Windows 11 Keyboard Shortcuts: 2026 Complete Guide

Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts help you navigate, manage windows, launch apps, and edit files—without reaching for your mouse. Even learning a few key combinations can save you hours over time.

This guide covers essential Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts, and advanced tricks like creating custom hotkeys. These shortcuts will make you faster, more efficient, and more confident on your PC.

Part 1. What are keyboard shortcuts?

Keyboard shortcuts are key combos that do a task fast. You press two or more keys at the same time. For example, press Win + D to show the desktop right away.

These shortcuts save time in daily use. They also help you move between apps, windows, and settings quickly.

Part 2. Best Windows shortcuts to learn first

If you want the best Windows shortcuts, start with these 15 shortcuts, which cover most daily tasks. Once you memorize these, you will already notice a big speed improvement.

Part 3. Most used Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts

Beyond the top 15, these shortcuts are also very common. They help you control settings, notifications, virtual desktops, and system tools. Learn these to handle nearly everything without touching your mouse.

Part 4. More Window control shortcuts

This section goes deeper into window management. Whether you need to snap, resize, close, or move windows across monitors, these shortcuts give you full control over your screen layout.

Snap & move

• Win + Left/Right – Snap to side

• Win + Up/Down – Maximize / restore or minimize

• Win + Home – Minimize all but active window

• Win + Shift + Left/Right – Move to another monitor

Minimize, maximize, close

• Win + M – Minimize all

• Win + Shift + M – Restore minimized

• Alt + F4 – Close active window

• Ctrl + W – Close active tab

Full screen & refresh

• F11 – Full screen (browsers/apps)

• F5 – Refresh

• Ctrl + R – Refresh in browsers

Search & settings

• Win + S / Q – Search

• Win + I – Settings

• Win + R – Run box

• Win + X – Power user menu

• Win + A – Quick Settings

• Win + N – Notifications

File & editing

• Ctrl + C/X/V – Copy/Cut/Paste

• Ctrl + Z/Y – Undo/Redo

• Ctrl + A – Select all

• Ctrl + Shift + N – New folder

• F2 – Rename

• Delete – Recycle Bin

• Shift + Delete – Permanent delete

Clipboard

• Win + V – Clipboard history

• Win + . – Emoji panel

Taskbar & system

• Win + 1–9 – Open taskbar apps

• Ctrl + Shift + Esc – Task Manager

• Win + U – Accessibility

• Win + H – Voice typing

Virtual desktops

• Win + Ctrl + D – New desktop

• Win + Ctrl + Left/Right – Switch

• Win + Ctrl + F4 – Close desktop

Screenshots

• Win + PrtScn – Save screenshot

• Win + Shift + S – Snipping Tool

• PrtScn – Copy full screen

• Alt + PrtScn – Copy active window

Part 5. How to create keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11

Not every app gives you a shortcut by default. But Windows lets you create your own for almost any app, file, or folder. This is useful for launching your most-used tools instantly.

Here’s how to create keyboard shortcuts in Windows 11:

Step-by-step (mouse)

1. Right-click the app or file shortcut → Show more options → Properties

2. Go to the Shortcut tab

3. Click the Shortcut key box

4. Press your desired key combination (automatically adds Ctrl + Alt). Example: Press W → becomes Ctrl + Alt + W

5. Click OK

Important notes

• Shortcuts must start with Ctrl + Alt, Ctrl + Shift, or Ctrl + Alt + Shift (function keys also work alone, e.g., F5)

• The key combo will not work if already assigned to a system command

• Not all apps support this method (browsers and Office apps often have their own hotkey settings)

• Desktop shortcuts work best; Start menu shortcuts may not trigger reliably

To remove a custom shortcut

Open Properties again → delete the keys from the Shortcut key box → OK

Part 6. Excel function keys (F1–F12)

If you use Excel often, the function keys save a lot of time. What is F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F6, F7, F8, F9, F10, F11, F12 in Excel? Here are the basic uses in Excel:

These can change a little with your Excel version and settings, but this is the main use.

Extra Tip: XPPen Pilot Pro – One-hand control for creators

For Windows and Mac users who edit video, photos, or motion graphics, the XPPen Pilot Pro Editing Console turns common actions into one-handed controls. It features buttons, a joystick, and three rotating dials, so you can map frequent commands and stay in flow.

Pilot Pro supports 100+ customizable commands, up to 7 custom themes, and preset profiles for Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and more.

It connects via USB-C, Bluetooth, or 2.4G dongle, works with Windows 10/11 and Mac, and is built for long sessions. A great choice for faster editing and less mouse-keyboard switching.

FAQs about Windows 11 shortcut keys

Q1: Can you make keyboard shortcuts on Windows 11?

Yes. You can create shortcuts for many apps and files via the Properties > Shortcut key box. Some apps also have their own hotkey settings.

Q2: Windows 11 shortcut keys suddenly not working?

Check Fn Lock, restart Windows Explorer (Task Manager > restart it), disable Sticky/Filter Keys, check conflicting software (PowerToys, gaming apps), or run keyboard troubleshooter.

Q3: Can you make your own shortcuts in Windows 11?

Yes. Right-click an app or file > Properties > Shortcut key box > press your key combo (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + W) > OK. Note: Some apps (browsers, Office) use their own hotkey settings

Q4: I edit video/photo. Any hardware to speed up shortcuts?

Try the XP-Pen Pilot Pro Editing Console. It adds one-handed controls (buttons, joystick, 3 rotary dials) for apps like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, etc. Supports 100+ custom commands and 7 themes. It is great for reducing mouse-keyboard switching.

Conclusion

Start with a few shortcuts first. The best ones to learn are Win + D, Win + E, Win + I, Alt + Tab, and Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

If you do creative work, pair your keyboard shortcuts with a tool like XPPen Pilot Pro Editing Console to control your workflow with one hand. This combo can make your time on Windows 11 much more efficient.