Essential Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows and Mac

0 177 3 minutes read

In the realm of digital productivity, every second counts. Keyboard shortcuts are a powerful way to save time and effort by allowing you to perform common tasks with a few keystrokes. They eliminate the need for constant mouse clicks and menu navigation, enabling you to work more fluidly and focus on what matters. Whether you’re working on a Windows PC, or a Mac, or using specific software applications, knowing the right shortcuts can make a significant difference in how efficiently you work.

In this guide, we’ll cover essential keyboard shortcuts for major operating systems—Windows and macOS—as well as popular applications like Microsoft Office and web browsers. By integrating these shortcuts into your daily routine, you’ll be able to handle tasks with greater speed and ease.

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

Basic Navigation

Windows Key: Open the Start Menu.
Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications.
Windows Key + D: Minimize or restore all open windows and show the desktop.
Windows Key + E: Open File Explorer.

Text Editing

Ctrl + C: Copy selected text or files.
Ctrl + X: Cut selected text or files.
Ctrl + V: Paste copied or cut text or files.
Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.
Ctrl + Y: Redo the last undone action.
Ctrl + A: Select all text or items in a window.

Window Management

Alt + F4: Close the currently active window.
Windows Key + L: Lock your computer.
Windows Key + Arrow Keys: Snap windows to the sides or maximize them.

Search and Accessibility

Windows Key + S: Open the search bar.
Windows Key + U: Open Ease of Access settings for accessibility features.
Windows Key + I: Open the Settings app.

macOS Keyboard Shortcuts

Basic Navigation

Command (⌘) + Space: Open Spotlight search.
Command (⌘) + Tab: Switch between open applications.
Command (⌘) + F3: Show the desktop by hiding all open windows.

Text Editing

Command (⌘) + C: Copy selected text or files.
Command (⌘) + X: Cut selected text or files.
Command (⌘) + V: Paste copied or cut text or files.
Command (⌘) + Z: Undo the last action.
Command (⌘) + Shift + Z: Redo the last undone action.
Command (⌘) + A: Select all text or items in a window.

Window Management

Command (⌘) + W: Close the current window.
Command (⌘) + M: Minimize the current window.
Control + Command (⌘) + F: Enter or exit full-screen mode.

Search and Accessibility

Command (⌘) + Shift + 4: Capture a screenshot of a selected area.
Command (⌘) + Option + Esc: Force quit an application.
Command (⌘) + Option + D: Show or hide the Dock.

Also Read

Enhancing Productivity and Collaboration Using Remote Work Softwares

Microsoft Office Keyboard Shortcuts

Word

Ctrl + B: Bold selected text.
Ctrl + I: Italicize selected text.
Ctrl + U: Underline selected text.
Ctrl + E: Center align text.
Ctrl + L: Left align text.
Ctrl + R: Right align text.

Excel

Ctrl + Arrow Keys: Navigate to the edge of the data region.
Ctrl + Shift + L: Add or remove filters.
Ctrl + T: Create a table.
F2: Edit the active cell.
Alt + E, S, V: Paste special (advanced paste options).

PowerPoint

F5: Start the slideshow from the beginning.
Shift + F5: Start the slideshow from the current slide.
Ctrl + M: Insert a new slide.
Ctrl + K: Insert a hyperlink.
Alt + N, P: Insert a picture.

Web Browser Keyboard Shortcuts

Google Chrome / Firefox / Edge

Ctrl + T (Windows) / Command (⌘) + T (Mac): Open a new tab.
Ctrl + W (Windows) / Command (⌘) + W (Mac): Close the current tab.
Ctrl + Shift + T (Windows) / Command (⌘) + Shift + T (Mac): Reopen the last closed tab.
Ctrl + Tab (Windows) / Command (⌘) + Option + Right Arrow (Mac): Switch to the next tab.
Ctrl + Shift + N (Windows) / Command (⌘) + Shift + N (Mac): Open a new incognito or private window.