Productivity: Windows Shortcuts for Your Everyday Use
| [](http://supermekanismo.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/winshortcuts.png) |
| [Source](http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gnome-preferences-desktop-keyboard-shortcuts.svg) |
A disadvantage to shortcuts is the need to memorize the keys. This is true in a sense but for me it's similar to organizing your shelf. Once you always have things placed in a certain area, you don't need to think about where you put something. The trick to minimizing the need to remember keyboard shortcuts is simplicity having a short list of shortcuts. Obviously, a shorter list is easier to memorize but the goal is to only use what you need. You don't need to learn everything just the things you know you'll be using everyday.
Here is some of the shortcuts I use and I've memorized.
Close Tab [Ctrl + W]
For things with tabs like browsers. For applications use [Alt + F4] You don't have to reach that tiny insignificant 'X' anymore.
Opens Windows Explorer [Windows + E]
Windows key is the one in the middle of [Ctrl] and [Alt] No need to find 'My Computer' icon. Ever.
Run [Windows + R]
Run is the small dialog asking you to enter the name of a program or folder. It is not useful on it's own but once you need to keep reopening applications or folders this becomes the most useful thing. For myself, I type 'calc' or **'notepad' **(without quotes) to open calculator or notepad. It's really useful when I need to compute or write something quickly. Additional tip, the last keyword you entered will be saved so if you need to reopen something you ran from Run just press enter the next time.
Run Anything [Windows then Partial Name of Program]
In Windows 7, Windows key opens the new start menu. As you now, once you have it open, you can type gibberish and your computer magically finds what program or file it is. Try this: Windows Key then type Word then enter. Took only a second or two to open a program your probably using a lot.
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Bold [Highlighted Word + Ctrl + B]
Ever need to emphasize something to someone? **Bold. **
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Move to Right or Left Side of Screen [Windows + Left/Right Key]
For the times you need to compare something to something. Best used for explorer, browser and MS word windows.
Switch Applications/Windows [Alt + Tab]
You probably already know this but what you might have not know is going backwards in switching in **[Alt + Tab]. **To move back press [Shift + Alt + Tab]. For a fancy-pants version [Windows + Tab].
Switch Browser Tabs [Ctrl + Tab]
Because we don't really surf the internet in one tab per window anymore. Similar to the above tip, add shift to move backwards.
Maximize a Window [Click + Click (Title Bar)]
I know it's not part of the keyboard but hey. It's pretty useful. Keyboard alternative is [Windows + Up] if that's what you want. [Windows + Down] to restore. [Windows + Down] again to minimize. Do it again until all your windows are minimized or u
Go Back in Windows Explorer [Backspace]
We make mistakes on clicking.
Here are some shortcuts I want to memorize.
Go Up One Level in Windows Explorer [Alt + Up]
Windows explorer is one of the most used applications and any help in browsing through directories is heaven sent.
Minimize All Windows [Windows + M]
For the times that I get clusterfucked.
Lock Computer [Windows + L]
Because you don't want people using your computer when you're away.
You don't have to settle with those. Why don't you create your own?
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows7/Create-keyboard-shortcuts-to-open-programs
Or create your own through AutoHotKey
http://www.autohotkey.com/