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.)

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