The facts remains that whenever a new software or hardware is released, users finds it difficult to get accustomed with the new released at first, as they tend to work in a slightly different manner to which users were formerly used to. So also in the case of Windows 8, there are some changes in the new OS that differentiate it from previous versions of Windows.
I must confess, when I first came across Windows 8 and Windows Server 2013, it seems a little daunting at first as I had a hard time finding my way around. Where is the command prompt? How to shut down/restart the machine? Has the Start button gone missing? And many other thoughts wandered in my heart. So after some searching, I was able to find some great Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts on the internet and they really made things easier.
Below are the list of Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts to save users time and efforts. But before I list them out, I need to let you understand that if you are new to using keyboard shortcuts, all the shortcuts listed below involves holding the Windows key and tapping the appropriate letter key on your computer keyboard. Look at the image below if you don’t know the Windows Key.
These compilations of windows 8 keyboard shortcuts should be enough to using Windows 8 for users without touch screen devices.
Now, it’s your turn to share any windows 8 keyboard shortcuts you know via the comments section below.
I must confess, when I first came across Windows 8 and Windows Server 2013, it seems a little daunting at first as I had a hard time finding my way around. Where is the command prompt? How to shut down/restart the machine? Has the Start button gone missing? And many other thoughts wandered in my heart. So after some searching, I was able to find some great Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts on the internet and they really made things easier.
Usefulness of Keyboard Shortcuts
For those using Windows 8 on touch screen devices, they will find it easier to navigate the OS. But for those who use Windows 8 in normal way rather that touch screen, the OS can be a bit difficult to understand. With the knowledge of correct keyboard shortcuts, users using non touch screen devices would be able to work incredibly faster, convenient and more efficiently.Below are the list of Windows 8 keyboard shortcuts to save users time and efforts. But before I list them out, I need to let you understand that if you are new to using keyboard shortcuts, all the shortcuts listed below involves holding the Windows key and tapping the appropriate letter key on your computer keyboard. Look at the image below if you don’t know the Windows Key.
Windows 8 Keyboard Shortcuts Keys
- Win : switch between the Start screen and the last-running Windows 8 app
- Win + C : displays Charms menu, for quick access to things like Search,
- Share, and Settings.
- Win + D : switches you to Desktop mode. Once you’re in that mode, pressing
- Windows-D again toggles between minimize/restore all window
- Win + E : launch Windows Explorer (Desktop mode)
- Win + F : launch a file search
- Win + H : opens the Share pane
- Win + I : brings up the Settings charm, where you’ll find, among other things,
- the Power icon for shutting down the PC
- Win + K : brings up a list of all connected devices, like wireless peripherals
- Win + L : locks your PC
- Win + M : minimises all active Desktop applications.
- Win + Shift + M: maximises all active Desktop applications.
- Win + O : toggles device orientation lock on and off
- Win + P : switch your display to a second display or projector
- Win + Q : open the App Search pane
- Win + R : opens the Run box
- Win + U : open the Ease of Access Centre
- Win + V : cycle through toasts (notifications)
- Win + W : search your system settings (type POWER for links to all power-related options, say)
- Win + X : displays a text menu of useful Windows tools and applets
- Win + Z : displays the right-click context menu when in a full-screen app
- Win + + : launch Magnifier and zoom in
- Win + – : zoom out
- Win + , : windows + comma minimises all applications and shows the Desktop, but for only as long as you hold down the keys.
- Win + Enter : launch Narrator
- Win + PgUp : move the current screen to the left-hand monitor
- Win + PgDn : move the current screen to the right-hand monitor
- Win + PrtSc : this handy new feature instantly captures a screenshot and saves it
- (in PNG format) to a Screenshots subfolder in your Pictures folder.
- Win + Tab: switch between running apps
These compilations of windows 8 keyboard shortcuts should be enough to using Windows 8 for users without touch screen devices.
Now, it’s your turn to share any windows 8 keyboard shortcuts you know via the comments section below.