March 17, 2018
Basic Keyboard Shortcuts and Run Commands- Windows

Basic Keyboard Shortcuts that are useful in daily life
Usage of mouse even for basic interface options while doing some work in the system will be irritating and annoying. It disrupts the work that is being done and results in slow pace of the work. Some basic keyboard shortcuts help to do work more faster in a most productive manner in less time.
This article provides some basic keyboard shortcuts that are helpful in daily life
Microsoft Keyboard Shortcuts
Key | Action |
---|---|
Windows | Opens or closes the start menu |
Windows + D | Switches between the Desktop and the files opened |
Windows + E | Used to open computer / Microsoft Explorer |
Windows + F | Used to search a file or a folder |
Windows + G | Used to cycle through sidebar gadgets |
Windows + L | Used to Lock computer |
Windows + M | Used to minimize all running windows |
Windows + Shift + M | Used to restore all minimized windows |
Windows + R | Used to open the run dialog box |
Windows + T | Used to cycle through programs on the task bar |
Windows + U | Used to open Ease of Access Center/Utility Manager |
Windows + X | Used to open Windows Mobility Center |
Windows + Tab | Used to cycle through programs on task bar in 3D mode. |
Windows + Break | Used to display the system properties dialog box |
Windows + U | Used to open Windows Mobility Center |
Ctrl + Windows + F | Used to search for computers in active domain directory |
Ctrl + Windows + Tab | Used to cycle through programs on task bar in 3D mode by using arrow keys |
Shift + F10 | Simulate right click on selected item |
F2 | Renames the selected icon |
Alt + Esc | Switch between the applications on the task bar |
Alt + Enter | Open the properties window of selected icon or file |
Run Command Shortcuts
Run these commands in Run Dialog Box (Windows + R)
Command | Function |
---|---|
mstsc | Prompts Remote Desktop connection window |
services.msc | Opens the services window |
shutdown | Shutdowns the system |
mmsys.cpl | Opens the sounds and audio window |
sysdm.cpl | Opens system properties |
taskmgr | Opens Task Manager | write | Opens Wordpad | winword | Opens MS-Word | excel | Opens MS-Excel | outlook | Opens MS-Outlook | powerpnt | Opens MS-Powerpoint | explorer | Opens Windows Explorer | %homedrive% | Opens your home drive |
How to create your own Shortcut Key ?
- Open the directory that contains the file or program you wish to create shortcut for.
- Right click the file or program and create a shortcut.
- Shortcut will be created in the same directory you are in. If you want you can rename the shortcut.
- Cut this shortcut and paste it anywhere you need.
- Right click the shortcut and click properties.
- Go to the shortcut tab.
- Click in the shortcut key box and type a letter to make a shortcut. For example if you click N the shortcut will be made as Ctrl+Alt+N automatically.
- Click on Apply and then OK.
- Now you can use Ctrl+Alt+N to use that file or program.