For times when you need a keyboard shortcut combination then begin with
the Windows key itself. Although I have written the second key in
capitals, there is no need to press the shift key to get the desired action
with the second complimentary key, for example WinKey +c is all that is
needed.
WinKey - Toggles between the Start screen and the
Windows Desktop, or the foremost running Metro app. If you cannot find
a WinKey, then Ctrl +Esc is a good substitute.
WinKey +1, WinKey +2, etc. These quick keys switches to the classic Windows desktop
and launches the corresponding shortcut in the Windows taskbar.
WinKey +A Problem,
In the consumer version it no longer calls for the Windows 8
Search, with Apps in focus. However, just start typing
and 'Apps' appears.
WinKey +B Switches to the Windows desktop and selects the tray
notification area.
WinKey +C One of my most used keyboard combinations, displays the Charms
with the Search, Share, Start Devices and Settings icons.
WinKey +D Switches to the Windows desktop and hides/shows any other applications.
WinKey +E Launches Windows
Explorer with Computer view displayed.
WinKey +F Brings up Search Files using the new Windows Search pane.
WinKey +H Opens the Share Charm.
WinKey +I Display Settings pane for the Start screen (also provides
access to Networks, Volume, Screen Brightness, Notifications, Power shutdown, and
Language).
WinKey +J Swap foreground between the snapped and filled apps.
WinKey +K Opens the Devices Charm
WinKey +L Locks the PC and return to logon screen.
WinKey +M Minimizes the selected Explorer window.
WinKey +O Toggle orientation switching on slate and tablet PCs.
Lock device orientation
WinKey +P Display the new Project (for "projection") pane for choosing
between available displays.
WinKey +Q Search (within) Apps using the new Windows Search pane.
WinKey +R Switch to the classic Windows desktop, and then display the Run
box.
WinKey +S No longer works in the
Consumer Preview version (Search Apps dialog box)
WinKey +T Toggles a hidden Taskbar (Also tabs to icons in the
taskbar).
WinKey +W Opens the Settings search panel.
WinKey +U Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and launch the Ease
of Access Center.
WinKey +V Cycles through Notifications. (Did not work for me)
WinKey +X Switch to the (classic) Windows desktop and display the
Windows Mobility Center application.
WinKey +Z Display the App Bar in a Metro-style app.
WinKey +ARROW KEYS Aero Snap.
Backspace (Plain backspace returns to the previous screen if Esc or
WinKey don't work)
Extra, New Hotkeys Introduced in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview
WinKey +Spacebar Switch input language and keyboard layout.
WinKey +, Temporarily peek at the desktop.
WinKey +V Cycle through toasts. (Shift +V Cycles through toasts in
reverse order.)
WinKey +W Opens the Settings Charm.
WinKey +Z Open the App Bar.
WinKey + 1-9 Go to the app on the takbar. (1 is the app on
the left of the takbar).
WinKey + Enter Launch Narrator.
WinKey + PgUp Move the Start Screen or a Metro-style application to the
monitor on the left. WinKey + PgDown Move the Start Screen or a
Metro-style application to the monitor on the right.
WinKey +. Move the gutter to the right (snap an application).
WinKey +Shift +. Move the gutter to the left (snap an application).
WinKey +Tab Cycles through apps.
(Shift as usual reverses the order.
Note 1: Tapping any letter without the Windows key will trigger a
search
of the Apps and programs.
Note 2: The Function keys in Windows 8 don't have any
new features, the only one I use is F1 for help.
Alt +F4 no longer closes all Apps.
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If you want to find one of the Apps. Assuming that you are at the
Metro UI, just press a letter on your keyboard! Here is a
screenshot of what happened when I tried 'i'. (No need to launch
Explorer or bring up the Charms and Search). See more on
Windows 8 Search.
Tip to Shutdown
Bring up the 5 'Charms', then select 'Settings'. Seek out the Power
button, from there you can Shut down or restart the operating system.
To narrow down your search in Windows 8 use AND, for example Guns and
Rifles. The benefit it reduces the results to items containing both
words. No I am not shouting! A N D needs to be in capitals.
Windows 8 search treats Guns and Rifles differently from Guns and Rifles.
Check the Index settings in the Control Panel. I tend to keep
adding more and more locations, however, my friend Mick is constantly
whittling down the areas on his Windows 8 machines that are indexed, that's
because he's a gamer and wants his machine to run as fast as possible.
Me, I am more interested in being able to find files quickly.
