20 essential PC shortcuts keys

There are certain shortcuts I use all day, every day. They work whether I’m doing stuff with photos, music, documents, or spreadsheets.
  • Copy a selected item: Ctrl+C
  • Cut a selected item: Ctrl+X
  • Paste a selected item: Ctrl+V
  • Undo an action: Ctrl+Z
  • Redo that thing I just undid: Ctrl+Y
  • Select everything: Ctrl+A
  • Print: Ctrl+P
  • Switch between open windows
    Alt+Tab
    Clear away everything and show the desktop
  • Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo key+D
    Minimize the window
  • Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo key+Down Arrow
    Maximize the window
  • Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo key+Up Arrow
    Compare and contrast in a snap
  • Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo key+Left Arrow or Right Arrow
    Multitask with multiple monitors
  • Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo key+Shift+Right Arrow or Left Arrow
    Open Task Manager 
  • Ctrl+Shift+Esc
    Lock your PC or switch users
  • Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo key+L
    This shortcut locks your PC and instantly displays the login screen. 
  • Choose a presentation display mode
    Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo key+P
    Zoom in, zoom out
  • Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo key+Plus Sign or Minus Sign
    Search for files and folders
  • Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo key+F
    Open a new instance of a program
  • Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo key+Shift+Click a taskbar icon
    And when you need it …get help
  • Windows logo key Picture of the Windows logo key+F1