In Windows, there’s always a bunch of different ways to achieve the same outcome. One tactic to speed things up, and often take the most direct path to your goal, is to start using keyboard shortcuts. The vast majority of software programs you use will have in built shortcuts – but the most useful and powerful ones start with your operating system.
The Windows Key – Start Using It!
The windows key – present on the vast majority of keyboards – offers a whole range of useful shortcuts. It’s simple to use once you commit the keystrokes to memory. I’m going to list my top few, but you can easily use a whole lot more.
Quick Access to File Explorer
OK – so you need to open a file quickly. “Windows Key + E” is what you’re looking for. It’s the quickest way to open up the file explorer and find the file you need.
Power Up Your Clipboard
Next one to try is using your clipboard a lot more effectively. “Windows Key + V” gives you access to a history of things you’ve cut or copied. This is great if you’re doing research, copying several code snippets, trawling through recipes etc. So copy and cut as you’d normally do – but when you use this shortcut you don’t need to paste immediately all the time. This shortcut gives you access to the history of your copies.
Quick Access to Settings
This keyboard shortcut is about getting quick access to your computer’s settings to tweak and change things if you need to. Here’s where you might want to try “Windows Key + I” and it immediately brings up your settings menu.
Connect Bluetooth Devices (Quickly)
The fastest way to connect a new bluetooth device – “Windows Key + K”. This takes you straight to your connect sidebar.
Take a Super-quick Screenshot
If you need to quickly take a shot of your current desktop, “Windows Key + PrtScn” does the trick. This takes a full snapshot of your entire desktop and saves the image in a folder called “Screenshots” in your windows “Pictures” folder. Easy!
There’s More on Offer
If you’re interested in finding out more, here a Microsoft support article covering all of the short-cuts available – https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/12445/windows-keyboard-shortcuts
Let’s not forget MacOS and Linux
Obviously this article has been very Windows-centric – but there’s keyboard shortcuts for other operating systems too …
Linux Mint (our Favourite Distro) – https://community.linuxmint.com/tutorial/view/45
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