custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

April 11, 2023

Share this page

Facebook icon

Remapping 101: How to change your keyboard key output

Your PC or laptop keyboard doesn’t have to be one-size-fits-all. If you’re not a fan of certain key placements or find that you aren’t using some of your keys, you can rearrange the functions of your keys however you like. Most keyboards are laid out in the same way, but Windows 11 features  allow you to make the necessary adjustments to help you type more comfortably. Learn how you can remap your keys and change keyboard outputs on Windows 11 .

Why remap your keyboard?

If you’re used to a standard keyboard layout, you may not initially see the value in remapping your keys. Here are some common reasons for changing keyboard outputs:

  • Typing on a foreign keyboard. If you want to type in any language besides English, it can be difficult to type seamlessly on an English-only keyboard. By switching your key functions, you can cater to different language settings.
  • Using your keyboard for PC gaming. PC gamers rely on their keyboards to play their favorite games. Remapping your keys to best suit your gaming needs can improve performance and make your frequently used keys more accessible.
  • Repurposing underused keys. Not everyone uses their keys the same way. If it seems like a key that you don’t often use is taking up valuable space on your keyboard, you can reassign its function to find a good use for it and increase productivity.

Popular QWERTY alternatives

You may notice that top row of letters on your keyboard, going left to right, spells QWERTY. However, there are other popular keyboard layouts that can help you type faster or more comfortably. Learn more about each layout and how they might benefit your typing:

  • AZERTY. The AZERTY layout simply moves the output of the Q , W , and M keys. It is most often used in France and other surrounding countries.
  • Dvorak. The Dvorak layout puts the most used keys in the middle row, which decreases finger movement. This typing method can help reduce strain in your fingers, which makes for a more ergonomic experience.
  • Colemak. The Colemak layout offers a slight improvement on the Dvorak layout. It also places the commonly used keys in the middle row, but it keeps the useable features of the QWERTY layout intact.

How to remap your keys on Windows 11

The easiest way to change your keyboard functions on Windows 11 is to use the Keyboard Manager  utility. The Keyboard Manager is one of many utilities available in Microsoft PowerToys , which are a collection of productivity tools that allow users to customize their Windows experience.

How does Keyboard Manager work?

Once you’ve downloaded PowerToys onto your device, select Keyboard Manager and toggle Enable Keyboard Manager. You’ll find separate sections for remapping keys and remapping shortcuts, each of which can be adjusted to your liking. Some keys and shortcuts cannot be remapped in Keyboard Manager, and these limitations are highlighted on the platform. PowerToys must be running for the key mapping to work, so make sure you don’t close out of the program after making your selections.

What other keyboard mapping functions are available on Windows?

If you are still running Windows 10 on your PC, you can download Microsoft Keyboard Layout Creator  to create your own keyboard layouts. Microsoft keyboard users can also try the Mouse and Keyboard Center  app to get the most out of the customization features within the accessories. Other keyboard mapping options can be downloaded on Microsoft Apps .

By learning how to remap your keys, you can break the mold and take control of how you use your keyboard. Shop for Microsoft Keyboards  to find the perfect keyboard to test your remapped keys on Windows 11 .

Products featured in this article

Windows 11 logo

More articles

Surface Laptop Studio Feature with 11th Gen Intel® Core processor and NVIDIA® RTX™ A2000 laptop GPU shown

How to check your GPU and why it matters

Get to know the purpose and value of your computer’s GPU.

Windows device projected onto a bigger screen

How to use Windows Remote Desktop to access a PC

Learn how Windows Remote Desktop allows you to access your PC from anywhere.

Person sitting on couch using Windows laptop

How to find and enjoy your computer's accessibility settings

Find the features to help with specific vision, hearing, or mobility needs.

  • iPhone Apps
  • Fix iPhone Errors
  • iPhone Tutorials
  • Apple Watch
  • Google Docs
  • Google Drive
  • Google Account
  • Fix Windows 10 Errors
  • Windows 10 Tutorials
  • Creative Courses
  • Technical Courses
  • Windows 7 Themes
  • Online Services

TechNorms.com

How To Create A Keyboard Shortcut in Windows 11

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Key Takeaways:

  • Keyboard shortcuts take you to the desired folder or application instantly when you press the key combinations.
  • You can go to the Properties window to create custom keyboard shortcuts.
  • There are also third-party applications that help assign keyboard shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcuts are hot favorites of people who spend a lot of time working on their PC. The shortcuts shorten the access time to folders and applications on your computer. Windows has its own comprehensive list of default keyboard shortcuts, but if you are wondering how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11 , we have the answer.

Many shortcuts like Alt + Tab, Ctrl + F, and function keys are like second nature to us, making our work a lot easier. If you want to perform some task or open an individual item like an application very often, you can assign a keyboard shortcut to it. The shortcuts let our hands don’t leave the keyboard for long and thus increase our productivity. Dive in and discover how you can create custom shortcut combinations that improve your overall experience with your PC. You can also learn about how to change the screen resolution in Windows 11.

How To Create A Keyboard Shortcut In Windows 11

If you can create your own keyboard shortcuts, then why be satisfied with the ones provided by the operating system? With the fantastic features of Windows 11, creating shortcut key combinations is no big deal. A right-click on the application and selecting Properties will take you straight to the window where you can type in the keys. Read through this guide to understand different ways of shortcut creation.

How to Make a Keyboard Shortcut to Open a Folder

You might have to open some specific folder on your computer for work or personal purposes very often. Creating a keyboard shortcut is your best bet if it is a subfolder and takes time to navigate. Here is how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11 to open a folder.

Note : Our task here is to create a desktop shortcut for the folder in the discussion. This desktop shortcut can then be assigned a keyboard shortcut. If you plan on keyboard shortcut assignments for multiple folders, create desktop shortcuts for all of them and assign keyboard shortcuts.

1. Let’s call the folder you want to create a keyboard shortcut for ‘Daily tasks.’ Search for the parent folder of this folder and navigate to Daily tasks. Right-click on the folder icon and select “Show more options” in the current shortcut menu.

Select Show more options

2. In the context menu, select Send to > Desktop (create shortcut) using left mouse click. The desktop shortcut to Daily tasks is now created.

Create shortcut

3. Go to your desktop and find the shortcut created. Right-click on it and select “Properties” in the context menu.

 Select Properties

4. In the Properties window, click the Shortcut tab seen on top. In the shortcut key field, enter the desired key. You will see that Ctrl + Alt will be automatically prefixed to the character you typed as it is necessary to begin shortcuts with Ctrl.

Here, the shortcut key becomes Ctrl + Alt + D. Click “OK” to save the changes.

Enter shortcut key for how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11

Now, when you use the shortcut key Ctrl + Alt + D you just created, the folder opens on its own without going to the parent folder.

How to Create a Keyboard Shortcut to Open an Application Shortcut

You might be aware of desktop shortcuts and the shortcuts in the start menu and taskbar. Similarly, you must also be aware of custom scaling in Windows 11 . The app shortcuts found in these locations can be opened using keyboard shortcuts. Opening apps via keyboard shortcuts is impossible with common keyboard shortcuts in Windows. But we can create them manually and make our job simpler. Read on to learn how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11 to open a shortcut.

Presenting a list of methods for different situations.

Option A: Create Shortcut Keys To Open Desktop Shortcuts

1. Right-click on the desktop app shortcut and select Properties.

Select Properties

2. In the Properties window, select the shortcut tab. Type the keyboard shortcut in the Shortcut key field, click the Apply button, and then the OK button to save the changes.

Enter shortcut key for how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11

Option B: Create Shortcut Keys To Open The Shortcuts On Taskbar

Let’s check how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11 with another option.

1. Right-click on the shortcut pinned to the taskbar like the file explorer or Google Chrome. Then, right-click on the app icon in the pop-up window and select Properties. Remember that this is different from the window menu you get by combining the Shift key and right-clicking of a taskbar button.

Select Properties

2. As you did in option A above, type the desired keys in the shortcut key field and click “OK” to save the changes.

Option C: Create Shortcut Keys To Open The Shortcuts On The Start Menu

Let’s check another option for how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11.

1. Click the Start menu icon to open it. Right-click on the app icon you want to create a shortcut key for. Select Open file location. If you cannot find the app button, type it in the search box.

 Open file location

2. The file location will be opened now. Again, right-click on the application and select Properties.

Select Properties for how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11

3. Similar to option A, type the desired keys in the shortcut key field and click “OK” to save the changes.

Option D: Create Shortcut Keys To Open The Shortcuts To All Apps On The Start Menu

1. Click the Start menu icon to open it. Click “All apps” below the search bar.

 Click All apps

2. Right-click on the app button you want to create a shortcut key for. You can use the mouse scroll wheel to scroll down and do an app search. Select More > Open file location.

Open file location

3. The file location will be opened now. Again, right-click on the application and select Properties.

Select Properties for how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11

4. In the properties window, type the desired keys in the shortcut key field and click “OK” to save the changes as you did in the above-mentioned keyboard shortcut methods.

With this method, you can open any app like the command prompt, control panel and any others you have downloaded.

How to Create Shutdown Shortcut for Windows 11

After a hectic day at work, shutting down your system is often the last thing you do after closing individual items. You will be delighted to know that this boring task can be accomplished instantly if you create a keyboard shutdown shortcut. The trick is to direct the shortcut to the shutdown.exe in the Win32 folder with extra instructions to complete the shutdown process. Let us see how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11 for the shutdown.

1. Right-click anywhere on the desktop and select New > Shortcut.

 Create new shortcut

2. In the Create Shortcut window, type the shutdown command in the location field. The shutdown command is –

Here, /s stands for shutdown, and /t is the wait time for the shutdown to occur. As we have given 00, the shutdown occurs immediately when the shutdown shortcut is used. Click “Next.”

Enter location and click Next

3. Now, give a name for the shortcut and click “Finish.” You will see that a new shortcut for the shutdown has been created on your desktop.

Name the shortcut and click Finish

When you double-click on the shutdown shortcut, your computer will shut down instantly.

Note : Similarly, you can create restart shortcut, hibernate shortcut and sleep shortcut. You can even create an additional keyboard shortcut for lock though there is already a built-in keyboard shortcut present in Windows 11. Here are the relevant commands for the same.

The command for restart shortcut:

The command for hibernate shortcut:

The command for sleep shortcut:

The command for shortcut for lock:

Remember to use the relevant command to do the specific task.

How to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcut using WinHotKey App

Using third-party apps always works if you want to have some advanced features. For example, setting up keyboard shortcuts can be easily accomplished using the advanced shortcut creator WinHotKey app. It is free software with a quick setup. Plus, it takes up very little storage space and is compatible with Windows 11. As it is not a complex shortcut maker, you will love working with it to make shortcuts for individual items.

Here is how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11 using the WinHotKey app.

1. Open WinHotKey  page in your browser window and click on the “FREE DOWNLOAD” button.

Click Free download

2. Click on “Softpedia Secure Download (US).”

 Click on Softpedia Secure Download (US)

3. Now, the WinHotKey setup wizard will be opened. Click “Next.”

Click Next

4. Select “I accept the agreement” and click “Next.”

Accept the agreement and click Next

5. Select a destination location to download WinHotKey and click “Next.”

Select a location and click Next

6. Select a Start menu folder and click “Next.”

Select the start menu folder and click Next

7. Select the additional icons if you want and click “Next.”

Select additional tasks and click Next

8. Click the “Install” button.

Click Install

9. Select “Launch WinHotKey” and click “Finish.”

Select Launch WinHotKey and click Finish

10. Now, the WinHotKey configuration window will be opened. Select “New Hotkey” to create a new shortcut key.

Select New Hotkey

11. Here, we are trying to create a hotkey to launch an application. You can select any other from the drop-down list. Click “Browse” in the current window to choose an application from the application window.

Click Browse

12. Select the application and click “Open.”

Select the application and click Open

13. Select the keyboard key you want to include along with the Win key. We have selected the number 0 and checked the shift key. Other keys available are letters, numbers, and function keys F1-F12. You can deselect the Windows key if you wish.

Select the keys

14. Click “OK” to save the hotkey. Your keyboard shortcut assignment is successfully done.

Click OK

Note : Additionally, the advanced button opens an advanced window to give parameters to dictate how to launch the apps with keyboard shortcuts. Once the parameters are selected, click “OK” to close the Advanced window.

You can use the custom keyboard shortcut created to open the app from now on.

Final Thoughts

Users who work a lot on their PC know the keyboard shortcuts are a boon. But very often, the keyboard combinations offered by Windows are not sufficient enough to boost productivity to a large extent. Luckily, users can often create their own shortcut keys for folders or programs they access. So, these shortcuts entirely depend on how each user uses their computer.

The article tells you about how to create a keyboard shortcut in Windows 11 . Hotkeys can be set to open applications or folders, in fact, anything on your PC that you access very often. If time permits, experiment with the third-party app we mentioned to assign your hotkeys for a customized experience.

Latest Articles

25 best chatgpt plugins to install and use in 2023, how to fix local security authority protection is off on windows 11, how to use windows 11 snap layouts, how to enable hyper-v on windows 11, how to factory reset windows 11, how to fix snap layouts not working in windows 11.

  • Trending Now
  • Data Structures & Algorithms
  • Foundational Courses
  • Data Science
  • Practice Problem
  • Machine Learning
  • System Design
  • DevOps Tutorial
  • Web Development
  • Web Browser

Related Articles

  • Best Apps To Remotely Access a PC Or Mac From a Smartphone
  • How To Detect and Remove a Keylogger?
  • Methods To Remove Parental Controls On Devices
  • How to Update Your Computer BIOS?
  • How To Delete Incognito History?
  • Tips to Protect Your Home Wi-Fi Network
  • What is NFC?
  • How to Change Your Windows Computer Screen Saver?
  • How to Defragment a Disk on a Windows Computer?
  • How to Disable Flash in Chrome?
  • How to Restart a Service in Linux?
  • How to Reset Network Settings on Android?
  • How to Burn a CD in Linux?
  • How to Setup Wifi Connection at Home?
  • How to Enable Dynamic Lock on Windows Laptops?
  • How to Disable Virus Protection on Your Computer?
  • How To Prevent Windows From Connecting To Unsecured Wireless Networks?
  • How to Find out the version of the Raspberry Pi?
  • How To Run Android Apps On Linux?

How to Customize Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts?

Windows 11 doesn’t have a feature to change the actions of keys or shortcuts, but using tools like Microsoft PowerToys allows users to customize their keyboard shortcuts, making work more efficient and productive. Keyboard shortcuts are key combinations that execute specific actions.

In this article, we will show you how to customize your keyboard shortcuts

Table of Content

1. Remap keys on Windows 11

2. remap shortcuts on windows 11, frequently asked questions, customizing windows 11 keyboard shortcuts using powertoys.

PowerToys is a suite of utilities created specifically for power users to enrich Windows functionality. It comes with a Keyboard Manager tool that lets users reconfigure keys and easily create customized keyboard shortcuts.

To remap keys in Windows 11, follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Win + S then on the search bar type “ Microsoft Store ” then open it

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Step 2: On the Microsoft Store search bar type “ Microsoft PowerToys “

Step 3: In right side pane click on “ Install ” button

Step 4: Open Microsoft PowerToys and click on Keyboard Manager in the sidebar.

Step 5 : Toggle on the “ Enable Keyboard Manager ”

Step 6 : In under Key section, Click on “ Remap a key ” option

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Step 7: Click on the “+ Add key remapping ” button

Step 8: In the “Keyboard Manager” section of PowerToys, select the key you want to remap in the “ Select ” settings. Then, choose the key you want to map it to in the “ Send to ” setting.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Step 9: Click on “ Ok ” button to save changes

Step 1 : Open Powertoys then navigate to Keyboard Manager

Step 2: Click on the “ Remap a Shortcuts ” option.

Step 3: Click on the “ + Add key remapping ” button

Step 4: In select dropdown menu you can select any shortcut key. then from “ Send to” dropdown select remap shortcut. You can select specific shortcut for specific application by targeting apps.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

In Conclusion, Using PowerToys, you can quickly adjust your keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11 and make work more comfortable and enjoyable. You can also use other options in PowerToys that include Color Picker, FancyZones, Image Resizer and so on. PowerToys is a free and open-source tool that can be downloaded Microsoft store.

  • Sleep mode vs Hibernate mode in Computer
  • How to Bypass “Lets connect you to a network” in Windows 11?
  • How to Fix PC Always Boots Twice Before Starting?
Follow the steps below to customize Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts: In PowerToys’ Keyboard Manager, navigate to “Remap a Shortcuts” Add a key remapping by clicking on the “+ Add key remapping” button. Choose a shortcut key and its corresponding remap shortcut from the dropdown menus, including options for specific application targeting.

How Do I Enable Sticky Keys In Windows 11?

To enable Sticky Keys in windows follow these steps: Open settings by pressing Win + I Navigate to “Accessibility” > “Keyboard” Toggle on the “ Sticky Keys “

Does Windows 11 have keyboard shortcuts?

Yes, Windows 11 has keyboard shortcuts that allow an individual to complete a number of tasks faster and easier. Keyboard shortcuts involve keys or combinations of keys that allow you to do something without using the mouse. Some keywords shortcut are: Win key: Opens the Start menu. Win + D: Minimizes all open windows and shows the desktop. Win + E: Opens File Explorer. Win + Tab: Opens Task View to switch between open windows and virtual desktops. Alt + Tab: Switches between open applications. Ctrl + Shift + Esc: Opens Task Manager. Alt + F4: Closes the active window or application. Win + L: Locks the computer.

Please Login to comment...

author

Improve your Coding Skills with Practice

 alt=

What kind of Experience do you want to share?

How to remap keys or shortcuts on Windows 11

Do you need to reassign keyboard keys or shortcuts? In this guide, we'll show you how on Windows 11.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak

  • To remap a key on Windows 11, open PowerToys > Keyboard Manager > Remap a key , configure the key remap and save changes.
  • To remap a shortcut on Windows 11, open PowerToys > Keyboard Manager > Remap a shortcut , configure the shortcut remap and save changes.

On Windows 11 , you can remap keys and shortcuts in different ways, but using PowerToys is the fastest and easiest method, and in this guide, you will learn how.

If you play games on your computer or use the device for work, sometimes, you may need to reassign some keys and shortcuts to different keys or a combo of keys because it makes more sense to you or can help improve productivity. 

Regardless of the reason, Windows 11 doesn’t include a feature to change the actions of keys or shortcuts, but you can use the tools like Microsoft PowerToys to remap virtually any key or shortcut.

This guide will teach you how to use the PowerToys app to remap keys and shortcuts on Windows 11 quickly. (These instructions should also work on Windows 10 .)

Remap keys on Windows 11

Remap shortcuts on windows 11.

To remap keys on your keyboard on Windows 11, use these steps:

Open PowerToys .

Click on Keyboard Manager .

Turn on the “Enable Keyboard Manager” toggle switch.

Click the “Remap a key” option.

Keyboard manager remap keys

Click the Plus (+) button.

Select the key to remap in the “Physical key” setting.

Select the key that will be mapped to the other key in the “Mapped to” setting.

Windows 11 remap keys

Click the OK button.

Once you complete the steps, the key will now perform the action of the new key mapping on Windows 11.

To remap shortcuts on Windows 11, use these steps:

Click the “Remap a Shortcuts” option.

Keyboard manager remap shortcuts

Confirm the shortcut to remap in the “Physical Shortcut” setting.

Confirm the new shortcut that will replace the previous shortcut in the “Mapped to” setting. 

Windows 11 remap shortcuts

(Optional) Confirm the app executable to apply the new shortcut in the “Target Appp” setting.

After you complete the steps, the shortcut remap will perform the action you configured in the application.

If you want to remove the remap, you can go to the “Remap a key” or “Remap shortcuts” page and click the “Delete” (trash) button for the action you want to remove.

Although PowerToys can make it easier to remap keys and shortcuts on Windows 11, it’s important to note that the application doesn’t make system changes, meaning that the remaps will only work as long as PowerToys is running.

Avatar for Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is a Windows expert and the Editor-in-Chief who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He is also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 12 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows, software, and related technologies, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter) , YouTube , LinkedIn and About.me .

  • How to run Command Prompt as TrustedInstaller on Windows 11
  • How to change Virtual Desktop wallpaper on Windows 11

We hate spam as much as you! Unsubscribe any time Powered by follow.it ( Privacy ), our Privacy .

All Things How home

Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts

170+ Windows 11 Keyboard shortcuts to make your Windows 11 experience faster and more productive.

Raj Kumar

Windows 11 introduces new keyboard shortcut keys that complement pre-existing Windows shortcuts, designed to enhance your work efficiency and speed. The majority of Windows 10 shortcuts continue to function in Windows 11, with additional shortcuts introduced to accommodate new features in this latest version.

Windows 11 shortcuts offer a wide range of commands, from navigation within Settings and executing commands on a command prompt, to alternating between snap layouts and interacting with dialog boxes. This article will provide a comprehensive list of crucial keyboard shortcut keys, otherwise known as Windows hotkeys, that every Windows 11 user should familiarize themselves with.

Shortcut Keys or Windows Hotkeys for Windows 11

Utilizing keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11 can greatly enhance your efficiency by accelerating your usual tasks. These shortcuts offer a more streamlined approach to task completion, often reducing the need for repetitive clicking and scrolling.

While the prospect of learning all available shortcuts may seem overwhelming, it's not necessary to memorize every single one. Instead, focusing on the shortcuts related to your most frequent tasks can significantly improve your speed and productivity.

New Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11

Windows 11 brings a few Keyboard Shortcuts for accessing its cool new features such as widgets, snap layouts, action center, and quick settings.

FYI, Win key is the Windows Logo key on your keyboard.

General and Popular Shortcuts for Windows 11

Here are the most frequently used and essential keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11.

Keyboard Shortcuts For Taking Screenshots in Windows 11

Task manager shortcuts for windows 11, desktop and virtual desktops shortcuts for windows 11.

These simple shortcuts will help you navigate your desktop, virtual desktops, and Azure Virtual Desktop more smoothly.

Taskbar Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11

You can use below keyboard shortcuts to take control of your taskbar:

File Explorer (with Tabs) Shortcuts for Windows 11

These keyboard shortcuts can help you navigate your Windows filesystem more quickly than ever:

Command Prompt Shortcuts for Windows 11

If you are a Command Prompt user, then these shortcuts will come in handy:

Dialog box Shortcuts for Windows 11

Use the following Windows hotkeys to navigate the Dialog box of any application easily:

Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11

Windows 11 provides these keyboard shortcuts to make your computer more accessible and easier to use for everyone:

Xbox Game Bar Shortcuts for Windows 11

Here are some keyboard shortcuts for the Xbox Game Bar overlay in Windows 11 that can help you perform in-game tasks like capturing game clips, taking screenshots, and more.

Browser Shortcuts for Windows 11

You can use these shortcuts to navigate and use browsers such as Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, etc.

Other Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11

Create custom keyboard shortcuts for any app.

Not every app or program has shortcut keys to open it in Windows 11. In such cases, you can create your own keyboard shortcuts or keybinding to launch an application in Windows 11. Here’s how you can create custom keyboard shortcuts for an app in Windows 11:

First, open the Start menu and search for the app you want to create a keyboard shortcut for. Then, right-click the app from the search results and select ‘Open file location’ from the context menu.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

This will open the Programs folder in the user files where you can see the desktop shortcuts for the app. Now right-click the desired shortcut icon and select ‘Properties’ from the context menu. 

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

In the program Properties dialog box, switch to the ‘Shortcut’ tab and press the key combination you want for the shortcut in the ‘Shortcut key’ field. Then, click on ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

If an app doesn’t have a desktop shortcut, create one and add keyboard shortcuts to it. To do that, navigate to the folder where the app was installed and right-click on the application (.exe), and select ‘Show more options’.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

In the full context menu, hover over ‘Send to’ and select ‘Desktop (create shortcut)’.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Then, go to the desktop and right-click the shortcut you just created, and select ‘Properties’.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

In the Properties dialog, specify the shortcut in the ‘Shortcut key’ and click ‘Apply’ then ‘OK’.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Have fun doing things quicker and efficiently with the above-mentioned keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Microsoft Copilot Pro Review: There is a lot of Unrealized Potential

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

How to Create a Custom Copilot GPT

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

How to Use Gemini AI

Get all the latest posts delivered straight to your inbox., member discussion.

How to Use AI Eraser in Photos App on Windows 11 and 10

How to Use AI Eraser in Photos App on Windows 11 and 10

How to Enable Show Desktop Button in Windows 11 Taskbar

How to Enable Show Desktop Button in Windows 11 Taskbar

How to Enable and Use Sudo in Windows 11

How to Enable and Use Sudo in Windows 11

How to View and Delete Print Queue in Windows 11

How to View and Delete Print Queue in Windows 11

How to Change NAT Type in Router (for Windows 11 users)

How to Change NAT Type in Router (for Windows 11 users)

The ultimate guide to keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11

Want to get work done faster on your PC? These Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts can help you do things faster without reaching for your mouse.

Quick Links

Use windows 11 features and apps with keyboard shortcuts, keyboard shortcuts for multitasking and window management, file explorer keyboard shortcuts in windows 11, keyboard shortcuts for dialog boxes, keyboard shortcuts for the taskbar, other general keyboard shortcuts in windows 11.

Most users are familiar with using their laptop with a keyboard and mouse. After all, this is the most intuitive method for most people. The mouse makes it easy to know what you're pointing at, selecting, and clicking, so even first-timers don't take too long to get the hang of it. But for proficient users, the keyboard can be a much more powerful tool, and it allows you to get things done faster. That's why there are a ton of keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 that help with exactly that, and we've compiled a list of them to help you out.

Keyboard shortcuts can do all kinds of things, whether that's something as simple as copying text or taking a screenshot, opening your notifications, and more. Most of these have been around for ages, but some of them also change over time as Microsoft makes tweaks to the features in Windows 11. Here's a list of all the keyboard shortcuts you can use in Windows 11 as of the latest update, which is Windows 11 version 23H2 .

You may already know the Windows key on your keyboard for opening the Start menu, but did you know you can combine it with all kinds of other keys to open specific apps and features in Windows 11? Here are the most notable things you can do with this key.

  • Windows key + A — Open the Quick Settings panel. This lets you turn Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, airplane mode, and more features on or off. You can also adjust the brightness of your screen and computer volume in this panel.
  • Windows key + C — Open Copilot (in supported regions). Copilot can provide answers to questions, search the internet, generate images, and even change some Windows settings.
  • Windows key + D — Show or hide the desktop. Showing the desktop means all your apps are no longer visible, and hiding it restores all your apps in their correct place.
  • Windows key + E — Open File Explorer.
  • Windows key + F — Open the Feedback Hub and immediately take a screenshot. This lets you more easily send feedback to Microsoft about a problem you may have encountered.
  • Windows key + Alt + B — Turn HDR on or off. This requires an HDR-compatible monitor and a recent version of the Xbox Game Bar app.
  • Windows key + Alt + R — Start recording a video of your app or game using the Xbox Game Bar.
  • Windows key + H — Launch voice typing. This allows you to dictate text rather than write it by hand.
  • Windows key + Pause — Open the About page in Settings. This includes information about your computer hardware and Windows itself.
  • Windows key + K — Open the Cast panel. This lets you connect to wireless displays that support Miracast.
  • Windows key + Alt + K - Mute your microphone in apps that support Call Mute (includes Teams for work and school, Unigram, and others).
  • Windows key + L — Lock your PC. This keeps all your apps open, but requires you to unlock your PC before using them again.
  • Windows key + Shift + M — Restore your minimized windows. This only works if you're still on the desktop.
  • Windows key + N — Show the notification center and calendar. This is a new keyboard shortcut in Windows 11.
  • Windows key + O — Lock device orientation. For tablets and convertibles, this prevents the display from rotating when you rotate your PC.
  • Windows key + P — Change the display mode for multiple monitors. If you have multiple displays connected, you can choose to only have one of the screens active, duplicate the display across all screens, or use the screens to extend your display area.
  • Windows key + Ctrl + Q — Open Quick Assist. This allows you to receive or provide help to another user by connecting remotely over the internet.
  • Windows key + R — Open the Run dialog. This allows you to open any app on your PC, as long as you know the name of the executable file for the app.
  • Windows key + S — Open Windows Search. You can search for files, apps, and search the web here.
  • Windows key + Shift + S — Take a screenshot using the Snipping Tool. After pressing the key, you can still choose your preferred capture mode, including free form, rectangle, window, and full-screen (this includes all connected monitors).
  • Windows key + Ctrl + C — Turn color filters on or off. This feature needs to be enabled in the Accessibility settings first, and it lets you change how colors are displayed to account for various forms of color blindness.
  • Windows key + V — Open your clipboard history. This allows you to see multiple items you've copied, including text, links, and images. Out of the box, this feature is disabled, but you can turn it on from here, too.
  • Windows + Shift + V — Set focus to a notification on screen.
  • Windows key + W — Open the Widgets panel. This new Windows 11 feature contains widgets for things like the weather, OneDrive photos, calendar, and more. You can also see news from topics you're interested in here.
  • Windows key + X — Open the Quick Link menu (equivalent to right-clicking the Start icon on your taskbar). This contains links to system features like Settings, File Explorer, Task Manager, and more.
  • Windows key + Y (Windows Mixed Reality devices only) — Switch input between Windows Mixed Reality and the desktop.
  • Windows key + Z — Open the snap layouts panel. This feature, added in Windows 11, makes it easier to put multiple apps side by side on your screen.
  • Windows + . (period) or ; (semi-colon) — Open the emoji panel. This lets you add emoji to any text field.
  • Windows + , (comma) — Peek at the desktop. Your desktop is only visible as long as you hold one of the keys after pressing them, then your windows are restored.
  • Windows key + Ctrl + F — Search for PCs on your network. This is meant for Azure Active Directory domains.
  • Windows key + Shift + Spacebar — Cycle backwards through the list.
  • Windows key + Ctrl + Spacebar — Switch to the last used input method.
  • Ctrl + Shift — Switch to a different keyboard layout if multiple are available (for the same language).
  • Ctrl + Spacebar — Turn the Chinese IME on or off (if the Chinese language is installed).
  • Windows key + Ctrl + Enter — Turn on Narrator. This accessibility feature reads on-screen elements to make navigation easier for those with vision impairments.
  • Windows key + - (minus) — Zoom out with the Magnifier.
  • Windows key + Esc — Close the Magnifier.
  • Windows key + / (forward slash) — Begin IME reconversion.
  • Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + B — Wake up your PC from a blank or black screen.
  • Windows key + Alt + PrtScn — Take a screenshot of the active game or window and save it into a file. This feature uses the Xbox Game Bar, and files are saved in the Videos library, in a folder called Captures (by default).
  • PrtScn — Take a full-screen screenshot and copy it to the clipboard, so you can paste it somewhere else without saving it as a file. You can also go to the Settings app > Accessibility > Keyboard to set the PrtScn key to open the Snipping Tool (making it the same as Windows key + Shift + S )
  • Ctrl + Esc — Open the Start menu.
  • Ctrl + Shift + Esc — Open the Task Manager.

Screenshot of the Task View interface in Windows 11

If you have multiple apps open, keyboard shortcuts can be a much more effective way of managing them, whether it's switching from one to the other or snapping them side-by-side. Here are a few ways you can manage your open apps with your keyboard.

  • Windows key + Tab — Open Task View. This displays all your open apps as tiles so you can choose one to focus on. It also displays your virtual desktops.
  • Alt + Esc — Cycle through windows in the order in which they were opened.
  • Ctrl + Alt + Tab — View all your open apps so you can choose one with the keyboard arrows. This is similar to Task View, but doesn't display your virtual desktops and is only visible in your current active monitor.
  • Alt + F4 — Close the active window or app. If used on the desktop, this opens the Windows power menu.
  • Windows key + Up arrow — Maximize the active window so it takes up the entire desktop. On a maximized window, snap the window to the top half of the screen.
  • Windows key + Alt + Up arrow — Snap the active window to the top half of your monitor. This is a new shortcut in Windows 11 and it will prompt you to choose an app to snap on the bottom half.
  • Windows key + Down arrow — Set the active window to a smaller size if it's maximized. Hide the window into the taskbar if it's not maximized.
  • Windows key + Alt + Down arrow — Snap the active window to the bottom half of the screen. If the active window is currently taking up the entire screen, it will be made into a smaller size first, then you can press the keys again to snap it. This will prompt you to choose an app for the top half if there isn't one yet.
  • Windows key + Left arrow — Snap the active window to the left half of the screen.
  • If you hold down the Windows key after snapping an app to half the screen, you can use one of the other arrows to snap the app into a quarter of the screen. You can also press the same arrow repeatedly to move windows to different monitors (still taking up half the screen).
  • Windows key + Home — Minimize all windows except the active window. Press again to restore the minimized windows.
  • Windows key + Shift + Up arrow — Stretch the active window to take up the entire vertical space, keeping the same width (for non-maximized windows). The same shortcut with the Down arrow reverses this.
  • Windows key + Shift + Right arrow or Left arrow — Move the active window to a different monitor.
  • Windows key + Ctrl + D — Create a new virtual desktop
  • Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow or Right arrow — Switch between virtual desktops to the left or right.
  • Windows key + Ctrl + F4 — Close the current virtual desktop. Any open apps are moved to the next virtual desktop in line.

Screenshot of File Explorer in Windows 11

The File Explorer is one of the core features of Windows 11, as it lets you view and manage all your files. There are a few shortcuts you can use to make this experience easier and faster using a keyboard.

  • Alt + D or F4 — Set focus to the address bar.
  • Ctrl + E or Ctrl + F or F3 — Set focus to the search bar.
  • Ctrl + N — Open a new window (also works in some web browsers)
  • Ctrl + T - Open a new tab. This feature also works on most web browsers.
  • Ctrl + W — Close the active tab. Closes the window if only one tab is open.
  • Ctrl + Tab — Switch to the next tab in the tab row
  • Ctrl + Shift + Tab — Switch to the previous tab in the tab row
  • Ctrl + mouse scroll wheel — Change the size of folder and file icons. Scrolling up makes icons bigger, scrolling down makes them smaller.
  • Ctrl + Shift + N — Create a new folder.
  • Num lock + + (plus) — Display the contents of a selected folder in the sidebar.
  • Num lock + * (asterisk) — Display all the subfolders in the current selected folder and its subfolders on the sidebar.
  • Num lock + - (minus) — Collapse an expanded folder.
  • Alt + Enter — View properties of the selected file or folder.
  • Alt + P — Show the preview panel.
  • Alt + Left arrow or Backspace — Go back one page (also works in some apps like web browsers)
  • Alt + Right arrow — Go forward one page (also works in apps like web browsers)
  • Alt + Up arrow — View the parent folder of the current active folder.
  • Ctrl + Spacebar — Select individual items while navigating
  • Shift + (arrow) — Select consecutive items starting from the currently selected one. In grid-style layouts, the up and down arrows select entire rows of items. If you start moving in the opposite direction, the last selected item(s) is/are deselected.
  • Left arrow — Collapse an expanded folder or select the parent folder of the currently selected one.
  • Home — Go to the top of the current page (works in various other apps).
  • End — Go to the bottom of the current page (also works in multiple apps).
  • F11 - Maximize or minimize the active window (also works in web browsers).

Screenshot of Windows 11's FIle Explorer with a properties dialog open over it

Some apps can generate dialog boxes, which can include menus, properties pages, and more. Depending on the complexity of the dialog box, you may be able to use a few keyboard shortcuts to navigate it.

  • F4 or Spacebar — Display items in an active list.
  • Arrow keys — Select a button in a group of buttons or option in a list.
  • Spacebar — Select or deselect an active checkbox or button.
  • Ctrl + Shift + Tab — Switch backwards through tabs
  • Shift + Tab — Move backward through the options on the current page.
  • Alt + (letter) — Select the option with the corresponding underlined letter in its description.

Screenshot of the taskbar in Windows 11 with an app selected

Using the taskbar in Windows 11 can also be made easier using keyboard shortcuts. Here are a few key combinations that can help you select taskbar items more quickly.

  • Windows key + T — Cycle through apps on the taskbar (open or pinned)
  • Windows key + (number) — Start the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number. If the app is already running, switch to that app.
  • Windows key + Shift + (number) — Start a new instance of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number, even if one is already open.
  • Windows key + Ctrl + (number) — Switch to the last active window of the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
  • Windows key + Alt + (number) — Open the Jump List for the app pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
  • Windows + Alt + Enter (when focus is set to taskbar) — Open taskbar settings
  • Windows key + Ctrl + Shift + (number) — Open a new instance of the app located at the given position on the taskbar as an administrator.
  • Shift + left mouse click — Open a new instance of the selected app.
  • Ctrl + Shift + left mouse click — Open the selected app as an administrator.
  • Shift + right mouse click — Open the window menu for the selected app
  • Ctrl + left mouse click (on an app with multiple windows open) — Cycle through the open windows for the app
  • Windows key + B — Set focus to the first icon in the taskbar corner. If no apps are displaying an icon, focus is set to the overflow menu icon.

There are tons of keyboard shortcuts for actions that can be useful in different parts of Windows 11 or in different apps. Whether you want to copy and paste text or files, refresh a page, and so on, here are some extra shortcuts you may find useful.

  • Ctrl + A — Select all text or items in a document, page, or window.
  • Ctrl + D — Delete the selected text or item(s).
  • Ctrl + X — Cut the selected item or text.
  • Ctrl + C — Copy the selected item or text.
  • Ctrl + V — Paste copied or cut content from the clipboard.
  • Ctrl + Z — Undo your last action.
  • Ctrl + Y — Redo an undone action.
  • F2 — Rename the selected file or folder.
  • Ctrl + F5 — In some web browsers, this refreshes the active window by forcing the browser to reload files even if they've previously been cached. This can help if changes have been made to a page but you're unable to see them in your browser.
  • F6 — Cycle through screen elements of the active window or desktop.
  • F10 — Activate the menu bar in the active window or app.
  • Alt + F8 — Show your password on the Windows sign-in screen
  • Alt + (letter) — When menus are being displayed, select the option with the corresponding underlined letter in the text.
  • Shift + F10 — Open the shortcut/context menu for the selected item.
  • Right arrow (in menus) — Move to the right on the menu, or open a selected sub-menu.
  • Ctrl + F4 — Close the open document or tab in apps that allow you to open multiple documents or tabs at once, such as web browsers.
  • Ctrl + E — Open search (in some apps).
  • Ctrl + Left arrow — Move the text cursor to the beginning of the previous word.
  • Ctrl + Down arrow — Move the text cursor down one paragraph.
  • Alt + Shift + (arrow key) — When focus is set to a pinned app in the Start menu, move the pinned app in the direction of the arrow.
  • Left arrow — Select the previous character. Right arrow deselects the last selected text.
  • Right arrow — Select the next character. Left arrow deselects the last selected text.
  • Up arrow — Select the previous line. Down arrow deselects the last selected line.
  • Down arrow — Select the next line. Up arrow deselects the last selected line.
  • Left arrow — Select the previous word. Right arrow deselects the last selected text.
  • Right arrow — Select the next word. Left arrow deselects the last selected text.
  • Up arrow — Select the previous paragraph. Down arrow deselects the last selected paragraph.
  • Down arrow — Select the next paragraph. Up arrow deselects the last selected paragraph.
  • Esc — Stop or leave an ongoing task (use varies by app).

And those are most of the keyboard shortcuts you may find useful in Windows 11. All of these shortcuts give you intuitive ways to navigate certain parts of the operating system or various apps without having to use a mouse, which can break focus due to having to reposition your hands. If you want to stay on the flow, keyboard shortcuts like this can truly speed up your work. If those are too hard to remember, Microsoft's PowerToys app includes a tool called Shortcut Guide, which lets you see the available shortcuts that use the Windows key (it doesn't work for other shortcuts, unfortunately).

With Windows 11 getting feature updates on an annual basis, these shortcuts can sometimes change, but most of them are the same. Keep an eye on our Windows 11 update tracker to learn more about the latest Windows 11 updates. And if you want to know what's new before everyone else, check out our guide to the Windows 11 features currently available in preview .

The Ultimate Guide to Windows 11's Keyboard Shortcuts

Want to zip around Windows 11 with your keyboard? Here's how to perform common tasks in Windows 11 with shortcuts.

If you spend a lot of your time on your keyboard, knowing good keyboard shortcuts can help boost your productivity. Whether you want to resize an app window or move it across multiple displays, you can do so without lifting your hands from your keyboard.

While almost all the shortcuts supported in Windows 10 remain the same in Windows 11, the new iteration of Microsoft’s venerable OS comes with a bunch of new ones too. Here is a list of Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts to help you swiftly navigate Desktop, Command Prompt, File Explorer, Accessibility features and more.

New Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11

Win key combo shortcuts in windows 11.

Press the Win key and it brings up the Start menu. However, there are many things you can do with the Windows key combo shortcuts. For example, Win + R opens the Run dialog, Win + S open the Windows search bar, and Win + L locks your computer.

Here is a full list of Windows key-enabled shortcuts.

File Explorer Shortcuts for Windows 11

file explorer keyboard shortcuts

File Explorer helps you find files you need quickly. These keyboard shortcuts can help you access and manage your files and folders efficiently.

Related: Best Windows File Explorer Tips for Speedy File Management

Keyboard Shortcuts for the Xbox Game Bar

xbox game bar keyboard shortcuts windows 11

You can use Xbox Game Bar for more than just capturing screenshots in Windows. Here are a few Gamebar specific shortcuts to launch, and quickly perform other in-game tasks.

General Keyboard Shortcuts for Windows 11

Here are a few general keyboards shortcuts to perform the basic cut, copy, paste, access Clipboard history, and other tasks.

Command Prompt Shortcuts for Windows 11

command prompt keyboard shortcuts windows 11

These Command Prompt keyboard shortcuts can help you quickly navigate the terminal window.

Accessibility Shortcuts for Windows 11

accessibility-features-keyboard-shortcuts-windows-11

If you use the Accessibility feature, these shortcuts can make it easier to find and use the Accessibility features Windows offers.

Expediate Common Tasks With These Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts

These are some of the most common keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 that you can use to perform day-to-day operations. Needless to say, most of these keyboard shortcuts also work on Windows 10 and earlier versions. For application-specific shortcuts, look for them next to the menu items or hover over a button to display its keyboard shortcut.

If you have a hard time memorizing these keyboard shortcuts (we all do), take a printout and paste it on your wall. You can also use flashcard tools like Anki that uses the Spaced Repetition method to help you remember things easily.

New Keyboard Shortcuts Every Windows 11 User Should Know

The shortcuts to Windows 11's newest functions.

Image of a Windows key on a keyboard.

You have to love a good keyboard shortcut. They're efficient, and training yourself to use a new one will pay dividends in the future, saving seconds of time over and over again. Windows 11 , Microsoft 's latest version of the operating system, includes a handful of new keyboard shortcuts tied to new functionality. Microsoft lists all of its keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11 on its site . Below, we're highlighting the ones that will be new to you if you're upgraded to Windows 11 or have done a clean install of Windows 11 for the first time.

Some of these adapt shortcuts that used to be used in PowerToys (largely for the snap zones) and it's nice to see them make their way to Windows proper. 

Keyboard shortcuts new to Windows 11

There are two brand new shortcuts, combining the Windows key, alt, and the up and down arrow, which allow you to snap the focused window to the top or bottom of the screen. Previously, you could only snap side-to-side with short cuts (using the Windows key and left and right arrow).

Keyboard shortcuts updated in Windows 11

Many of the updated settings are around features that were upgraded, prioritized or are part of the changes to Windows 11 's UI. For instance, these focus on updating widgets, launching chat in Microsoft teams, opening Snap layouts and notifications. Some of these have changed functionality since the Windows 10 days. For instance, Windows key + A used to open the Action Center, and now it launches Quick Settings. 

Stay on the Cutting Edge

Join the experts who read Tom's Hardware for the inside track on enthusiast PC tech news — and have for over 25 years. We'll send breaking news and in-depth reviews of CPUs, GPUs, AI, maker hardware and more straight to your inbox.

Andrew E. Freedman is a senior editor at Tom's Hardware focusing on laptops, desktops and gaming. He also keeps up with the latest news. A lover of all things gaming and tech, his previous work has shown up in Tom's Guide, Laptop Mag, Kotaku, PCMag and Complex, among others. Follow him on Threads @FreedmanAE and Mastodon @FreedmanAE.mastodon.social .

Cooler Master MK770 Keyboard Review: Incredible Typing Experience, Bold Color Scheme

NZXT Function 2 Review: Surprisingly... Solid

Your next Windows update may not require a reboot — "Hot Patching" is reportedly coming to Windows 11 shortly

  • thisisaname You do not need a keyboard shortcut if you do not hide things due to your UI design. Reply
thisisaname said: You do not need a keyboard shortcut if you do not hide things due to your UI design.
jfernando122 said: While i agree windows doesnt have the best UI, the fact that there are keyboard shortcuts is not a signal of a bad UI design Its actually really helpful for those that know how to use it cause it helps speed a lot of things up. Just like how ctrl +c and ctrl + v is way faster than right click -> click copy, -> right click -> click paste
  • View All 3 Comments

Most Popular

By Sammy Ekaran January 05, 2024

By Sammy Ekaran January 04, 2024

By Sammy Ekaran December 24, 2023

By Sammy Ekaran December 23, 2023

By Les Pounder December 10, 2023

By Les Pounder December 05, 2023

By Sammy Ekaran December 04, 2023

By Sammy Ekaran December 02, 2023

By Sammy Ekaran November 06, 2023

By Sammy Ekaran November 05, 2023

By Les Pounder November 04, 2023

15 incredibly useful Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts

Do more in less time with our pick of keyboard shortcuts..

By David Nield

Share this story

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Getting around Windows 11 is a lot easier if you know a keyboard shortcut or five. You can then speed through tasks and across apps without having to fumble around for the mouse and trackpad (or even take your eyes off the screen).

These are some of my favorites that I turn to again and again on a daily basis. From helping you go between apps more quickly to navigating your system, there should be at least something here for everyone.

Get a closer look

Need to see something on-screen at a larger scale? Hold down the Win key and then tap + (the plus key) to launch the Magnifier utility. You can then tap the same shortcut again to carry on zooming in or use Win and - (the minus key) to zoom out.

See apps across desktops

Windows 11 lets you set up multiple desktops as a way of separating programs out — your personal stuff and your work stuff, for example — and the Win+Tab shortcut acts as a supercharged Alt+Tab , cycling through all of the apps on all of your desktops.

Access the clipboard history

The old Ctrl+V paste shortcut is old news now. All the cool kids have moved on to Win+V , which opens up the Windows 11 clipboard history panel. From there, you can copy any of the last 25 items that were copied or cut to the clipboard.

Windows 11 pop-up with various buttons on top, the word Clipboard, and three clips of text.

Show the Windows desktop

There are all kinds of reasons to quickly jump to the desktop and minimize all open windows — maybe the boss is walking past, or you’re on a secret shopping mission for your partner and they just got home. A tap of Win+D will do the job.

Refresh a webpage

Checking sports scores or eBay auctions? If your keyboard comes with a row of function keys attached, you can tap F5 to refresh the webpage you’re currently looking at in any browser on Windows 11, so there’s no need to click the refresh icon in the toolbar.

If the function keys do double duty on your keyboard (for media playback and volume, for instance), you’ll also need the Fn key to make sure the function keys take priority. On some keyboards, the Fn key needs to be held down, and on others, the Fn key toggles the function keys on and off.

Bring back a tab

Don’t panic if you’ve accidentally closed a web browser tab that you actually really need because the Ctrl+Shift+T shortcut will bring it back again for you. Keep tapping it to bring back even more tabs from your browsing history.

Zoom in or out

Here’s another option for zooming: hold down Ctrl+Alt and then tap the + (plus) key to zoom in or the - (minus) key to zoom out. This shortcut is useful because it works in a variety of different applications, including just about any web browser and the Windows 11 File Explorer, where it makes thumbnail icons smaller or larger.

Windows 11 screen with large note headed How to turn your photos into stickers in iOS 17.

Keep on scrolling

Once you’ve mastered zooming, you can do some scrolling as well. Tapping Space will scroll down page by page in just about every web browser out there. If you want to go in the other direction, use Shift+Space .

Go full screen with your apps

Windows 11 can run apps in full-screen mode just like macOS, but it’s not obvious how to do it — the option doesn’t appear among the icons in the top-right corner of each window. F11 is the keyboard shortcut you need, letting you focus on one app at a time.

Go straight to the Start menu(s)

The Start menu is the jumping-off point for everything on Windows 11, and Ctrl+Esc gets you straight there. There’s also a “secret” Start menu with links to the key areas of the operating system that you can get at with Win+X .

Windows 11 screen with background of rocky beach and long menu in the center with various operating system acctions.

Snap a screenshot

If you want to skip the Snipping Tool that pops up when you hit PrtSc , use Win+PrtSc . It sends a PNG of the whole screen to your Pictures folder (inside Screenshots) and copies it to the clipboard. Use Alt+PrtSc to just capture the current active window instead, and then use Ctrl-V to paste it into a document.

Navigate around File Explorer

If you’re using File Explorer to browse files, there are keyboard shortcuts that can help here, too. Use Backspace or Alt+Left to go to the previously viewed folder, Alt+Right to go back in the other direction, and Alt+Up to go to the parent folder.

Skip the Recycle Bin

If you want to make sure something is truly deleted and not hanging around in the Recycle Bin for a few days before being wiped, use the Shift+Delete shortcut in File Explorer with the relevant files selected.

Windows background showing pebbly beach with pop-up for Delete Multiple Items.

Rename one or more files

F2 is really useful for renaming files in File Explorer. If you have multiple files selected ( Ctrl+click ) or all the files in the folder selected ( Ctrl+A ), you can press F2 to give them all the same name with sequential numbers attached.

Undo an undo

Ctrl+Z to undo the last action is one of the most well-known shortcuts there is, but not everyone knows you can use Ctrl+Y to cycle back the other way — to undo the undo, or multiple undos, if that’s what’s happened. It’s very handy for the indecisive.

There’s plenty more to explore as well. In the past, we’ve mentioned keyboard shortcuts for opening LinkedIn and Microsoft programs , typing special characters , pasting text as plaintext , finding your mouse cursor , pausing the Task Manager , and using Markdown to format text in Google Docs .

A former Gizmodo writer changed his name to ‘Slackbot’ and stayed undetected for months

The ais are officially out of control, hmd is making a barbie flip phone alongside a smartphone for tinkerers, google apologizes for ‘missing the mark’ after gemini generated racially diverse nazis, a lot of redditors hate the reddit ipo.

Sponsor logo

More from Tech

The PlayStation Portal sitting on a bedside table with a pair of earbuds. The handheld gaming device is streaming God of War: Ragnarök off a PlayStation 5.

Sony’s portable PlayStation Portal is back in stock

Stock image illustration featuring the Nintendo logo stamped in black on a background of tan, blue, and black color blocking.

The Nintendo Switch 2 will now reportedly arrive in 2025 instead of 2024

Apple AirPods Pro

The best Presidents Day deals you can already get

Figma CEO Dylan Field.

Interview: Figma’s CEO on life after the company’s failed sale to Adobe

11 essential Windows 11 shortcuts you need to know

Windows 11 has some handy keyboard shortcuts worth using

Windows 11 desktop

Windows 11  has arrived, and with it come a host of changes to the way Microsoft's operating system looks and functions.  In addition to the now infamous centered Start menu, Windows 11 introduces a host of new features aimed at helping you better organize and utilize your desktop, though in the end  it’s less a revolution and more of a refinement .

Microsoft also added some new keyboard shortcuts to help you navigate Windows 11 more efficiently, and using them effectively can allow you to get more done with less time wasted pointing and clicking.

  • The  best Windows laptops  you can buy right now
  • Windows 11 vs Windows 10 : Here's what's new
  • Plus: Windows 11 problems and fixes — everything we know so far

With that in mind, we've compiled the following list of the most useful keyboard shortcuts you should be using in Windows 11. Some replace older shortcuts — Windows key + C now launches Teams instead of Cortana, for example — while others are new in Windows 11, but all are worth working into your day-to-day workflow.

We've also put together a separate guide on how to speed up Windows 11 , which shows you some simple tweaks to make your system run faster.

Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts you should know

These are some of the most useful basic shortcuts for quickly accessing core aspects of Windows 11. The new Windows key + K shortcut for instantly opening the Quick Settings menu (where tools like the brightness and volume controls live) and accessing the Cast option is especially useful if you want to output to an external display. Cast is one of many optional tools you can add to Quick Settings (which can be edited by hitting the pencil icon in the lower-right corner of the menu), but it's not added by default so many new users might miss it entirely.

The Windows key + Ctrl + C shortcut for quickly switching a color filter on or off can also be very handy for those with color blindness or impaired vision, though you need to enable it first. To do so, open your Settings menu (the keyboard shortcut is Windows key + I, as it was in Windows 10) and navigate to Accessibility > Color filters , then toggle on Keyboard shortcut for color filters . Once you do that, you can pick an alternate color filter (including grayscale, inverted, and red-green or blue-yellow filters) and toggle it at will using the keyboard shortcut.

Snap Layouts is one of the most helpful new features of Windows 11 because it gives you more control over how you distribute open windows across your desktop. You most often see it when you mouse over the maximize button in the upper-right corner of a window, at which point the Snap Layouts menu pops up showing four possible ways of arranging your windows. Click the portion of your chosen layout where you want the current window to go, and it snaps into place.

You can save time hunting for that little button by just hitting the Windows key + Z to bring up the Snap Layout menu instantly. If you know you want a simple 50/50 split with one window on the top half of the screen and the other on the bottom half, you can accomplish that even faster with the new Windows key + Up and Down arrow key shortcuts. These complement Windows' existing Windows key + Left and Right arrow key shortcuts for snapping windows into the left and right halves of the screen, so you can quickly re-arrange your work with just a few keystrokes.

While Task view, virtual desktops and their corresponding keyboard shortcuts have been available in Windows 10 for some time, with Windows 11 Microsoft made this feature a front-and-center part of the operating system. That's very literally true, as there's now a Task view button embedded in the centered Start bar by default, though you can remove it in your Taskbar settings menu. 

But while there's no harm in removing the icon if you find it unsightly, getting used to using multiple virtual desktops (and navigating them quickly via keyboard shortcuts) can be a great way to keep your work organized and silo off business from pleasure. In Windows 11 each virtual desktop can have its own custom cosmetic touches, including distinct wallpapers and themes, and apps open in one desktop aren't open in the others. This can make it easier to do things like group all your work-related apps in one desktop and all your gaming apps in another, so you can quickly swap back and forth when the time is right. And once you master these keyboard shortcuts, you should be able to do so much more quickly than if you had to hunt and click for the relevant icons every time.

Get the BEST of Tom’s Guide daily right in your inbox: Sign up now!

Upgrade your life with the Tom’s Guide newsletter. Subscribe now for a daily dose of the biggest tech news, lifestyle hacks and hottest deals. Elevate your everyday with our curated analysis and be the first to know about cutting-edge gadgets.

Alex Wawro

Alex Wawro is a lifelong tech and games enthusiast with more than a decade of experience covering both for outlets like Game Developer, Black Hat, and PC World magazine. A lifelong PC builder, he currently serves as a senior editor at Tom's Guide covering all things computing, from laptops and desktops to keyboards and mice. 

The Pixel’s AI Magic Eraser just got copied on Windows 11 — how and when you can use it

How to repair a Windows 11 image using DISM Command Tool — Scan health and restore in 5 easy steps

Latest Helldivers 2 patch raises server cap to 700,000 concurrent players to cut down on wait times

Most Popular

By Alyse Stanley February 24, 2024

By Charlotte Henry February 23, 2024

By Adrian Back February 23, 2024

By Nick Pino February 23, 2024

By Adam Marshall February 23, 2024

By Ben F. Silverio February 23, 2024

By Rory Mellon February 23, 2024

By Will Hall February 23, 2024

By Josh Render February 23, 2024

  • 2 Some Apple Vision Pro units are developing glass cracks in the same spot
  • 3 OnePlus Watch 2 looks set to adopt Google's Wear OS
  • 4 How to use Google Gemini
  • 5 5 best Netflix shows with a lot of seasons you can binge right now
  • 2 Nintendo could announce the Switch 2 in June, new leak suggests
  • 3 Some Apple Vision Pro units are developing glass cracks in the same spot
  • 4 OnePlus Watch 2 looks set to adopt Google's Wear OS
  • 5 How to use Google Gemini

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Keyboard shortcuts in Windows

Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide an alternative way to do something that you’d typically do with a mouse. If you are trying to take a screenshot or screengrab, see How to take and annotate screenshots .

Image of keyboard shortcuts for snap, snipping tool, and Gamebar

Click an option below, and it'll open to display a table of related shortcuts:

Copy, paste, and other general keyboard shortcuts

Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts, command prompt keyboard shortcuts, dialog box keyboard shortcuts, file explorer keyboard shortcuts, virtual desktops keyboard shortcuts, taskbar keyboard shortcuts, settings keyboard shortcuts, additional keyboard shortcuts.

Keyboard shortcuts in apps

Windows keyboard shortcuts for accessibility

Keyboard shortcuts are keys or combinations of keys that provide an alternative way to do something that you’d typically do with a mouse. Click an option below, and it'll open to display a table of related shortcuts:

Keyboard shortcuts in Continuum for phones

Facebook

Need more help?

Want more options.

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Microsoft 365 subscription benefits

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Microsoft 365 training

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Microsoft security

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Accessibility center

Communities help you ask and answer questions, give feedback, and hear from experts with rich knowledge.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Ask the Microsoft Community

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Microsoft Tech Community

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Windows Insiders

Microsoft 365 Insiders

Find solutions to common problems or get help from a support agent.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Online support

Was this information helpful?

Thank you for your feedback.

hero profile

Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How to switch tabs with your keyboard in Windows 11

You may not have realised it but there are a bunch of handy ways to use your keyboard to navigate Windows speedily, and I’m not just talking about copy and paste. Here’s how to switch tabs with your keyboard in Windows 11.

I’m sure you’re familiar with a couple of keyboard shortcuts if not many, but you may not be aware of some that are specific to certain types of apps.

In this case, we’re talking browsers. There are a few common shortcuts to let you easily switch tabs in Windows. This is our simple guide.

What you’ll need

  • A Windows device

The Short Version

Press ctrl and tab to move a tab to the right, press ctrl, shift and tab to move a tab to the left, press ctrl and a number to move to that number tab.

Save 28% on the Dell XPS 13

Save 28% on the Dell XPS 13

Amazon is offering a huge 28% discount on a competitive spec of the Dell XPS 13 laptop right now.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

If you want to switch programs, rather than just tabs in a browser, hold the Alt key then press Tab to cycle through open apps.

You might like…

How to select multiple photos on iPhone

How to select multiple photos on iPhone

How to stop apps opening on startup in Windows 11

How to stop apps opening on startup in Windows 11

How to pair a PS5 controller

How to pair a PS5 controller

How to change a page name on Facebook

How to change a page name on Facebook

How to speed up your Wi-Fi for free

How to speed up your Wi-Fi for free

How to delete a Telegram account

How to delete a Telegram account

Adam Speight

Adam is the Computing Editor of Trusted Reviews. He joined as a staff writer in 2019 after graduating from Newcastle University with an MA in Multimedia Journalism. After spending two years at WIRED,…

Why trust our journalism?

Founded in 2003, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy.

Today, we have millions of users a month from around the world, and assess more than 1,000 products a year.

author icon

Editorial independence

Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.

author icon

Professional conduct

We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.

Trusted Reviews Logo

Sign up to our newsletter

Get the best of Trusted Reviews delivered right to your inbox.

How-To Geek

Keyboard typing wrong characters on windows 11 try these tips to fix it.

Fix your keyboard's input!

Key Takeaways

  • Change the language input method. Go to Settings > Time and Language > Language and Region > Typing > Advanced Keyboard Settings. From the dropdown menu, select your preferred language input method.
  • Confirm that the issue isn't confined to a specific app, your keyboard isn't faulty, and you haven't remapped the keyboard keys.
  • Update or reinstall your keyboard drivers. If the problem persists, thoroughly scan your device for potential malware.

Is your keyboard typing different characters than the ones printed on its keys? This can happen when you switch the keyboard layout, but it can also result from app-specific problems, misconfigured language settings, outdated keyboard drivers, or other factors. Here are some solutions you can try.

Check for App-Specific Issues

If your keyboard is typing the wrong characters only within a specific app, but types correctly elsewhere, the issue might be limited to that application.

This problem could potentially be due to selecting a different keyboard layout in the app's settings, bugs present in outdated versions of the app, or interference from installed extensions or add-ins. So, check and reset the app settings, update the application, and remove any extensions or add-ins. Also, make sure the correct keyboard layout is selected.

However, if your keyboard consistently types the wrong characters across the entire operating system, that indicates a more widespread problem that requires further investigation.

Perform Some Preliminary Checks

If the issue is not specific to a particular app, start the troubleshooting process with some basic checks.

If you're using an external keyboard, disconnect it from your device and reconnect it—also, try plugging it into a different port. If you're facing this issue with a laptop keyboard, give your device a fresh start by restarting it.

Ensure that the app or software you use for typing does not automatically correct your texts, causing the input words to change. If this is the case, turn off the auto-correct feature. Additionally, turn off any keyboard management apps that may be in use.

If these initial checks do not resolve the issue, you can apply the remaining fixes outlined below.

Check Your Keyboard Layout Settings

Windows supports a variety of keyboard layouts to accommodate users with keyboards featuring a different layout other than QWERTY, or those accustomed to an alternative layout. If your keyboard is typing the wrong characters, you may have switched to a different Keyboard layout .

To confirm you're using the correct layout, check the number of language input methods in use and the corresponding layout for each method. Right-click the Start button, go to "Settings," and navigate to Time and Language > Language and Region.

Opening the language and region settings in the Windows Settings app.

Click on the three horizontal dots next to your primary language preference and select "Language Options."

Opening the language options settings of a preferred language in the Windows Settings app.

Scroll down, and you'll find the language input methods, such as US and Belgian, along with the corresponding keyboard layouts like QWERTY and AZERTY listed under the language input method.

Language input methods with their keyboard layouts written under them.

To check whether you are currently using a layout different from that of your keyboard, take the following steps: Go to Settings > Time and Language > Typing > Advanced Keyboard Settings. Here, choose your preferred language input method from the drop-down menu.

Switching the language input method in the Windows Settings app.

Pressing the Windows+Spacebar changes the keyboard layout. Ensure that you don't accidentally change it.

Changing the keyboard layout via shortcut from system tray.

Ensure It's Not a Hardware Issue

A hardware issue with your keyboard can impede its input operations, causing it to type a different character. So, it's crucial to rule out this possibility.

If you're using an external keyboard on a PC, disconnect and connect it to a different PC (if available). If the keyboard types the correct characters on the other device, this confirms that the issue is not with your keyboard.

To check for hardware issues with a built-in laptop keyboard, connect an external keyboard and start typing. If the external keyboard types correctly, it suggests a problem with your laptop's built-in keyboard, and you should have it inspected.

Check for Interference From Other Apps

If you use any key mapping software to modify keyboard keys and shortcuts or use manufacturer's software for key remapping, confirm that keys typing a wrong character aren't remapped. Additionally, if any of these software tools allow you to switch keyboard layouts, ensure that you haven't unintentionally changed the layout in the app settings.

Besides that, if you use any other keyboard manager software to customize controller settings for specific apps and games, temporarily disable them to rule out any potential interference with your keyboard operation. Continue applying the remaining fixes if you do not use such software.

Update Your Keyboard Drivers

An outdated or corrupted keyboard driver can also be a culprit for a keyboard typing wrong characters. To rule out this possibility, update your drivers to make sure you have the latest drivers installed. To do that, visit the manufacturer's website for your laptop or keyboard and download the most recent drivers available.

For executable driver files, run the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions to install them. If they require manual installation, right-click on the Start button, open "Device Manager," expand the "Keyboard" category, right-click on your keyboard device, and select "Update Driver" from the context menu.

Updating keyboard drivers in device manager.

Select "Browser My Computer for Drivers," locate and select the downloaded file, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.

Reinstall Your Keyboard Drivers

If none of the above solutions work, you should uninstall your keyboard drivers and reinstall them from scratch. Uninstalling keyboard drivers renders the keyboard unusable. Before starting the uninstallation process, make sure you have a mouse nearby, especially if you're using a device that doesn't have a built-in touchpad. Otherwise, you may get stuck during the process.

To uninstall the keyboard drivers, right-click the Start button and open "Device Manager." Expand the "Keyboards" category, right-click on a listed keyboard device, and select "Uninstall Device."

Uninstall a keyboard driver in Windows Device Manager.

If you see multiple keyboard devices here, repeat the same steps to uninstall them. Then, restart your device, and Windows will automatically install new drivers.

Scan Your Device for Malware

A malware infection can also adversely affect the operation of system hardware, leading to unforeseen issues. It can also cause your keyboard to behave abnormally. Because of that, it's imperative to rule out this possibility. To do so, perform a quick malware scan using Microsoft Defender .

Type Windows Security in the Windows Search and click the "Windows Security" shortcut to open the app. Alternatively, navigate to Settings > Privacy and Security > Windows Security > Open Windows Security.

Opening the Windows Security app from Windows Settings.

Go to the "Virus and Threat Protection" tab on the left in the app and click "Quick Scan" to scan your system for malware.

Running the Microsoft Defender's quick scan from the Windows Security app.

Microsoft Defender will conduct the scan and show you the results. If it detects malware, take the recommended steps to remove it.

Hopefully, the tips mentioned above will help you identify the primary cause and resolve the issue of your keyboard typing the wrong characters. If the problem persists, we recommend seeking professional help.

CNET

Become a Windows 11 Master With These 70-Plus Keyboard Shortcuts

E ven if you've never used  Windows 11  before, you can quickly boot up the computer and easily use it to surf the web, watch videos and play music. All you really need is your mouse to get to where you need -- but if you want to be a Windows power user, and not just a Windows novice, you need to know keyboard shortcuts.

In this story we'll cover the most important keyboard shortcuts for Windows 11, many of which carry over from Windows 10 and earlier versions of Microsoft's operating system. That includes the basics, like copying highlighted items and undoing a previous action, as well as lesser-known shortcuts, like snapping an active window into place.

You don't need to know all of them, but there are likely a handful here that you'll want to employ in your Windows workflow to improve your overall productivity. And if you want to check out more on Windows 11, here are  nine hidden Windows 11 features and how to  make Windows 11 act more like Windows 10 .

Windows 11 shortcut basics

To start, here are the ones you'll use most often.

  • Ctrl + A: Select all items in a window.
  • Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy selected or highlighted item (text, images and so on).
  • Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste selected or highlighted item.
  • Ctrl + X: Cut selected or highlighted item.
  • Ctrl + Z: Undo previous action.
  • Ctrl + Y: Redo action.
  • Ctrl + N: When File Explorer is your current window, open a new File Explorer window with the same folder path as the current window.
  • Windows key + F1: Open "how to get help in windows" Bing search in default browser.
  • Alt + F4: Close the current app or window.
  • Alt + Tab: Switch between open apps or windows.
  • Shift + Delete: Delete selected item permanently (skip the Recycle Bin).

Start menu and taskbar

You can use these keyboard shortcuts to open, close and otherwise control the Start menu and the taskbar.

  • Windows key or Ctrl + Esc: Open Start menu.
  • Windows key + X: Open the secret Start menu .
  • Windows key + T: Cycle through the apps (including pinned apps) on the taskbar.
  • Windows key + [Number]: Open the app pinned in the [number] position on the taskbar. For example, if you have Edge pinned in the first position on the taskbar and you click Windows key + 1 , Edge will open. If the app is already open, a new instance or window will open.
  • Windows key + Alt + [Number]: Open the right-click menu for the app pinned in the [number] position on the taskbar.
  • Windows key + D: Show or hide desktop ( Windows key + ,  will display the desktop briefly).

Screenshots

Windows 11 also has several ways to take a screenshot , including three different keyboard shortcuts.

  • PrtScn : Take a screenshot of your entire screen and save it to your clipboard.
  • Windows key + PrtScn: Take a screenshot of your entire desktop and save it to a folder on your computer.
  • Windows key + Shift +   S: Open Snipping Tool menu to take a screenshot of only a section of your screen.

The desktop: Windows, Snap Assist and virtual desktops

These shortcuts control how individual windows act on your desktop, including virtual desktops.

  • Windows key + M:  Minimize all open windows.
  • Windows key + Shift + M: Restore minimized windows.
  • Windows key + Home: Minimize all windows except the selected or currently active window.
  • Windows key + Up arrow: Maximize selected window.
  • Windows key + Shift + Up arrow:  Maximizes the active window vertically while maintaining its width.
  • Windows key + Down arrow: Minimize selected window.
  • Windows key + Left arrow:  Snap selected window to the left half of the screen.
  • Windows key +  Right arrow: Snap selected window to the right half of the screen.
  • Windows key + Alt + Up : Snap selected window to top half of the screen.
  • Windows key + Alt + Down : Snap selected window to bottom half of the screen.
  • Windows key + Shift + Left arrow or Right arrow: Move selected window to the left or right monitor.
  • Windows key + Tab: Open Task view ( virtual desktops ).
  • Windows key + Ctrl + D: Add new virtual desktop.
  • Windows key + Ctrl + Right arrow: Move to the next virtual desktop (to the right).
  • Windows key + Ctrl + Left arrow: Move to the previous virtual desktop (to the left).
  • Windows key + Ctrl + F4: Close current virtual desktop.

The Windows key

These keyboard shortcuts use the Windows logo key to perform various tasks, such as launching both Windows and third-party apps.

  • Windows key + A:  Open the Action Center .
  • Windows key + S: Open Cortana in text mode, so you can type in the search bar. ( Windows key + Q does the same thing.)
  • Windows key + C: Open Cortana in listening mode (similar to saying " Hey, Cortana ").
  • Windows key + E: Open File Explorer .
  • Windows key + F: Open the Windows 10 Feedback Hub.
  • Windows key + Ctrl + F: Search for PCs on a network.
  • Windows key + G: Open the Game bar .
  • Windows key + H: Open the Share sidebar.
  • Windows key + I: Open the Settings menu .
  • Windows key + K: Open the Connect sidebar (for connecting to new Bluetooth devices or Miracast).
  • Windows key + L: Lock your computer.
  • Windows key + O: Lock screen orientation.
  • Windows key + P: Open presentation or projection sidebar.
  • Windows key + R: Open the Run window.
  • Windows key + U: Open Ease of Access center.
  • Windows key + W: Open the Windows Ink Workspace for scribbling on tablets or touchscreen laptops.
  • Windows key + (+) or (-): Zoom in and out with magnifier.
  • Windows key + Esc: Exit magnifier.

The F keys at the top of your keyboard can perform a number of actions when used with other keys, but they're also useful on their own.

  • F2: Rename a selected item.
  • F3:  Quickly search for files in File Explorer. 
  • F4: Highlight the address bar in File Explorer.
  • F5: Refresh your active window.
  • F6:  Cycle through elements (tab, buttons, search bar, etc.) in a window or your desktop.
  • Alt + F8: Show login password on the start screen.
  • F10 : Activate the menu bar in the active window.

Windows Command Prompt

You can use these keyboard shortcuts inside the  Windows Command Prompt .

  • Ctrl + C or Ctrl + Insert: Copy selected text to the clipboard.
  • Ctrl + V or Shift + Insert: Paste copied text inside the Command Prompt.
  • Ctrl + A: Select all text on current line. (If the current line has no text, all text inside the Command Prompt will be selected.)
  • Ctrl + Up or Down: Move screen one line up or down.
  • Ctrl + F: Search Command Prompt via Find window.
  • Ctrl + M: Enter Mark mode (allows you to select text with mouse). Once Mark mode is enabled, you can use the arrow keys to move the cursor around.
  • Shift + Up or Down: Move cursor up or down one line and select text.
  • Shift + Left or Right: Move cursor left or right one character and select text.
  • Ctrl + Shift + Left or Right: Move cursor left or right one word and select text.
  • Shift + Page Up or Page Down: Move cursor up or down one screen and select text.
  • Shift + Home or End: Move cursor to beginning or end of current line and select text.
  • Ctrl + Shift + Home/End: Move cursor to beginning or end of screen buffer and select text and beginning or end of Command Prompt's output.

Become a Windows 11 Master With These 70-Plus Keyboard Shortcuts

  • PC & Mobile

How to Control Keyboard Backlight Settings in Windows 11

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Paras Rastogi Paras is a dedicated tech aficionado and a seasoned writer who excels at simplifying intricate tech challenges. Whether you're dealing with smartphone troubles or navigating gadget complexities, his adept problem-solving skills empower you to navigate the digital landscape with confidence. Read more February 24, 2024

You can’t underestimate the convenience of a backlight keyboard when you want to type super fast in dim light or improve the aesthetics of your gaming rig. But what if you could control its settings to enhance the experience to the next level? Below are several interesting ways to control your keyboard backlight in Windows 11 like a pro.

How to Control Keyboard Backlight Settings in Windows 11

Based on your needs, you can optimize Windows 11 for gaming or for work. While the OS packs plenty of features and customization options, it offers relatively little option to customize the keyboard backlight. Fortunately, there are workarounds to control the keyboard backlight settings and tailor them to your preference.

1. Use the Dedicated Key

The first step to customizing the keyboard backlight on your Windows 11 machine is to ensure you have one. Check labels on your device’s packaging for this. Once you’ve verified, pay attention to the labels on your keyboard. The Backlight feature is often marked with a bulb/light label.

The backlight button on a keyboard.

Press the key with the light/bulb label to control your keyboard backlight. If it doesn’t work, pair it with the Fn or the Function keys in the top row of your keyboard. Some external keyboards also offer a dedicated key to control and adjust various backlight intensities and colors.

2. Utilize the Device Maker Software

Popular keyboards and system manufacturers often release software to customize and control the RGB lights on their products. These apps offer various presets to revamp and refresh the keyboard backlight with the comfort of a single click.

Lenovo Vantage is one such app that allows custom RGB backlight theming and effects on their high-end gaming laptops.

Backlight settings in Lenovo Vantage

Similarly, renowned gaming keyboard manufacturers like Corsair provide complete flexibility to customize RGB lights on their products through their apps. If you’re unsure of the manufacturer, look at your purchase copy to figure it out. Then, use the app from your laptop or keyboard’s maker to control its backlight in Windows 11.

3. Try These Keyboard Shortcuts

If you can’t find the right app to control your keyboard’s backlight, try the key combinations mentioned below to change the color or light intensity of the backlight:

keyboard layout on Windows 11

  • Press the key marked with the light bulb label. If the key is Space Bar, press it with the Fn key.
  • Pair the Windows key with the Function (F1-F12) keys, one at a time. If a combination works, repeat it to customize the keyboard backlight.
  • Try the Fn + Function (F) keys on your keyboard sequentially.
  • On Asus Notebooks: F7 key or the Fn + F7 keys.
  • On HP laptops: F9, F11 , or a dual action Fn + F9/Fn + F11 .
  • For Lenovo laptops: Fn + Spacebar .
  • For Dell laptops: F10 or ( Fn + F6 )/( Fn + F5 )/( Fn + Right Arrow ).
  • On Acer laptops: Fn + F8 or F9 keys. Some models also use the F4 key to control the backlight.

4. Use a Third-Party App

Lastly, you can take the help of various free third-party apps like OpenRGB and SignalRGB to control the RGB backlight of your keyboard on Windows 11. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

  • Download the SignalRGB app from its official website.
  • Install the app and launch it with administrative permissions by right-clicking the app and selecting Administrative Permissions .

The list of devices in SignalRGB.

  • Finally, choose your desired preset to apply it. You can also shift the preset speed before applying it.

Controlling the Keyboard’s Backlight

Customizing the backlight on your keyboard can help you personalize your setup and make the most out of it. You only need the right key combination or the app to get started.

You might want to keep your keyboard’s backlight always on if you find it useful when typing.

How do you control the LED lights on your keyboard?

Search for the LED/bulb label on your keyboard to control it. If your device supports RGB backlight, try free third-party apps like SignaRGB to personalize it.

What is the shortcut key for the keyboard light on Windows 11?

There’s no single sure-shot key to activate the keyboard light on Windows 11. Check your device manufacturer and use the hotkeys explained in this article to turn it on.

Related Posts

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Disclaimer: Some pages on this site may include an affiliate link. This does not effect our editorial in any way.

Microsoft Copilot vs Copilot Pro

Paras Rastogi January 23, 2024

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Lee Stanton December 18, 2023

Send To Someone

Missing device.

Please enable JavaScript to submit this form.

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Lee Stanton April 1, 2023

How to See Google Search History

Steve Larner March 7, 2023

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Lee Stanton August 23, 2022

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Lee Stanton August 16, 2022

how to download photos from google photos

Cassandra McBride December 3, 2022

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

Lee Stanton February 20, 2023

How to remap Copilot to any key on Windows 11

Do you want a physical dedicated key to access Copilot? Here's how on Windows 11.

Remap Copilot key

On Windows 11 , new computers start shipping with a dedicated button to get quick access to Copilot. However, since this is a physical addition to the keyboard, the existing devices won't have a dedicated physical option to access the chatbot.

Of course, you can use the "Windows key + C" keyboard shortcut or the Taskbar button to open the chatbot interface. Microsoft is even trying to open the Copilot panel automatically on devices with monitors equal to or larger than 27 inches. However, if you want to open Copilot on the desktop with a dedicated key, it's still possible to do this by remapping any key on the keyboard to the Copilot shortcut.

Although you have many ways to do this using different tools, you can also use PowerToys, which includes  many useful features  to improve your productivity in addition to the remap tool, and it's a more universal solution that will apply to everyone and not only to users with specific keyboards.

In this how-to guide , I'll walk you through the steps to remap Copilot to any key on the keyboard on Windows 11.

How to assign Copilot a specific keyboard key on Windows 11

Windows 11 doesn't include an app for key remapping, but you can use the remap tool available in PowerToys. If you already have the app on your computer, skip the installation and jump to the remapping instructions.

1. Install PowerToys

To install PowerToys on your computer, use these steps:

  • Open  Microsoft Store  app.
  • Search for  Microsoft PowerToys  and click the top result to open the app page.
  • Click the  Get  (or  Install ) button.

You can also download the app from the official  GitHub page . 

2. Remap Copilot key 

To remap the Copilot shortcut to a specific key on the keyboard, use these steps:

  • Open  PowerToys
  • Click on  Keyboard Manager .
  • Turn on the  "Enable Keyboard Manager"  toggle switch.
  • Click the  "Remap a key"  setting under the "Key" section.
  • Click the  "Add key remapping"  button.
  • Click the  Select  button in the "Select" section.
  • Press the key to use to open Copilot on Windows 11.
  • Click the  OK  button.
  • Choose the  "Key/Shortcut"  option in the "To send" section.
  • Click the  Select  button.
  • Select the Copilot keyboard shortcut (Windows key + C) to record it.
  • Click the  OK  button from the top-right corner.
  • Click the  Continue anyway  button.

Once you complete the steps, press the assigned key to open Copilot. 

While remapping my keyboard for this guide, I noticed that the action didn't execute right away after I pressed the key, but after a few presses, the mapping started working as expected.

More resources

For more helpful articles, coverage, and answers to common questions about Windows 10 and Windows 11, visit the following resources: 

  • Windows 11 on Windows Central — All you need to know
  • Windows 10 on Windows Central — All you need to know

Get the Windows Central Newsletter

All the latest news, reviews, and guides for Windows and Xbox diehards.

Mauro Huculak

Mauro Huculak is technical writer for WindowsCentral.com. His primary focus is to write comprehensive how-tos to help users get the most out of Windows 10 and its many related technologies. He has an IT background with professional certifications from Microsoft, Cisco, and CompTIA, and he's a recognized member of the Microsoft MVP community.

  • 2 Microsoft News Roundup: Call of Duty on Game Pass, XPS 14 & 16, and more reviews than you can shake a stick at
  • 3 Best Helldivers 2 stratagems: Tier list, for early game, solo, bugs, and Automatons
  • 4 Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree is this year's most anticipated DLC, and you can pre-order at a discount — here's how
  • 5 Starship Troopers star "can't wait to play" Helldivers 2, suggests a collab I'd kill to see: "Maybe we should do a crossover movie?!"

custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

IMAGES

  1. Shortcuts Key Everyday With Evba King Of Excel Notification Taskbar Apk For Android Download

    custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

  2. Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11

    custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

  3. How to create custom Keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11/10

    custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

  4. Windows keyboard shortcuts pdf

    custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

  5. How to Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows

    custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

  6. How To Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts On Windows 10

    custom keyboard shortcuts windows 11

VIDEO

  1. Windows 10/11 Keyboard Shortcuts That Make Your Digital Life Easier!

  2. Keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 #shorts

  3. Keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11 #shorts

  4. windows 11 keyboard shortcuts #youtubeshorts ##trending #windows

  5. Window Keyboard Shortcuts #window10 #shortcut

  6. Window Shortcut key lll Hindi -2024 lll

COMMENTS

  1. How to change keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11

    1. Open PowerToys and enable Keyboard Manager (Image: © Future) First up, open PowerToys and select Keyboard Managers from the menu on the left. It should be on by default, but if it isn't,...

  2. How to Remap Your Keyboard

    Back April 11, 2023 Share this page Remapping 101: How to change your keyboard key output Your PC or laptop keyboard doesn't have to be one-size-fits-all. If you're not a fan of certain key placements or find that you aren't using some of your keys, you can rearrange the functions of your keys however you like.

  3. How To Create A Keyboard Shortcut In Windows 11

    - Key Takeaways: Keyboard shortcuts take you to the desired folder or application instantly when you press the key combinations. You can go to the Properties window to create custom keyboard shortcuts. There are also third-party applications that help assign keyboard shortcuts.

  4. How to Set Up Your Own Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows 11

    Learn how to add custom hotkeys for opening software, documents, and folders in Windows 11 with WinHotKey and HotkeyP, two third-party apps that enable you to set up keyboard shortcuts for your favorite programs and files. Follow the step-by-step instructions and screenshots to download and install the apps, and create your own hotkeys with easy-to-use interfaces.

  5. How to Remap Any Key or Shortcut on Windows 11

    Learn how to customize your keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11 using PowerToys or SharpKeys, a free and open source application. PowerToys lets you map keys, shortcuts, or functions to different keys or shortcuts, while SharpKeys lets you map any key to any other key.

  6. How to Customize Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts?

    Windows 11 doesn't have a feature to change the actions of keys or shortcuts, but using tools like Microsoft PowerToys allows users to customize their keyboard shortcuts, making work more efficient and productive. Keyboard shortcuts are key combinations that execute specific actions.

  7. How to remap keys or shortcuts on Windows 11

    To remap shortcuts on Windows 11, use these steps: Open PowerToys. Click on Keyboard Manager. Turn on the "Enable Keyboard Manager" toggle switch. Click the "Remap a Shortcuts" option. Click the Plus (+) button. Confirm the shortcut to remap in the "Physical Shortcut" setting.

  8. Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts

    September 6, 2023 ∙ 13 min read Shortcut Keys or Windows Hotkeys for Windows 11 Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts for Any App Windows 11 introduces new keyboard shortcut keys that complement pre-existing Windows shortcuts, designed to enhance your work efficiency and speed.

  9. How to create Keyboard shortcuts to open Programs in Windows 11/10

    Open its Program folder and right-click on it or on its Desktop shortcut icon. Then select the 'Shortcut' tab as shown in the screenshot. The Properties window includes a 'Shortcut key ...

  10. The ultimate guide to keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11

    Quick Links Use Windows 11 features and apps with keyboard shortcuts Keyboard shortcuts for multitasking and window management File Explorer keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11...

  11. Assign Shortcut Key to Shortcut in Windows 11 Tutorial

    Option One Assign Shortcut Key to Shortcut on Desktop 1 Right click or press and hold on the shortcut on your desktop, and click/tap on Properties. (see screenshot below) 2 In the Shortcut tab, perform the following actions: (see screenshot below) Click/tap in the Shortcut key field.

  12. The Ultimate Guide to Windows 11's Keyboard Shortcuts

    For example, Win + R opens the Run dialog, Win + S open the Windows search bar, and Win + L locks your computer. Here is a full list of Windows key-enabled shortcuts. File Explorer Shortcuts for Windows 11 File Explorer helps you find files you need quickly. These keyboard shortcuts can help you access and manage your files and folders efficiently.

  13. New Keyboard Shortcuts Every Windows 11 User Should Know

    Windows key + H. Launch voice typing. Windows key + K. Open Cast from Quick Settings. Windows key + N. Open notification center and calendar. Windows key + W. Open Widgets. Windows key + Z.

  14. Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts: The Ultimate List

    Updated on Oct 31, 2021 In Summary With Windows 11, Microsoft added a bunch of new features like a new search bar, improved animations, better multitasking capabilities, and a few more....

  15. Windows 11 Keyboard shortcuts you should know

    Microsoft has introduced some new keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11. Complete list of Windows 11 Keyboard shortcuts We will list here the following keyboard shortcuts in...

  16. Customize keyboard shortcuts

    Go to File > Options > Customize Ribbon. At the bottom of the Customize the Ribbon and keyboard shortcuts pane, select Customize. In the Save changes in box, select the current document name or template that you want to save the keyboard shortcut changes in.

  17. How to Add Custom Keyboard Shortcuts to Apps on Windows 11 PC

    38 2.7K views 2 years ago Want to know how to add a custom keyboard shortcut for apps on a Windows 11 PC or laptop? This video will cover how to add shortcuts to apps in Windows 11....

  18. 15 incredibly useful Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts

    Zoom in or out. Here's another option for zooming: hold down Ctrl+Alt and then tap the + (plus) key to zoom in or the - (minus) key to zoom out. This shortcut is useful because it works in a ...

  19. 11 essential Windows 11 shortcuts you need to know

    Windows key + Ctrl + C. Turn color filter on/off (must first enable in Color Filter settings) Windows key + K. Open Cast in Quick Settings. Windows key + N. Open notification center and calendar ...

  20. Keyboard shortcuts in Windows

    Click an option below, and it'll open to display a table of related shortcuts: Copy, paste, and other general keyboard shortcuts Windows logo key keyboard shortcuts Command Prompt keyboard shortcuts Dialog box keyboard shortcuts File Explorer keyboard shortcuts Virtual desktops keyboard shortcuts Taskbar keyboard shortcuts

  21. How to Create a Custom Keyboard Layout in Windows 11

    Open your Start menu, and select the pinned Settings app to launch it. Select the Language & region navigation option. Click the … button for your basic typing pack listed in Settings, and select Language options on the menu. Press the Add a keyboard button. Select an alternative keyboard layout on the menu.

  22. Boost Your Productivity With Our Top 20 Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts

    13. Windows Key-E: File Explorer. Windows Key-E opens the File Explorer and is another key command that I plan to use more often since I need to open that utility many times per day. 14. Windows ...

  23. How to change keyboard layout on Windows 11

    By Mauro Huculak published 22 April 2022 Do you type in multiple languages? If so, you'll benefit from additional keyboard layouts. Here's how to add more on Windows 11. Windows 11 change...

  24. How to switch tabs with your keyboard in Windows 11

    What you'll need. A Windows device; A browser; A keyboard; The Short Version. Press Ctrl and Tab to move a tab to the right; Press Ctrl, Shift and Tab to move a tab to the left

  25. Keyboard Typing Wrong Characters on Windows 11? Try These Tips to Fix It

    Check Your Keyboard Layout Settings . Windows supports a variety of keyboard layouts to accommodate users with keyboards featuring a different layout other than QWERTY, or those accustomed to an alternative layout. If your keyboard is typing the wrong characters, you may have switched to a different Keyboard layout.

  26. Become a Windows 11 Master With These 70-Plus Keyboard Shortcuts

    Windows key + A: Open the Action Center. Windows key + S: Open Cortana in text mode, so you can type in the search bar. (Windows key + Q does the same thing.)Windows key + C: Open Cortana in ...

  27. How to Control Keyboard Backlight Settings in Windows 11

    Press the key marked with the light bulb label. If the key is Space Bar, press it with the Fn key. Pair the Windows key with the Function (F1-F12) keys, one at a time.

  28. How to remap Copilot to any key on Windows 11

    (Image credit: Mauro Huculak) Click the OK button from the top-right corner.; Click the Continue anyway button.; Once you complete the steps, press the assigned key to open Copilot. While ...