Basic PC shortcut keys
Below is a list of some of the most commonly used basic shortcut keys that work with almost all IBM compatible computers and software programs. It is highly recommended that all users keep a good reference of these shortcut keys or try to memorize them. Doing so will dramatically increase your productivity.
Tip: Besides the special character shortcuts listed here, some special characters are also located on the number keys (below the F1 – F12 keys). You can enter these special characters by pressing the Shift key and the number key that has the special character listed on it.
Shortcut Keys | Description |
---|---|
Alt + F | File menu options in current program. |
Alt + E | Edit options in current program |
Alt + Tab | Switch between open programs |
F1 | Universal Help in almost every Windows program. |
F2 | Rename a selected file |
F5 | Refresh the current program window |
Ctrl + N | Create a new, blank document in some software programs |
Ctrl + O | Open a file in current software program |
Ctrl + A | Select all text. |
Ctrl + B | Change selected text to be Bold |
Ctrl + I | Change selected text to be in Italics |
Ctrl + U | Change selected text to be Underlined |
Ctrl + F | Open find window for current document or window. |
Ctrl + S | Save current document file. |
Ctrl + X | Cut selected item. |
Shift + Del | Cut selected item. |
Ctrl + C | Copy selected item. |
Ctrl + Ins | Copy selected item |
Ctrl + V | Paste |
Shift + Ins | Paste |
Ctrl + K | Insert hyperlink for selected text |
Ctrl + P | Print the current page or document. |
Home | Goes to beginning of current line. |
Ctrl + Home | Goes to beginning of document. |
End | Goes to end of current line. |
Ctrl + End | Goes to end of document. |
Shift + Home | Highlights from current position to beginning of line. |
Shift + End | Highlights from current position to end of line. |
Ctrl + Left arrow | Moves one word to the left at a time. |
Ctrl + Right arrow | Moves one word to the right at a time. |
Ctrl + Esc | Opens the START menu |
Ctrl + Shift + Esc | Opens Windows Task Manager |
Alt + F4 | Close the currently active program |
Alt + Enter | Open the Properties for the selected item (file, folder, shortcut, etc.) |