Every time I find an easier way to do something it’s a small victory. When it’s something I do all the time, like finding a shortcut to the office or a quicker way to make dinner, it’s even sweeter. There are some easy shortcuts to accomplish common tasks in windows. Shaving a couple mouse or key strokes may not seem like a big deal, but you’d be surprised how big of an impact they can make on your day to day.
I use copy, cut and paste all the time. I used to highlight the text, right-click, choose "Copy," then right-click again and choose "Paste" in a new location, but it’s a bit cumbersome. If I right-click in the wrong place, I lose what I've just highlighted and I have to start over - frustrating and way too much clicking for my taste. Now I use my keyboard to copy-paste or cut-paste. To do this, highlight the text to be copied, hold down the CTRL key, and then click "C" to copy (CTRL + C). If you want to cut, or delete-paste instead of copy-paste, you can substitute "X" for "C.” Now you can paste the text anywhere you like, including other documents. When you're at your "Paste" location, hold down CTRL again and then click "V" (CTRL + V). I like to use this functionality to email web links or post them to my Facebook page.
If you make a mistake, you can quickly "undo" it with CTRL + Z. This command automatically rescinds the last command performed.
Another shortcut I love to use is CTRL + F. It brings up a "Find" window that allows you to search entire pages for the text you type into the box. If you’ve ever done a Google search, selected a web link, and then not found the information you're looking for, CTRL + F can take you right to the information you need on the page.
Want to quickly send a document to your printer? CTRL + P will instantly bring up your printer window. If you're printing to your “default” printer, hit the ENTER key and you're done.
Navigating the web can be smooth sailing with a few handy keystrokes. The next time a website hangs up on you, seemingly forever, click F5 to refresh the page and sometimes resolve the issue. Flipping between five different shopping websites to compare prices is a snap if you use ALT + F6 to switch between windows. Try SHIFT + CTRL + N to create a new untitled folder right where you are and save your favorite websites in a flash. I always seem to close a browser window, and then want to go back to that website five seconds later. CTRL + SHIFT + T will bring back the tabs I've just closed from my browser history, so I don't have to search around for them.
The Windows Logo button (on your keyboard next to the FN key) has some handy functionality as well. I always seem to have about ten applications open at once and managing them all can be quite tedious. When I want to get to my desktop for that eleventh application, for example, Windows + M minimizes all my open windows. Once I've found what I am looking for, I bring all the open applications back with Windows + SHIFT + M. Want to get a closer look at something on your screen? Windows and the + sign allow you to zoom in, while Windows and the - sign will allow you to zoom back out. When I need to step away from my desk for a few minutes, I lock my computer by clicking Windows + L. This command will take your screen directly to your Login page, leaving all your current applications still open and running.
These are just a few of my favorite , but there are many more. Email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for tips to streamline the functions you use frequently.
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