Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts
Here are the most useful shortcut keys for Windows 8.
- Windows 8 Start Screen Shortcuts
- Windows 8 Shell: Commands
- Windows 8 Thumbs Keyboard
- More Tips for the New User Interface
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Windows 8 Start Screen Shortcuts
For those 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-style 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 +W Brings up the Modern UI Settings search screen.
WinKey +X Opens the Advanced user menu.
Bold = New in Windows 8.
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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 first 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.
WinKey +/ Initiate input method editor (IME) reconversion.
Note 1: Typing 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 function key I use is F1 for help. Alt +F4 no longer closes all Apps.
Note 3: There is a Windows 8 Shortcuts app which you can download and install from the Store.
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Windows 8 Thumbs Keyboard
Tablet computers also have the new ‘Thumbs’ keyboard in addition to the traditional layout.
See more on Windows 8 Touch Keyboards »
Windows 8 Shell: Commands
Here are the new shell commands, just type them in Windows Explorer:
- Shell:Gadgets
- Shell:UserTiles
- Shell:Roaming Tiles
- Shell:PublicUserTiles
- Shell:AppsFolder
- Shell:HomeGroupCurrentUserFolder
- Shell:Immersive Application Shortcuts
Shell: Commands from Windows 7
Shell:AddNewProgramsFolder
Shell:Administrative Tools
Shell:AppData
Shell:AppUpdatesFolder
Shell:Cache
Shell:CD Burning
Shell:ChangeRemoveProgramsFolder
Shell:Common Administrative Tools
Shell:Common AppData
Shell:Common Desktop
Shell:Common Documents
Shell:Common Programs
Shell:Common Start Menu
Shell:Common Startup
Shell:Common Templates
Shell:CommonDownloads
Shell:CommonMusic
Shell:CommonPictures
Shell:CommonRingtones
Shell:CommonVideo
Shell:ConflictFolder
Shell:ConnectionsFolder
Shell:Contacts
Shell:ControlPanelFolder
Shell:Cookies
Shell:CredentialManager
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