Here is my collection of common Windows 7 keyboard shortcuts. Half
the key stroke combinations are available in previous Windows versions.
My point is that you can
build on previous knowledge, in fact, some of these shortcuts are just reminders
of keyboard strokes we already know.
Computer Keyboard Shortcuts
Psychologists claim that they can judge how long a person has been using
a computer by the number and type of keyboard shortcuts that they operate.
Winkey is the key with the Windows Logo, it usually nestles between
the Ctrl and Alt keys. On some modern keyboards this key also has
the word 'Start'. The plus (+ ) symbol is a convention meaning, hold down both keys at the same
time.
Winkey + t Cycles through programs on the taskbar. This
is the most useful of the new Windows keyboard shortcuts - I like it.
I find any shortcut combination that requires 3 keys too hard to use and to
remember.
Shift + Winkey + number Starts a new instance of the program pinned to the
taskbar in the position indicated by the number. [For example Shift + Winkey
+ 1] Note 1: This does NOT WORK for the number
pad, only the numbers on the top row of the keyboard. Note 2:
This also works with plain: Winkey + Number (no need for the shift
key).
Alt + Winkey + number Opens the Jump List for the program pinned to the
taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Ctrl + Winkey + number Switches to the last active window of the program
pinned to the taskbar in the position indicated by the number.
Winkey + Tab Activates the
feature called Flip 3-D, where you get a preview of open programs.
However, you must have Aero Graphics, consequently this does not work with
certain settings of Remote
Desktop.
Winkey + d Displays the desktop. In passing, note a new Windows
7 icon, or bar next to the
clock, this displays the desktop with a click of the mouse.
Winkey + Spacebar Has the same effect as + d, it displays the desktop.
Winkey + e Launches the Windows Explorer (One of the oldest shortcuts)
Winkey + f Brings up the Search box / Search results.
Winkey + g Highlights the Gadgets, assuming that you have added
one or more gadgets on the desktop.
Winkey + l (Lower case L) locks the desktop.
Winkey + p This is for trainers and presenters, it brings up the
second monitor. Think 'p' for projector.
Winkey + r A common shortcut used by old-timers, it brings up the Run dialog box.
Winkey + m Minimises all windows. See also
Aero Shake
Winkey + s Only works if you have installed OneNote.
Winkey + t Cycles through programs on the taskbar.
Winkey + u Activates the Ease of Use Center.
Winkey + x Cycles though the Mobility Center.
Winkey + Left Arrow(<--) Aero snap to the left. This is one of the
best pure Windows 7 Keyboard shortcuts.
Winkey + Right Arrow(-->) Aero snap to the right. See more on
Aero Snap
Winkey + Up Arrow maximises the screen. Down arrow reverses, or
minimises.
Winkey + + Windows key and the plus sign zooms in. Naturally,
Windows key and the minus zooms out. In effect, this operates the
Windows Magnifier. I mention this in case you turn it on by
accident.
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Ctrl + c and Ctrl + v
I mention these pair as they are the oldest computer keyboard shortcuts in
my armoury. Many of the latest generation of IT staff don't know, or
don't rate this Ctrl + c and Ctrl + v combination, but over the years
they have enabled me to copy and paste when modern mouse methods fail.
Please note this the Ctrl key, and not the Winkey.
Alt + Tab is the keyboard combination that I use the most
to switch between windows. However, please note that Alt + Tab is different from Winkey + Tab.
Incidentally, I am trying to teach this old dog a new trick and remember the
benefits of Winkey + Tab.
About the only 3 key shortcut combination that I can remember, and thus
use on a regular basis is: Ctrl + Shift + Esc, which brings up the Task
Manager.
My vote for the 'coolest' keyboard combination goes to: Winkey
+ Pause / Break (Key next to Print
Screen and Scroll Lock). What this does in bring up the System Icon.
For years I wished that
Microsoft would make a keyboard shortcut for the Network Connection. The nearest I have found is Start Search: ncpa.cpl.
Drag this icon onto the desktop and thus create a shortcut. Double
click and see the network connections appear by magic.
Note: Mr Angry wrote saying ncpa did not work for him, what Mr Angry was missing was the .cpl, you must type the
filename and extension ncpa.cpl. Unlike Vista, you cannot drag this
shortcut to the taskbar; however, you can add this shortcut to the
Windows 7 Quick Launch.
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Creating a Custom Keyboard Shortcut
Begin by locating the underlying program, typically an .exe, or in
this case ncpa.cpl.
Either right-click the executable file and select 'Create Shortcut'
Or else, right-click the desktop, New, Shortcut, then Browse to the
file.
Once the new shortcut is 'born' you can modify by right-clicking and
choosing its Properties.
Click in the dialog box called 'Shortcut key'.
Now for the strangest part, at the keyboard, press the key
combination that you want. By pressing the shift key, and thus
using a capital letter, we can avoid many of the built-in shortcuts.
How about CTRL + Shift + N for this shortcut to the Network and
Sharing Center?
»
Summary of Common Keyboard Shortcuts
The Winkey opens up a whole host of shortcuts to common Windows 7 tasks.
The knack requires that you hold down two keys at the same time.
If you like this page then please share it with your friends
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