Amanda Carter

~ Tuesday, April 7, 2026

Small Shortcuts, Big Time Savings


Keyboard shortcuts have a bit of an image problem. Many people assume they’re only for power users, developers, or people who like memorising complicated commands. 

In reality, most shortcuts are simple, logical, and designed to speed up everyday tasks - things you already do dozens of times a day. Even learning a handful can remove a surprising amount of friction from emails, files, and browsing. 

Below is a practical list of shortcuts that are proven to work on Windows PCs, with common office software. No setup required.

 

Everyday Essential and Browser Shortcuts

Everyday essentials:

  • Ctrl + C - Copy selected text or files
  • Ctrl + X - Cut selected text or files
  • Ctrl + V - Paste copied or cut content
  • Ctrl + Z - Undo the last action
  • Ctrl + Y - Redo the last undone action
  • Ctrl + A - Select everything in the current window
  • Ctrl + F - Find text in emails, documents, or web pages
  • Ctrl + H - Find and replace text in documents

Browser shortcuts (Chrome, Edge, Firefox):

  • Ctrl + T - Open a new browser tab
  • Ctrl + W - Close the current browser tab
  • Ctrl + Shift + T - Reopen the last closed tab
  • Ctrl + L - Jump straight to the address bar
  • Ctrl + R or F5 - Refresh the current page
  • Ctrl + Tab - Move to the next browser tab
  • Ctrl + Shift + Tab - Move to the previous browser tab
  • Ctrl + + / - - Zoom in or out on a web page
  • Ctrl + 0 - Reset browser zoom to default

Windows, Apps, File and Folder Management


Working with windows and apps 

  • Alt + Tab - Switch between open applications
  • Alt + F4 - Close the current application
  • Windows + D - Show or hide the desktop
  • Windows + E - Open File Explorer instantly
  • Windows + L - Lock your computer
  • Windows + Arrow Keys - Snap windows sidebyside or maximise them
  • Windows + Tab - View all open windows and virtual desktops 

Shape
File and folder management 

  • F2 - Rename a selected file or folder. Click a file once, press F2, and type the new name
  • Ctrl + Shift + N - Create a new folder in File Explorer
  • Alt + Enter - View properties of a file or folder
  • Delete - Send selected files to the Recycle Bin
  • Shift + Delete - Permanently delete files (no Recycle Bin)
  • Ctrl + Click - Select multiple individual files
  • Shift + Click - Select a range of files

Text, Troubleshooting and Power User Features


Writing, email and text editing 

  • Ctrl + Enter - Send an email in Outlook
  • Ctrl + Backspace - Delete a full word at a time
  • Ctrl + Arrow Keys - Move the cursor wordbyword
  • Shift + Arrow Keys - Select text without using the mouse
  • Ctrl + Shift + > / < - Increase or decrease font size in some apps 

ShapePerformance & troubleshooting 

  • Ctrl + Shift + Esc - Open Task Manager instantly
  • Ctrl + Alt + Delete - Access security options and signout controls
  • Alt + Space - Open the window menu (useful if a window is stuck offscreen)
  • Windows + Pause/Break - Open system information

ShapePower user Windows features 

  • Windows + . or Windows + ; - Open emoji, symbols and GIF panel
  • Windows + V - Open clipboard history (once enabled)
  • Windows + Shift + S - Take a screen snip and copy it instantly
  • Windows + P - Switch display or projector mode
  • Windows + R - Open the Run box for quick tools (advanced users love this)

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