⌨️ Essential Shortcuts
Master the Windows key for instant access:
Win
(Open Start Menu)
Win + S
(Open Search)
Win + I
(Open Settings)
Win + E
(Open File Explorer)
Quickly arrange windows on your screen:
Win + Left/Right Arrow
(Snap to side)
Win + Up Arrow
(Maximize window)
Win + Down Arrow
(Minimize/Restore window)
Windows 11: Hover over maximize button to see Snap Layouts
Create separate workspaces for different tasks:
Win + Tab
(Open Task View)
Win + Ctrl + D
(Create new desktop)
Win + Ctrl + Left/Right
(Switch desktops)
Win + Ctrl + F4
(Close current desktop)
Take screenshots instantly:
Win + Shift + S
(Snip & Sketch)
PrtScn
(Full screen to clipboard)
Win + PrtScn
(Save to Pictures folder)
⚡ Productivity Boosters
Access previously copied items:
Win + V
(Open clipboard history)
- Enable: Settings → System → Clipboard → Turn on Clipboard history
- Copy multiple items
- Press Win+V to see and paste from history
- Pin frequently used items
Insert emojis and special characters anywhere:
Win + .
(Emoji panel)
Win + ;
(Alternative)
Pro tip: Includes emojis, kaomoji, and special symbols
Block notifications when you need to concentrate:
- Settings → System → Focus Assist
- Choose: Off, Priority only, or Alarms only
- Set automatic rules (during presentations, gaming, etc.)
- Quick toggle: Click notification icon → Focus Assist
Shortcut: Quick Settings (Win+A) → Focus Assist
Access all Windows settings in one place:
- Create a new folder on Desktop
- Rename it to:
GodMode.{ED7BA470-8E54-465E-825C-99712043E01C}
3. Folder icon changes - open to access 200+ settings
📁 File Explorer Tips
Navigate File Explorer like a pro:
Ctrl + N
(New window)
Alt + Up Arrow
(Go up one level)
Alt + Left/Right
(Back/Forward)
Ctrl + L
(Focus address bar)
Open Command Prompt or PowerShell in current folder:
- Type "cmd" in address bar and press Enter (Command Prompt)
- Type "powershell" in address bar and press Enter (PowerShell)
- Right-click folder → Show more options → Open in Terminal (Windows 11)
Bonus: Type "wt" for Windows Terminal
Rename multiple files at once:
- Select multiple files (Ctrl + Click)
- Press F2
- Type new name
- Files will be named: Name (1), Name (2), etc.
Pro tip: Use PowerShell for advanced renaming with patterns
See all files and their true extensions:
- File Explorer → View → Show → Hidden items
- View → Show → File name extensions
- Or: Alt → View tab → Options → View → Check/uncheck settings
Why: Essential for development and security awareness
💡 Pro Tips
Microsoft's free utilities for power users:
- FancyZones: Custom window layouts
- PowerRename: Advanced bulk file renaming
- ColorPicker: Pick colors from anywhere (Win+Shift+C)
- PowerToys Run: Quick launcher (Alt+Space)
- Image Resizer: Resize images in bulk
Download: Free from Microsoft Store or GitHub
Clean up unnecessary files automatically:
- Settings → System → Storage
- Enable Storage Sense for automatic cleanup
- Click "Temporary files" to manually delete
- Or: Win+R → cleanmgr → Select drive
Pro tip: Click "Clean up system files" for additional options
Monitor and manage system performance:
Ctrl + Shift + Esc
(Open Task Manager)
- Performance tab: Real-time CPU, RAM, disk usage
- Startup tab: Manage startup programs
- Right-click process → End task to close frozen apps
Install apps via command line:
winget search app_name
(Search for app)
winget install app_name
(Install app)
winget upgrade --all
(Update all apps)
Example: winget install Google.Chrome