From rookie to Windows 11 ninja: 17 keyboard shortcuts to master

Over time I’ve learned quite a lot of useful shortcuts for Windows. Shortcuts can save a lot of time, so I’d like to share some of them with y’all. You could call these “power shortcuts” because you’ll find yourself using them all the time.

Power shortcuts

Win + A – Opens quick settings panelWin + N – Opens notification centerWin + Ctrl + D – Create a new virtual desktopWin + Ctrl + F4 – Close the current virtual desktopWin + Ctrl + Q – Open Quick Assist (for remote help)Win + Shift + M – Restore minimized windowsWin + Spacebar – Switch input language or keyboard layoutCtrl + Shift + N – Create a new folderAlt + Enter – View file or folder propertiesShift + Delete – Permanently delete files (skip Recycle Bin)Alt + Left / Right Arrow – Go back or forward in file explorerWin + Home – Minimize all windows except the active oneWin + Ctrl + F – Open search for PCs on a networkWin + U – Open Ease of Access settingsCtrl + Shift + Escape – Open Task managerCtrl + Alt + Del – Security options screenAlt + Space + N – Minimize current window

I hope that’s got you moving around Windows a bit faster. Keep using them and they’ll become like second nature.

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