Open File Explorer
Win+E
E for Explorer.
23 shortcuts
Windows & system shortcuts
Everyday tasks, one keystroke at a time. Here are the most useful key combinations, each with a short explanation. Practise them in the AlphaType trainer afterwards.
Practise these shortcuts nowAll Windows & system shortcuts
Open Settings
Win+I
Opens Windows Settings directly.
Show or restore desktop
Win+D
D for Desktop. Press again to bring the windows back.
Open Run dialog
Win+R
R for Run: launch programs and commands from here.
Open Windows Search
Win+S
S for Search.
Open Quick Settings
Win+A
Windows 11; in Windows 10 this combination opens the Action Center.
Start voice typing
Win+H
A text input field must be active to dictate.
Open clipboard history
Win+V
Clipboard history may need to be turned on first.
Open notifications
Win+N
Windows 11: notifications and calendar.
Select projection mode
Win+P
P for Project: for example Duplicate or Extend.
Minimize all windows
Win+M
M for Minimize.
Restore minimized windows
Win+Shift+M
Add the Shift key to the minimize combination.
Cycle through taskbar apps
Win+T
T for Taskbar. Press Enter to open the selection.
Open Power User menu
Win+X
The quick-access menu at the Start button.
Open Widgets
Win+W
Windows 11; depends on the Widgets configuration.
Open emoji picker
Win+. or Win+;
A punctuation mark opens emoji and symbols.
Peek at desktop
Win+,
Hold the combination to briefly reveal the desktop.
Switch keyboard layout
Win+Space
Switches between installed input languages and layouts.
Open Quick Assist
Win+Ctrl+Q
Q for Quick Assist. The app must be installed.
Show date and time
Win+Alt+D
Opens the date and time display.
Open Task Manager
Ctrl+Shift+Esc
Three keys lead straight to the process overview.
Lock computer
Win+L
L for Lock. Practice this one only with the on-screen keyboard.
Open Windows Security
Ctrl+Alt+Del
Windows itself handles this combination.
Learning Windows & system efficiently
Start with a few combinations you use often and repeat them in context. AlphaType shows the task, lets you practise the keys and gives immediate feedback.