Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts are combinations of keys that execute commands quickly. They can vary depending on the operating system and application. Here are some common ones:

Windows:

- Ctrl + C: Copy

- Ctrl + V: Paste

- Ctrl + X: Cut

- Ctrl + Z: Undo

- Ctrl + Y: Redo

- Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications

- Win + D: Show desktop

- Win + E: Open File Explorer.

macOS:

- Command (⌘) + C: Copy

- Command (⌘) + V: Paste

- Command (⌘) + X: Cut

- Command (⌘) + Z: Undo

- Command (⌘) + Shift + Z: Redo

- Command (⌘) + Tab: Switch between open applications

- Command (⌘) + F: Find in a document.
Desktop Shortcuts

These are icons on your desktop that provide quick access to files, folders, or applications. You can create shortcuts by:


- Right-clicking on an item and selecting "Create shortcut" or "Make Alias" (on macOS).

- Dragging and dropping an item while holding down the appropriate key.

Application Shortcuts

These are specific to the applications you’re using and can often be customized. For example, in web browsers like Chrome or Firefox:


- Ctrl + T or Command (⌘) + T: Open a new tab

- Ctrl + W or Command (⌘) + W: Close the current tab

- Ctrl + Shift + N or Command (⌘) + Shift + N: Open an incognito window.
System Shortcuts

These are used to perform system-level tasks:


- Ctrl + Alt + Delete (Windows): Open the task manager or security options

- Ctrl + Shift + Esc (Windows): Open the task manager directly

- Command (⌘) + Space (macOS): Open Spotlight search.
Creating Custom Shortcuts

You can also create your own shortcuts for frequently used actions or applications. On Windows, you can assign keyboard shortcuts to desktop shortcuts by:


1. Right-clicking the shortcut icon.

2. Selecting “Properties.”

3. Going to the “Shortcut” tab.

4. Entering your desired key combination in the “Shortcut key” field.

On macOS, you can use the “Keyboard” section in System Preferences to create custom shortcuts for specific applications or system functions.

Sure! Here’s a comprehensive list of keyboard shortcuts for Windows, including general system commands, file management, and more. For desktop shortcuts, I’ll cover how to create and use them effectively.

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

General System Commands

- Win: Open/close Start menu

- Win + D: Show desktop / Restore open windows

- Win + E: Open File Explorer

- Win + L: Lock your PC

- Win + R: Open the Run dialog

- Win + I: Open Settings

- Win + X: Open the Quick Link menu

- Win + M: Minimize all windows

- Win + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows

- Win + P: Project a screen (for multi-monitor setups)

- Win + S: Open search

- Win + V: Open Clipboard history (requires enabling)

- Win + U: Open Ease of Access Center

- Win + Tab: Open Task View.
File and Folder Management


- Ctrl + N: Open a new window in File Explorer

- Ctrl + W: Close the current window

- Ctrl + Shift + N: Create a new folder in File Explorer

- Ctrl + C: Copy selected item(s)

- Ctrl + X: Cut selected item(s)

- Ctrl + V: Paste copied/cut item(s)

- Ctrl + Z: Undo an action

- Ctrl + Y: Redo an action

- F2: Rename selected item

- F3: Search for a file or folder

- Alt + Enter: Open properties of selected item.
Application Management


- Alt + Tab: Switch between open applications

- Alt + F4: Close the current application window

- Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Open Task Manager

- Win + 1, 2, 3, etc. : Open the first, second, third, etc. app pinned to the Taskbar

- Win + Shift + Left/Right Arrow: Move active window to the left or right monitor (for multiple monitors).

Virtual Desktops

- Win + Ctrl + D: Create a new virtual desktop

- Win + Ctrl + Left/Right Arrow: Switch between virtual desktops

- Win + Ctrl + F4: Close the current virtual desktop

Accessibility

- Win + + (plus): Open Magnifier

- Win + - (minus): Zoom out using Magnifier

- Win + Esc: Close Magnifier

- Win + U: Open Ease of Access settings

Desktop Shortcuts

Creating Desktop Shortcuts

1. For Files/Folders:
- Right-click on the file or folder.

- Select “Create shortcut” from the context menu.

- Drag the created shortcut to the desktop or desired location.
2. For Applications:
- Locate the application in the Start menu or File Explorer.

- Right-click on the application.

- Select “Send to” > Desktop (create shortcut).

Using Desktop Shortcuts

- Double-click: Open the application, file, or folder associated with the shortcut.

- Right-click: Access additional options such as properties, pin to Start, or delete.

- Shift + Right-click: Open the "Copy as path" option to copy the full path of the shortcut.
Organizing Desktop Shortcuts


- Drag and Drop: Move shortcuts around on the desktop to organize them.

- Right-click Desktop > View: Adjust icon size or align icons to grid.

- Create Folders: Drag and drop shortcuts into a folder on the desktop to keep things tidy.