What are Computer Shortcut Keys?
Computer shortcut keys are quick commands that authorize you to perform actions without a mouse. These combinations of keys speed up your tasks and improve productivity. Learning these keys helps users of all ages use computers efficiently, whether in school, at work, or just browsing the internet.
Shortcut Keys of Computer A to Z (Basic)
Below is a table showing fundamental shortcut keys from A to Z used worldwide.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + A | Select all |
| Ctrl + B | Bold |
| Ctrl + C | Copy |
| Ctrl + D | Bookmark or duplicate |
| Ctrl + E | Center align or search |
| Ctrl + F | Find |
| Ctrl + G | Go to |
| Ctrl + H | Replace |
| Ctrl + I | Italicize |
| Ctrl + J | Justify alignment |
| Ctrl + K | Insert link |
| Ctrl + L | Left-align text |
| Ctrl + M | Indent |
| Ctrl + N | Open new window |
| Ctrl + O | Open a file |
| Ctrl + P | |
| Ctrl + Q | Quit |
| Ctrl + R | Refresh or right align |
| Ctrl + S | Save |
| Ctrl + T | Open new tab |
| Ctrl + U | Underline |
| Ctrl + V | Paste |
| Ctrl + W | Close tab |
| Ctrl + X | Cut |
| Ctrl + Y | Redo |
| Ctrl + Z | Undo |
Computer Shortcut Keys for Windows
Windows offers several powerful shortcut keys for everyday tasks.
| Windows Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Windows + D | Show desktop |
| Windows + E | Open File Explorer |
| Windows + L | Lock the computer |
| Windows + R | Open Run dialog |
| Windows + Tab | Task view or switch apps |
Computer Shortcut Keys for PowerPoint
Using these shortcuts makes creating presentations quick and easy.
| PowerPoint Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + N | New presentation |
| Ctrl + P | |
| F5 | Start slideshow |
| Esc | Exit slideshow |
| Ctrl + M | Add new slide |
File Explorer Shortcut Keys
File Explorer helps users organize files on Windows.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + N | Open new File Explorer |
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Create new folder |
| Alt + Enter | Open file properties |
| F2 | Rename file |
Computer Shortcut Keys for Gmail
These keys make Gmail navigation faster and more efficient.
| Gmail Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| C | Compose new email |
| R | Reply to email |
| Shift + R | Reply in new window |
| F | Forward email |
Computer Shortcut Keys for YouTube
Control YouTube videos without touching the mouse.
| YouTube Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| K | Play/Pause |
| J | Rewind 10 seconds |
| L | Forward 10 seconds |
| M | Mute video |
Computer Shortcut Keys for Google Chrome
Here are some essential shortcuts to improve your browsing experience.
| Chrome Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + N | Open new window |
| Ctrl + Shift + T | Reopen closed tab |
| Ctrl + Shift + Del | Clear browsing data |
Computer Shortcut Keys for Competitive Exams
These shortcut keys are functional during online exams and learning platforms.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + F | Find information |
| Alt + Tab | Switch between open apps |
| Ctrl + P | Print screen or data |
Computer Functions Key (F1 – F12) Uses
These function keys are functional in various scenarios:
| Function Key | Action |
|---|---|
| F1 | Help |
| F2 | Rename |
| F5 | Refresh |
| F11 | Fullscreen mode |
| F12 | Open developer tools |
Computer Shortcuts Keys for Special Characters
Use these keys to type special characters quickly.
| Shortcut | Character |
|---|---|
| Alt + 0176 | ° (Degree symbol) |
| Alt + 0169 | © (Copyright symbol) |
| Alt + 0153 | â„¢ (Trademark symbol) |
Web Browsing Shortcut Keys (in most browsers)
Make your browsing faster with these functional keys.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Shift + N | Open new incognito window |
| Ctrl + D | Bookmark the page |
| Ctrl + W | Close the current tab |
System Shortcut Keys
These system-level shortcuts are handy for general use.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl + Alt + Del | Open Task Manager |
| Windows + I | Open Settings |
Multimedia Shortcut Keys
Control music and videos with these multimedia keys.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Play/Pause Key | Play or pause media |
| Volume Up/Down | Adjust volume |
| Mute Key | Mute/unmute audio |
Dialog Box Shortcut Keys
Use these keys to navigate dialog boxes quickly.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Tab | Move to the next field |
| Shift + Tab | Move to the previous field |
| Enter | Confirm selection |
Screen Capture Shortcut Keys
These shortcuts capture the screen quickly.
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| PrtScn | Capture the whole screen |
| Windows + Shift + S | Capture part of the screen |
Computer Shortcut Keys FAQs
Here are answers to some common questions:
Q: What are the most used computer shortcut keys?
A: Ctrl + C (Copy), Ctrl + V (Paste), and Ctrl + S (Save) are the most commonly used keys.
Q: How can I learn computer shortcuts easily?
A: Start by practicing a few shortcuts daily, like Ctrl + C, V, and Z, to build muscle memory.
Q: Are all shortcuts the same for Windows and Mac?
A: No, some keys differ. For example, Cmd + C on Mac works the same as Ctrl + C on Windows.