P E – Open With …, select the application again using a drop-down list.

P S – insert label

P R – open properties.

R – rename a selected file (s).

S A – select all.

S I – invert the selection.

S N – deselect.

T – cut

V – to paste.

W – to create a new document, choose the template – using the drop-down list.





A Guy

Related Tutorials

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• List of Touch Gestures for Windows 8 and 8.1
• CLSID Key (GUID) Shortcuts List for Windows 8
• List of Windows 8 Shell Commands
• Download: Work Smart: Windows 8 Shortcut Keys - Microsoft Download Center - Download Details
• Windows 8 Cheat Sheet: Get Started Easily! - Dr. Doris Chen's Blog - Site Home - MSDN Blogs
• How to Create a Shortcut of a File, Folder, Drive, or Program in Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8
• How to Assign a Shortcut Key to Open a Shortcut in Windows 8
• Keyboard Shortcuts for Mail app in Windows 8.1 and Windows RT 8.1

 

[A Guy]

I started this thread, but Brink especially is owed credit for adding to it. A Guy

 

[Brink]

Thread moved to tutorials, and freshened up a bit.

 

[A Guy]

Forgot to post thanks publicly Shawn. Putting my name on what is essentially a Brink tutorial. My honor

A Guy

 

[Brink]

No need mate.

 

[LittleJay]

Thank you very much for this useful tutorial Bill and Shawn! I have printed it out for handy reference.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Thanks to all for lists and additions.

Alt/F4 while on desktop brings up Shutdown/Restart/Sleep/Sign Out/Switch User menu. One may arrow through that menu for selection.

F4 in IE brings down recent Favorites and recent History drop down menu.

 

[DirtRider]

This is so cool thanks

 

[HippsieGypsie]

:winkey: + Q in my 8.1 is search using the “Everything” search scope, not apps. There is no Apps option on that menu. Is it Apps in 8? I don’t remember.

:winkey: + Ctrl + F + Starts the Find a Computer on the Network dialog

Here something that’s interesting that would help a user in trouble > Settings > Power > Click on power then holding down shift key click on restart brings up the advanced boot menu. Works with keyboard or mouse.

 

[Brink]

Thank you Tony. Added to tutorial.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

You're welcome, Shawn. Glad to be of help.

 

[A Guy]

Good add Tony . Thanks Shawn

A Guy

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Thanks, Bill.

I don't remember where I ran into :winkey: + Ctrl + F from. Somewhere on the Net.

The credit for the Restart + Spacebar for advanced boot options goes to a member named dencal while helping someone out.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Knowing that you are a busy man Mr. Brink, I apologize for laying this on you, but as fate would have it obviously you are not busy enough.

If you would like, I will be more than happy to take over responsibility of this thread.

Windows 8 was fairly short lived for me and I feel I didn’t get the full jest of key combos while using it. I was going through most of the list here using in Windows 8.1. Most, but not all the key combos are the same in both OSs as I have posted some as of recent.

It might be wise if someone with a touch screen, either tower PC, laptop, Surface Pro, or any tablet please go through these to verify my findings. I do not have multiple monitors either. I feel most are accurate, though.

Do key combos work on an onscreen keyboard? Just curious. Never had the opportunity to experiment.

I tried to explain these the best I could. Please don’t hesitate to ask questions or make corrections.

Some of this is tidbits I thought I'd pass along. e.g. “Closed” takes on a whole new meaning in 8.1. I would guess in 8 also. I added the word “Killed” which may not be proper terminology.

It's very important to remember that the Desktop is now treated as an app. However, it never really closes or gets "killed" off. It can be hidden out of sight, though.

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Escape key is not mentioned to rid menus, menu bars, or charms bars. Should it be?
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:winkey:/Z opens the app-specific bar of commands at the bottom of the screen as described, but escape key does not rid the bar in the Mail app for some reason. Redoing that key combo does rid it. Escape key seems to work in all other apps.
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:winkey:/. (period) and :winkey:/Shift/+ combos do not Snap applications in 8.1. I believe they do in 8, but not 8.1. :winkey:/Arrow keys do. (See below)

So far as I can tell :winkey:/Shift/+ combo does nothing.

This next one is important for me because I disliked grabbing for the mouse to drag down the desktop to close/hide it.

What :winkey:/. does do > Renders Store apps and Desktop app (including any open Win32 programs on it) window zoomed back slightly, then releasing the period key and holding :winkey: renders the app for readiness of arrow keys commands > Left arrow it goes left > Hit left arrow again it goes center (full) > Hit right arrow it goes right > Right arrow again it goes center. Releasing all the keys places the window where last moved to.

In fact, holding down :winkey: and repeating Left and Right Arrow keys cycles the app left, right, and full.

:winkey:/. then Arrow down closes the app's window, but does not stop the app from running as viewed in Task Manager. After a time they become dormant using far less RAM. They remain running indefinitely in a dormant state until they are "killed" via Task Manager or upon reboot.
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In the dormant/hidden state the Desktop app plus any open Win32 programs open on it return with :winkey:/D or are viewable in Alt/Tab Flip 2D, Ctrl/Alt/Tab stationary 2D, but not the :winkey:/Tab for Switcher Bar or mouse pointer sliding open the Switcher Bar. The Desktop app will only appear again in the Switcher Bar when returned from dormancy/hidden.
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This is probably the most important.

:winkey:/Arrow left and right keys is what snaps both Store apps and Win32 desktop apps left and right in 8.1.

:winkey:/Up Arrow snaps an app full window.

:winkey:/Arrow down closes any app’s window and runs at full resources for a period of time then goes to lower dormant state as viewed in Task Manager. Again, they remain running indefinitely in a dormant state until they are "killed" via Task Manager or upon reboot.

Note: These key combos do not work with the Desktop app, just Store and Win32 apps.
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Alt/F4 closes a Store app window immediately, but it remains running for about 5 to 10 seconds as viewed in Task Manager, then gets killed off. Win32 desktop apps are killed immediately as they always have in the past.
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When it comes to the Spacebar I think it should read:

On Start screen = First tile is always selected upon boot and when returning to Start Screen. By navigating to a tile for focus, tapping the Spacebar will select it for an operant and also intially displays options bar at the bottom of the screen. One can repeat this process by navigating to and selecting other tiles by tapping the Spacebar. Unselect them by tapping the Spacebar again when tile is once again navigated to for focus. Escape key will kill the whole process and return the screen to the normal state.
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This section is actually an addition. Not sure if you want to add them.

:winkey:/Shift/1, 2, 3, etc. works as described in 8.1 with the upper row of character number keys work anywhere even if one is viewing an open Store app > It will take one to the desktop opening a desired app if one uses the proper combo.

However, with the numeric keys at the right I found perform something quite different.

On a blank desktop they do nothing.

If one or multiple windows are open, :winkey:/Shift/2 (while continuing holding :winkey:/Shift) re-sizes the window smaller, then pressing 2 again minimizes it to the Taskbar. Repeating the operation repeats the process with any other open window if at full window. If there is a window already re-sized smaller, then it minimizes it to the Taskbar. Kind of like performing it in stages.

:winkey:/3 is page up.

:winkey:/4 & 6 snaps left, right, and re-sizes a window smaller.

:winkey:/5 does nothing that I can see.

:winkey:/7 gives a “light show”! Far out!

:winkey:/8 nothing.

:winkey:/9 page down.
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Last, but not least > The Tab key is important for navigating in 8/8.1. I find it useful for focusing on items on Start Screen, in Store apps, Win32 desktop apps, Charms bars, menu bars, etc.

 

[geordie17]

Windows8 Shortcut Keys

1. Getting around Windows 8 Start Screen and Desktop

Win: Toggle between Desktop and Start Screen (or open Apps)
Ctrl+Tab On Start Screen: Switch Between Start Window and All Apps Window
Win, then Ctrl+Tab Open All Apps Window
Win, then start typing App Name Search and execute Apps
Escape Close Start Screen and go to Desktop
Win+E Run Explorer on Desktop
Win+R Execute Run on Desktop
Win+X Open Power User Commands on Desktop
Alt+F4 Shutdown Windows
Win+L Lock Computer
Win+F1 Open Windows Help

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2. Windows 8 Charme Shortcuts

Tip: Pressing Escape typically closes most Charme menus.

Win+C Open Windows Charme. Use arrow keys and enter to select item. Press
Win+Q Search Charme / last search option
Win+F Search Files
Win+W Search Windows Settings
Win+I Open Settings including Desktop, Control Panel, Personalization, PC Info, Help
Win+H Share Charme
Win+K Device Charme
Win+S Search Settings
Win+F Search Files
Win+Z Show Options / App Bar in current Metro Apps if available.

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3. Switch between Apps and Windows

Alt+Tab and Alt+Shift+Tab Cycle between all Windows and Apps. Press and hold Alt key before pressing Tab. Release Tab on Window/App you want to open. While tabbing, add Shift to key combination to go backwards.

Ctrl+Alt+Tab then Arrow Keys Cycle between open Apps without having to keep Alt pressed. Press keys once, then use Arrow keys and Enter to select Window/App.
Win+Tab and Win+Shift+Tab Same as Alt+Tab, but only includes Apps only, not Windows on Desktop
Ctrl+Win+Tab, then Arrow keys Same as Ctrl+Alt+Tab, but only includes Apps, not Desktop Windows

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4. Power User Commands Shortcuts

These are also listed in the Power User Command Window. Sorted by their (subjective) importance.

Win+X, P Control Panel
Win+X, T Task Manager
Win+X, E File Explorer (alternative: Win+e)
Win+X, R Run (alternative: Win+r)
Win+X, D Desktop (alternative: Win+d)
Win+X, F Programs and Features
Win+X, C Command Prompt
Win+X, A Elevated Command Prompt (Admin)
Win+X, Y System Information
Win+X, M Device Manager
Win+X, G Computer Management
Win+X, B Mobility Center
Win+X, O Power Options
Win+X, V Event Viewer
Win+X, K Disk Management
Win+X, S Search

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5. Managing Windows 8 Desktop Windows

Win Go to desktop / switch between Desktop and Start Screen or Apps
Win+Arrow Up Maximize Window across screen
Win+Arrow Down Minimize Window (if Restored) or set Window to Restored (if Maximized)
Win+Shift+Arrow Up Maximixe Window vertically
Win+Arrow Right/Arrow Left Move Window to left/center/right. Works across multiple monitors
Win+Shift+Arrow Right/ Arrow Left" Move window to left monitor / to right monitor when using multiple monitors
Alt+Space Opens the title bar menu
F11 Turn full page view on or off
Alt+Q Close Window

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6. Windows 8 Taskbar

Win+T Go to first item in Taskbar, continue with arrow keys
Win+B Go to first item in System Tray
Shift+click on a taskbar item Start new instance of Taskbar item
Ctrl+Shift+click on a taskbar item Start new instance of Taskbar item as administrator
Shift+right-click on a taskbar item Show the window menu for the program
Win+1...9 Switch to application in position N on Taskbar (or launch pinned application)
Shift+Win+1...9 Start new instance of taskbar item in position N on Taskbar

Note: Unfortunately, Microsoft removed the possibility to select multiple taskbar items in Windows 7 (and did still not re-introduce in Windows 8.

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7. Navigating Desktop

Arrow Keys Navigate between and select single icons on desktop (when focus is on the desktop)
Home/End Select first / select last object on desktop
Enter Launch active object
Shift+F10 Activate context menu of active icon by simulates right mouse button. Once in the context menu use arrow keys, a-z and enter to select item
Tab, Shift+Tab "on empty desktop" Navigate between desktop, the quick-launch bar, task bar and notification bar. Then use arrow keys and enter or space to activate specific icons
A, B, C, ... Pressing the initial letter of the name of any objects will highlight the respective application or folder. Continue typing the object name if multiple objects start with the same letter

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8. Windows Explorer

Basics

Win+E Start Windows Explorer
Alt+Arrow Up Go up one folder
Alt+Arrow Left/ Alt+Arrow Right Go to previous folder / go to next folder
Tab/Shift+Tab Switch focus forward/ backward between Address bar, Search Bar, Toolbar, Navigation Pane, and File List (Default is usually File List)
Alt+D or F4 Jump to the Address bar and select absolute address. Copy address with ctrl+c if desired
Ctrl+E or Ctrl+F Jump to Search Box in Explorer
Ctrl+N Open new instance of Windows Explorer
F11 Toggle full-screen mode

Navigate File List and Navigation Pane

Arrow Keys Navigate between files and folders
Enter Open folder or start application
Home/End Jump to first / jump to last item
F2 Change the file name of active item
F2, then Arrow Left/ Arrow Right Move one character to the left / to the right in item name
F2, then Ctrl+ Arrow Left/Arrow Right Jump one word to the left / to the right of item name
F2, then Home /End Jump to beginning / jump to end of item name
F2, then Ctrl+A Select all/ complete object name including suffix (default excludes suffix)
Arrow Left/Arrow Right Expand folder / collapse folder (navigation pane only)

File List Views

Alt+P Display or hide Preview Pane
Alt+V then D View details. Check View menu for more options
Alt+V then X View extra-large icons. Check View menu for more options
Ctrl+mouse scroll wheel Change size of icons

Select Items in File List and Navigation Pane

Shift+Arrow Up/ Arrow Down Select multiple adjacent items (directly above or below)
Ctrl with Arrow keys and Space Select multiple non-adjacent items. Hold ctrl, use arrow keys to move to next item, and press space to add/remove from selection
Ctrl+A Select all
A ...Z and 1..9 Press the initial letter any item to jump to it. Continue typing the full name if multiple items start with the same letter

Manage Items in Explorer

Ctrl+C, ctrl+X, ctrl+V Copy, Cut, Paste
Ctrl+Z Undo an action
Ctrl+Y Redo an action
Delete Delete an item and place it into the Recycle Bin
Shift+Delete Delete an item permanently without placing it into the Recycle Bin
Shift+F10 Activate context menu of active object. Replaces the right mouse button. Once in the context menu use arrow keys, a-z and enter to get to the selection
Ctrl+Shift+N Create new folder
Alt+Enter Open Properties dialog box

9. The Rest

Win+U Open Ease of Access Center
Win+P Projector or second screen settings.
Alt+Shift Change keyboard language layout if multiple language layouts are active

I found these on another forum thanks to Original poster

 

[Porky]

Awesome list. Thank you A Guy.
Is all of this valid for a QWERTZ keyboard? (if I omit use of Ü Ö Ä keys)

 

[GearHead]

Thanks for sharing! This was helpful for me